Bisphosphonate:A class of drugs used to strengthenbone. Bisphosphonates are used to treat osteoporosis and the bone pain from diseases such as metastatic breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and Paget's disease. Bone isina constant state of remodeling, whereby new bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts, while old bone is removed by cells called osteoclasts. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone removal (resorption) by the osteoclasts. The bisphosphonates includeFosamax(alendronate),Actonel(risedronate),Boniva(ibandronate), andReclast(zoledronate).
