Learning scenario
Learning scenario
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What do you advise?
Agree that a medicine remembered, no matter when, is better than a forgotten one
INCORRECT. Dosing for bisphosphonates is very specific and they should not be taken randomly.
Encourage Margaret to allocate a specific day of the week to take her alendronate
CORRECT. Alendronate should be taken on the same day of each week that suits an individual’s routine.
Suggest she sets a reminder to take it at bedtime
INCORRECT. Bedtime dosing is not advised as the individual needs to sit or stand for half an hour after taking the drug.
Advise Margaret to assign a certain day of the week to take her alendronate and that she takes it 30 minutes before breakfast on that day
CORRECT. Alendronate should be taken on the same day of the week and on a day that suits the individual. Taking it half an hour before breakfast ensures she will have an empty stomach and is likely to be upright for a while afterwards. This reduces the risk of oesophageal irritation and maximises absorption of the medicine.