bisphosphonate
noun
bis·phos·pho·nate ˌbis-ˈfäs-fə-ˌnāt 
: any of a group of drugs that slow the breakdown of bone by osteoclasts
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Advanced cases of osteoporosis require more potent pharmacologic therapy in addition to vitamin D and calcium, such as a bisphosphonate drug. 
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 4 Aug. 2022 The estimate is that for a person taking an oral bisphosphonate for five years, about 1 in 20,000 people will develop ONJ. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 16 June 2022 But who should use drugs called bisphosphonates is debatable. Marilynn Marchione, The Seattle Times, 1 Oct. 2018 Starting in 2008, Merck provided the FDA with periodic safety updates on studies linking long-term use of bisphosphonate (the major compound in Fosamax) with atypical femoral fractures and sought to revise its label. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 6 Jan. 2019 Two rare problems are tied to bisphosphonates — deterioration of the jawbone and unusual leg fractures. Marilynn Marchione, The Seattle Times, 1 Oct. 2018 Unfortunately, bisphosphonates also have the possibility of the very rare side effects of atypical fractures and jaw osteonecrosis. Farah Naz Khan, Vox, 30 July 2018 Moreover, patients who take them are usually switched over to bisphosphonates after 18 to 24 months to maintain bone density. Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2018 Some work by a different mechanism than the bisphosphonates and have a different profile of side effects. Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2018 See More
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 4 Aug. 2022 The estimate is that for a person taking an oral bisphosphonate for five years, about 1 in 20,000 people will develop ONJ. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 16 June 2022 But who should use drugs called bisphosphonates is debatable. Marilynn Marchione, The Seattle Times, 1 Oct. 2018 Starting in 2008, Merck provided the FDA with periodic safety updates on studies linking long-term use of bisphosphonate (the major compound in Fosamax) with atypical femoral fractures and sought to revise its label. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 6 Jan. 2019 Two rare problems are tied to bisphosphonates — deterioration of the jawbone and unusual leg fractures. Marilynn Marchione, The Seattle Times, 1 Oct. 2018 Unfortunately, bisphosphonates also have the possibility of the very rare side effects of atypical fractures and jaw osteonecrosis. Farah Naz Khan, Vox, 30 July 2018 Moreover, patients who take them are usually switched over to bisphosphonates after 18 to 24 months to maintain bone density. Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2018 Some work by a different mechanism than the bisphosphonates and have a different profile of side effects. Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2018 See More Word History
Etymology
bis + phosphonic acid (an acid obtained from phosphine) + -ate entry 1
First Known Use
1961, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
bisphosphonate
noun
bis·phos·pho·nate
ˌbis-ˈfäs-fə-ˌnāt
: any of a group of drugs (such as alendronate or etidronate) that slow the breakdown of bone by osteoclasts
… among the pharmacological approaches for treating osteoporosis, use of bisphosphonates increases bone mineral density and reduces the risk of vertebral fractures. Charles Marwick, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Charles Marwick, The Journal of the American Medical Associationcalled also diphosphonate
Note: Bisphonates are analogs of pyrophosphate and contain two phosphate groups attached to a central carbon atom that replaces the oxygen atom in pyrophosphate.