Question

A postmenopausal woman with osteoporosis has been taking alendronate 10 mg daily for the last 3 years. She came to the pharmacy and said she heard she could stop taking it now and go on a "drug holiday." She says that she suffers terribly for several hours after each dose. Which of the following is the BEST option?

A) Call the prescriber and ask if she can start a drug holiday since she has been on the medication for 3 years.
B) Use motivational interviewing and at the asking-providing-asking step, suggest alternative options.
C) Explain that drug holidays are not an option with this class of drugs, and she needs to decide to continue or stop.
D) Call the prescriber and tell him that she appears to be a nonresponder to alendronate and ask what to do.

Answer 1

Option A is the best choice, as it involves contacting the prescriber to inquire about a drug holiday for the patient who has been on alendronate for osteoporosis for three years and is experiencing adverse effects. Option a.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best option for a postmenopausal woman suffering from osteoporosis who has been taking alendronate 10 mg daily and is considering a "drug holiday" after three years due to adverse effects is option A: Call the prescriber and ask if she can start a drug holiday since she has been on the medication for 3 years. It is known that patients are generally not recommended to stay on bisphosphonates for more than three to four years due to the lack of evidence for continued benefit and potential for adverse side effects.

Open communication with her healthcare provider is essential for making an informed decision about altering her treatment plan. The prescriber can assess her individual case and determine if a break from medication is appropriate, as well as discuss alternative treatment options if necessary.