Drug Name

Fosamax (Alendronate)

Drug Uses

Fosamax is indicated for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. For the treatment of osteoporosis, fosamax increases bone mass and reduces the incidence of fractures, including those of the hip and spine. It is also indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis, treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, treatment of glucocorticoid. It is used to treat induced osteoporosis in men and women, receiving glucocorticoids in a daily dosage, equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone, and who have low bone mineral density, treatment of Paget's disease of bone in men and women.

How Taken

Fosamax comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach. Fosamax should be taken with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before you eat, drink, or take other medications. Do not take Fosamax with mineral water, coffee, orange juice, milk, or other dairy products. Do not suck or chew the tablet; swallow the tablet whole. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. Standing or sitting upright helps you get the full dose and decreases heartburn or the risk of injury to your esophagus.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Alendronate is in a class of medications, used to strengthen bone. Bone is in a constant state of remodeling, whereby old bone is removed by cells, called osteoclasts, and new bone is laid down by cells, called osteoblasts. Alendronate inhibits bone removal by the osteoclasts.

Missed Dose

If you take Fosamax every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and take the 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 a Fosamax 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.

Storage

Store in a well-closed container at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking fosamax, tell your doctor if you have a problem swallowing, such as a narrowing of the esophagus; have esophageal ulcers or an esophageal disease; have a condition that causes low levels of calcium in the 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 dosage adjustment 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 be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Fosamax without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is 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.

Possible Side Effects

Stop taking fosamax if you experience any of the following serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Seek emergency or talk to your doctor if you have a difficulty or pain when swallowing; chest pain; pain or burning under the ribs or in the 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.

More Information

Stop taking alendronate 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 the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); difficulty or pain when swallowing; chest pain; pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; or new or worsening heartburn. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take alendronate 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. 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.