About

Generic name: Alendronate sodium Brand names: Fosamax Fosamax is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease, in postmenopausal women. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and is prescribed for both men and women who have developed a form of osteoporosis sometimes caused by steroid medications such as prednisone. This drug can also be used to relieve Paget's disease of bone, a painful condition that weakens and deforms the bones.

How to take

Follow the directions on the prescription label. Some patients take alendronate every day. Other patients may only take a dose of alendronate once a week. If you take alendronate only once a week, take the medicine on the same day every week. Take alendronate tablets by mouth in the morning, after you have risen for the day. Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6-8 fluid ounces) of plain water first thing in the morning. Do not take the tablets with any other type of liquid except plain water. Do not take with orange juice, coffee or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not chew or suck on the tablets; this may cause mouth ulcers (sores). Do not eat or drink anything before you take your tablets and do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. If you can wait for 2 hours before eating, your body will absorb even more of the medicine. After taking this medicine, remain sitting or standing upright (do not lie down) for at least 30 minutes to avoid irritation of your throat and esophagus (tube connecting mouth to stomach). Do not take this medicine at the same time as antacids, calcium, magnesium or iron supplements, or vitamins with minerals; if you take these medications, take them later in the day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Missed dose

If you are taking Fosamax on a daily basis, do not take a missed dose later in the day, Instead, skip it and go back to your regular schedule the next morning. If you are taking Fosamax once a week, take 1 tablet or 1 bottle of oral solution the morning after you remember, then return to your original once-weekly schedule on the chosen day. Do not take 2 doses on the same day.

Warnings and precautions

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you have Paget's disease it may be some time before you see the benefit from alendronate. Do not stop taking alendronate except on your prescriber's advice. Low blood levels of phosphorus and calcium can occur but usually do not cause serious problems. Your prescriber or health care professional may order regular blood tests to check for these problems. It is very important to take alendronate with a full glass of water (6-8 ounces). Do not take with orange juice, coffee or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take alendronate with food. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer after taking alendronate before you eat, drink or take other medicines. Because alendronate may irritate your throat, remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate, do not lie down. If you begin to have pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, heartburn or stomach pain, call your prescriber or health care professional right away. You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while you are taking alendronate, unless directed otherwise by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist. If you get bone pain, or a worsening of bone pain, check with your doctor. However, many patients have improvement in their bone pain during and after treatment with alendronate. If you are taking an antacid, a mineral supplement like calcium or iron, or a vitamin with minerals, make sure that you wait at least 30 minutes, and preferably 2 hours before or after taking alendronate. Do not take them at same time. Limit your time in sunlight or other UV exposure, such as tanning beds, while taking alendronate. Alendronate may cause a rash that is worsened by exposure to the sun.

Side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Fosamax. * More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, Acid regurgitation, bone and joint pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, indi­gestion, muscle pain, nausea

Storage

Keep the container tightly closed and store at room temperature. Do not freeze the oral solution.