Fosamax

Alendronate Sodium Drug Information

• Fosamax Overview

  Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases as you age, after menopause, or if you are taking corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) for a long time. Fosamax works by slowing bone loss. This effect helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.

• How to Use Fosamax

  Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking alendronate and each time you get a refill. Follow the instructions very closely to make sure your body absorbs as much drug as possible and to reduce the risk of injury to your esophagus. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Fosamax is usually taken once per week unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule and take it on that day each week. Take Fosamax by mouth, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage, or other medication. Take it with a full glass (6-8 ounces or 180-240 milliliters) 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. Alendronate works only if taken on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking the medication 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. Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water, calcium-enriched juices, and food can decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take these for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking alendronate. Take Fosamax regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of long-term use of Fosamax.

• Fosamax Precautions

  Before taking alendronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates; or if you have any other allergies. Fosamax may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Fosamax, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,disorders of the esophagus (such as esophageal stricture or achalasia), trouble swallowing, trouble standing or sitting upright for at least 30 minutes, low calcium levels, kidney problems, stomach/intestinal disorders (such as ulcers). Some people taking alendronate may have serious jawbone problems. Your doctor should check your mouth before you start Fosamax. Tell your dentist that you are taking Fosamax before you have any dental work done. To help prevent jawbone problems, have regular dental exams and learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have jaw pain, tell your doctor and dentist right away. Before having any surgery (especially dental procedures), tell your doctor and dentist about Fosamax and all other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor or dentist may tell you to stop taking alendronate before your surgery. Follow all instructions about stopping or starting Fosamax. Fosamax is not recommended for use in children. Studies have shown that many children who took Fosamax had severe side effects such as vomiting, fever, and flu-like symptoms. Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. Alendronate may stay in your body for many years. Its effects on an unborn baby are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment with alendronate. It is unknown if Fosamax passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Fosamax Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Fosamax, take it the next morning after you remember. Then go back to your weekly dosing schedule on your usual day of the week. Do not take two doses on the same day.

• Fosamax Interactions

  See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) that could cause stomach irritation/ulcers. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

• Fosamax Side Effects

  What are Fosamax side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Fosamax may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Fosamax as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Fosamax

  The side effects of Fosamax may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Fosamax. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Fosamax may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Fosamax, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Fosamax.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Fosamax, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Fosamax and the side effects associated with Fosamax are described in the following:

  Common Fosamax Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • dyspepsia
  • constipation
  • acute abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • musculoskeletal pain

  Less Frequent Fosamax Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • abdominal distension
  • flatulence
  • headache disorder
  • vomiting
  • dysphagia

  Rare or Very Rare Fosamax Side Effects

  Severe

  • uveitis
  • scleritis
  • aseptic necrosis of jaw bone
  • esophagitis
  • esophageal ulcer
  • stricture of esophagus
  • esophageal perforation
  • gastric ulcer
  • duodenal ulcer
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction
  • atypical femoral fracture
  • hypocalcemia
  • hypophosphatemia
  • angioedema
  • urticaria
  • asthma exacerbation
  • cholesteatoma of external ear
  • aseptic necrosis of bone in orofacial region

  Less Severe

  • alopecia
  • black tarry stools
  • skin photosensitivity
  • pruritus of skin
  • arthralgias
  • myalgias
  • bone pain
  • dizziness
  • flu-like symptoms
  • malaise
  • skin rash
  • peripheral edema
  • vertigo
  • gastritis

• Fosamax Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Fosamax when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.