Biphosphonates are a class of drugs that are used to prevent the loss of bone density in cases of osteoporosis, or in cases of other bone problems where the density of bone is abnormal. Sometimes they are prescribed after an injury where there are abnormal bone fractures in the wrist, arm, spine, or hips. They are also given to patients who are at a higher risk of issues like osteoporosis or at a risk for bone loss due to taking certain medications like steroids. The most common bisphosphonates are alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid. Although these medicines can be helpful in patients with certain conditions, they do come with side effects. For example, the side effects of bisphosphonates include but are not limited to joint and muscle pain, heartburn, nausea, difficulty swallowing, irritation of the esophagus, and gastric ulcers. The medicine can also cause a serious side effect of osteonecrosis of the jaw bone.