A 72-year-old woman comes to the physician for difficulty swallowing and a burning sensation in her throat for the past 4 weeks. She has increased her fluid consumption to help with swallowing when eating. She reports having used new medication for osteoprosis. She uses a daily low-dose inhaled corticosteroid and an albuterol inhaler as needed for allergic asthma. She is 170 cm (5 ft 6 in) tall and weighs 75 kg (165 lbs); her BMI is 26 kg/m2. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination shows no abnormalitie. It is determined that the patient's current symptoms are caused by one of her medications, which is discontinued. Her symptoms subsequently resolve. The medication responsible for this patient's presentation is also associated with which of the following side effects?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Medication-induced esophagitis is a common adverse effect of bisphosphonates.  Bisphosphonates are also associated with increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fractures.

A 72-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Physician for Difficulty Swallowing