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Brand Name: Fosamax®
Generic Name: Alendronate
(a len' droe nate)
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Why is fosamax prescribed?
Fosamax (Alendronate) is used to prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (change of life). Fosamax is also used to treat osteoporosis in men and women who have developed the disease due to natural causes or because they took corticosteroids (a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis). Fosamax is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone (a condition in which the body replaces healthy bones with weak bones). Fosamax is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness) to make bones stronger and less likely to break.
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How should fosamax be used properly?
Alendronate (Fosamax) comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. The liquid is usually taken on an empty stomach once a week in the morning. The tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once a day in the morning or once a week in the morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take alendronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Alendronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to the following instructions. Tell your doctor if you do not understand, do not think you will remember, or are unable to follow these instructions.
You must take alendronate immediately after you get out of bed in the morning, and before you eat or drink anything. Never take alendronate at bedtime or before you get up for the day.
Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water, and drink at least a quarter of a cup (2 ounces) of plain water after drinking alendronate liquid. Never take alendronate with tea, coffee, juice, mineral water, or any liquid other than plain water.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, crush, or suck on them.
After you take alendronate, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down immediately after you take alendronate. Sit or stand upright until at least 30 minutes have passed and you have eaten your first food of the day.
Alendronate controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone, but does not cure these conditions. Alendronate helps to prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take alendronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking alendronate without talking to your doctor.
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What are the common uses for fosamax?
Fosamax may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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What special precautions should I follow when using fosamax?
Before taking alendronate,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to alendronate or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antacids; aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve); calcium, iron, or potassium supplements; doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin); quinidine (Quinaglute); and tetracycline (Sumycin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- if you are taking any other medications, vitamins, or antacids by mouth, take them at least 30 minutes after alendronate.
- tell your doctor if you are unable to sit or stand upright for 30 minutes or to feed yourself. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any problems with your esophagus, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, ulcers, other stomach problems, low levels of calcium in your blood, frequent muscle cramps or spasms, osteomalacia (softening of bones due to lack of vitamin D), or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant at any time in the future, because alendronate may remain in your body for many years after you stop taking it. If you become pregnant while taking alendronate, call your doctor.
- talk to your doctor about other things you can do to prevent osteoporosis from developing or worsening. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol and to follow a regular program of weight-bearing exercise.
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What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking fosamax?
You should eat plenty of foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking fosamax. Your doctor will tell you which foods are good sources of these nutrients and how many servings you need each day. If you find it difficult to eat enough of these foods, tell your doctor. In that case, your doctor can prescribe or recommend a supplement.
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What should I do if I forget a dose of fosamax?
If you miss a dose of once-daily fosamax, 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 1 day.
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What side effects can fosamax cause?
Alendronate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stomach pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- gas
- bloating or fullness in the stomach
- change in ability to taste food
- pain in bones, muscles, or joints
- headache
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately. It is very important to talk to your doctor right away after you develop these symptoms to be sure you do not develop a serious condition:
- mouth sores or pain in the mouth (especially if you chew or suck on tablets)
- rash (may be severe and may be made worse by sunlight)
- bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- swelling of eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- black, tarry, or bloody stools
- new or worsening heartburn
- flu-like symptoms
- upset stomach
- hoarseness
- chest pain
- eye pain
- vomiting
- itching
- hives
- fever
Some laboratory animals who were given alendronate developed a certain type of cancer. It is not known if alendronate causes this type of cancer in humans. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking this medication.
Alendronate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
» topWhat storage conditions are needed for fosamax?
Always keep the fosamax in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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What do I do in case of emergency or a fosamax overdose?
In case of an accutane overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- muscle twitches, cramps, or spasms
- bloody or black and tarry stool
- upset stomach
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- seizures
- vomiting
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What other information should I know about fosamax?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to alendronate.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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