Use of bisphosphonates in bone pathology – benefits and risks

This article aims to establish, on the basis of medical literature and of the authors’ experience, whether bisphosphonates still have a role in treating skeletal diseases, with increased bone resorption. The effects of bisphosphonates on the bone tissue, as well as the diseases in which they are recommended and the benefits obtained are reviewed. Possible side effects are emphasized, both the immediate ones, which are better known and the late ones, occurring after a long-term administration. It is shown that the benefit/risk ratio remains favorable. The conclusions highlight the fact that nowadays bisphosphonates still have an important place in the treatment of skeletal diseases.