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What is alendronate
 Alendronate
is a compound that alters the cycle of bone formation and
breakdown in your body. alendronate increases new bone formation.
Fosamax
is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis and to treat Paget's
disease. Fosamax is also used to treat osteoporosis that is
caused by treatment with a corticosteroid.
Fosamax
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Fosamax
Some forms of alendronate are taken once a day. Others
are taken only once a week. It is very important that you
follow your doctor's directions. If you take alendronate
once a week, take it on the same day each week.
After
swallowing the tablet, do not lie down, remain fully upright
sitting, standing or walking, for at least 30 minutes and
until after you have eaten.
Do not crush, chew, or
suck the tablets. Swallow them whole.
Do not take
alendronate at bedtime or before getting up for the day.
Who should not take Fosamax
Before taking Fosamax, tell your doctor if you
-
have a problem swallowing, such as a narrowing of your esophagus;
- have esophageal ulcers or an esophageal disease;
- have a condition that causes low levels of calcium
in your body;
- have kidney disease;
- have
stomach ulcers or other stomach or digestive problems; or
- are unable to stand or sit upright for at least
30 minutes.
You may not be able to take Fosamax,
or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during
treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Fosamax is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This
means that it is not known whether Fosamax will harm an
unborn baby. Do not take Fosamax without first talking to
your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known
whether Fosamax passes into breast milk. Do not take Fosamax
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should take Fosamax Take Fosamax exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Some forms
of alendronate are taken once a day. Others are taken only
once a week. It is very important that you follow your doctor's
directions. If you take alendronate once a week, take it
on the same day each week.
Take Fosamax first thing
in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat any food
or drink any liquid (other than plain water). This timing
is very important for getting the maximum amount of medication
from each dose. Foods and beverages greatly decrease the
effect of Fosamax.
Take each dose with a full glass
(6 to 8 ounces) of tap water or bottled water. Taking each
dose with a full glass of water will ensure proper swallowing
of the tablet and reduce the risk of mouth or throat irritation.
Do not take this medication with mineral water, juice, or
any other beverage.
After swallowing the tablet,
do not lie down, remain fully upright sitting, standing
or walking, for at least 30 minutes and until after you
have eaten.
Do not crush, chew, or suck the tablets.
Swallow them whole.
Do not take Fosamax at bedtime
or before getting up for the day.
If you have difficulty
or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening
heartburn, stop taking Fosamax and call your doctor.
It is important that you continue taking Fosamax for as
long as your doctor prescribes it. Fosamax can treat or
prevent osteoporosis only if you continue to take it.
Store Fosamax at room temperature away from moisture and
heat.
If you miss a dose: If you take alendronate every day and you miss a
dose, skip that dose and take your next regularly scheduled
dose the following day. Missing one dose will not affect
your treatment. Do not take two tablets at the same time.
If you take alendronate once a week and you miss
a dose, take the missed dose on the morning after you remember.
Do not take two tablets on the same day. Return to taking
one tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on your
chosen day.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
The symptoms
of an Fosamax overdose are unknown, but the following symptoms
might be expected: nausea, heartburn, pain in your abdomen,
other stomach-related symptoms, muscle cramps, uncontrollable
facial grimacing, seizures, irritability, and abnormal behavior.
Avoid while taking Fosamax Follow you doctor's recommendations about drinking
alcohol and smoking. These activities are related to decreased
bone density.
Possible side effects of Fosamax Stop taking Fosamax and seek emergency medical attention
or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any
of the following serious side effects:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
difficulty or pain when swallowing;
- chest pain;
- pain or burning under your ribs or in your back;
or
- new or worsening heartburn.
Other, less
serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take Fosamax and talk to your doctor if you experience
- abdominal discomfort;
- stomach upset, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
- headache;
- muscle, bone, or joint soreness or aches;
-
eye pain;
- a rash; or
- an altered sense
of taste.
Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect
that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Fosamax Antacids and other medicines taken by mouth may decrease
the effects of Fosamax. Do not take any other medicines
within 30 minutes after a dose of Fosamax. Talk to your
doctor before taking any other medicines during treatment
with Fosamax.
Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin,
others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), indomethacin
(Indocin, Indocin SR), naproxen (Anaprox, Aleve, Naprosyn),
oxaprozin (Daypro), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene),
and others may increase the risk of damage to your stomach
if they are taken during treatment with Fosamax. Talk to
your doctor before taking anti-inflammatory medications,
pain relievers or fever reducers during treatment with Fosamax.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Fosamax.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
