Alendronate-induced synovitis.
We describe 7 cases of synovitis or arthritis occurring after commencement of alendronate for treatment of osteoporosis. These were cases from our practice or notified to the New Zealand Pharmacovigilance Centre, Dunedin, New Zealand. There was no evidence of rheumatoid arthritis, pyrophosphate arthropathy, or seronegative arthritis in any patient. Symptoms recurred on rechallenge in 5 of the cases. We conclude alendronate should be considered as a possible cause of synovitis or polyarthritis in patients treated with it in the absence of any other pathology.
Gwynne Jones
David P
DP
Department of Medical, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. david.gwynne-jones@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Savage
Ruth L
RL
Highton
John
J
D000368:Aged; D019386:Alendronate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001168:Arthritis / Q000139:chemically induced; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012042:Registries; D013585:Synovitis / Q000139:chemically induced*
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D019386:Alendronate