| Generic Name:
Alendronate
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| Drug Class:
Bisphosphonates
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| Description |
Fosamax® is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis). It belongs to a class of medications called
bisphosphonates, and they decrease the activity of cells which break down bone. Maintaining strong bones by slowing bone loss
helps to reduce the risk of fractures.
Your risk of developing osteoporosis is greater as you age, after menopause due to the lack of natural estrogen hormones, and
if you are taking corticosteroid medications (e.g., prednisone) for long periods.
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| Proper
Use |
Follow these instructions very closely to maximize the amount of drug absorbed and reduce the risk of injury to your esophagus.
Fosamax® comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may
have about this medicine.
Take Fosamax® by mouth once a day, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage or other medication.
Take it with a full glass (6-8 oz. or 180-240 ml) of plain water. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or suck on it. Then stay fully
upright (sitting, standing or walking) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after your first food of the day. Wait
at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax® before you eat or drink anything other than plain water.
Do not take Fosamax® at bedtime or before rising for the day. It may not be absorbed and you may have side effects.
Other medications, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water and food can decrease the absorption of Fosamax®.
Do not take these for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate.
Use Fosamax® regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each morning.
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| Side
Effects |
Stomach pain, constipation, gas, or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: jaw pain, an increase in muscle or bone pain,
black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Fosamax® may infrequently cause serious irritation and ulcers of the esophagus. If you notice any of the following unlikely
but very serious side effects, stop taking alendronate and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: new or worsening heartburn,
chest pain, trouble or painful swallowing.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious
allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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| Precautions |
Before taking Fosamax®, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates; or if you have
any other allergies.
Fosamax® should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or
pharmacist if you have: disorders of the esophagus (e.g., esophageal stricture or achalasia), inability to stand or sit upright for
at least 30 minutes, low calcium levels, severe kidney disease.
Before using Fosamax®, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: trouble swallowing,
stomach/intestinal disorders (e.g., ulcers).
Infrequently, serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis) have occurred in people taking similar medication. Most people were also
using other medications or had conditions which might have actually caused the jawbone problem. If you have cancer, anemia, blood
clotting disorders, infections in the mouth or other diseases of the mouth, or poor dental hygiene, see your dentist for a full
examination/treatment before you start alendronate. Make sure he/she knows your entire medical history, any cancer radiation
treatments, and also all the medications you are using, especially corticosteroids such as prednisone, cancer chemotherapy, and
alendronate. Consult your dentist for more details.
Fosamax® should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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| Drug
Interactions |
Before using Fosamax®, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you
may use, especially of: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), hormone replacement (e.g., estrogens, progestins), nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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| Overdose |
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If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the
US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
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| Missed
Dose |
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If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Resume your usual dosing schedule the following day. Do not double the dose
to catch up.
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| Storage |
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Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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| Disclaimer |
| The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug. |
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