Alendronate

Brand Name: Fosamax

Prescription: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Alendronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in women who have undergone menopause in men and women who are taking glucocorticoids (corticosteroids; a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis) and to treat Paget's disease of the bone (a condition in which the body replaces healthy bones with weak bones).

It works by preventing the breakdown of bone and by increasing the strength and structure of the bone.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to it or similar drugs (clodrinate etridronate pamidronate risedronate). Also you should not take this drug if you have low levels of calcium in the blood and if you are unable to sit or stand upright for 30 minutes. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • difficulty swallowing
  • frequent muscle cramps or spasms
  • heartburn
  • low levels of calcium in your blood
  • osteomalacia (softening of bones due to lack of vitamin D)
  • problems with your esophagus (e.g. esophagitis) or stomach ulcers
  • problems with your kidneys

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • headache
  • heartburn gas stomach pain
  • pain in bones muscles or joints

Other rare side effects include:

  • vision problems

Alendronate has been shown to cause inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) primarily as a result of taking the medication incorrectly. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these more serious side effects:

  • black tarry or bloody stools
  • bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • chest pain
  • difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
  • mouth sores or pain in the mouth (especially if you chew or suck on tablets)
  • new or worsening heartburn
  • upset stomach
  • vomiting

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely

If you are taking any other medications vitamins calcium or iron supplements or antacids by mouth take them at least 30 minutes after you take alendronate.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

How to take:

Alendronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to specific instructions. These include:

  • Take alendronate as soon as you get up in the morning before you eat or drink anything.
  • Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of ordinary water (nothing else) while you are sitting or standing up.
  • Wait at least 30 minutes after you take alendronate before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
  • Sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes before having breakfast.

Children: Not recommended.

Seniors: may take this drug as prescribed.

Pregnancy: Not recommended. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Not recommended. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: should experience no unusual problems.

Alcohol: may cause further stomach irritation.

Overdose: if you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage call your doctor or 911. Try to remain upright. Large overdoses may cause stomach problems.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Alendronate helps to prevent and treat osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly.

If you miss a dose: of once-daily alendronate do not take it later in the day. Skip the missed dose and take one dose the next morning as usual. If you miss a dose of once-weekly alendronate take one dose the morning after you remember. Then return to taking one dose once each week on your regularly scheduled day. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one and never take more than one dose in 24 hours.

Storage conditions: closed container; cool dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: Take on an empty stomach. If not taken first thing in the morning you should not eat or drink (except plain water) for at least two hours before or after taking. You should eat plenty of foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking alendronate. Your doctor may recommend a supplement.