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Hepatotoxicity induced by alendronate therapy.
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. burcucorek@hotmail.com
Summary
Alendronate therapy for osteoporosis can rarely cause liver damage (hepatotoxicity). Discontinuing the medication led to the patient's liver enzymes returning to normal levels, indicating a potential drug-induced effect.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Osteoporosis management often involves bisphosphonates like alendronate.
- Long-term bisphosphonate use is common for bone density preservation.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old postmenopausal woman developed liver enzyme elevation after two months of weekly alendronate 70 mg.
- No alternative causes for the observed hepatotoxicity were identified.
Findings:
- Alendronate therapy was associated with drug-induced liver injury in this patient.
- Cessation of alendronate resulted in a gradual normalization of hepatic enzyme levels.
Implications:
- Hepatotoxicity is a rare but documented adverse effect of alendronate.
- Clinicians should consider alendronate-induced liver injury in patients presenting with unexplained hepatotoxicity.
- Monitoring liver function may be warranted in select patients undergoing alendronate treatment.
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