 Home / Womens Health / Fosamax, alendronate |
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fosamax, alendronateBuy Fosamax to prevent and treat osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of bone. Its usual dosage is one tablet a day (the exact dosage depends on the severity of bone loss), taken orally, with plain water, thirty minutes before breakfast. If using Fosamax Weekly, the dosage is just once a week.Contraindications: Consult a doctor before taking Fosamax if you are premenopausal or breastfeeding, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, if you are taking any other medications (especially cancer treatments, corticosteroids, hormone replacement therapy, or NSAIDs), or if you have a history of low blood calcium levels, impaired kidney function, esophageal disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, blood clotting disorders, infections or disorders of the mouth, or cancer. To read more about Fosamax side effects, Fosamax dosage, and for more useful information about Fosamax (alendronate), please click the product information link below.  PRODUCT INFORMATION |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other name(s): Fosavance, Romax |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Often prescribed for osteoporosis |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
READ MORE ABOUT WOMENS HEALTH
Fosamax, alendronateChemical Namesalendronate Ingredients Active Ingredients: alendronate Non-Active Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous lactose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate. 10 mg tablets also contain carnauba wax. Indications Fosamax is indicated in the treatment of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of bone. How It Works Alendronate is a member of a class of medications called bisphosphonates which decrease the activity of cells (osteoclasts) which break down bone. This slows the rate of bone loss, maintaining bone strength in the face of osteoporosis and other bone loss illnesses. Dosage Available tablet sizes: 5 mg, 10 mg Available weekly tablet sizes: 35 mg, 70 mg The usual dosage for the treatment of osteoporosis is 10 mg daily, or 70 mg weekly. Regular tablets are to be taken daily, while Weekly tablets are to be taken once per week. For the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, 5 mg daily or 35 mg weekly will suffice. Follow these instructions very closely to maximize the amount of drug absorbed and reduce the risk of injury to your esophagus. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. Take this medication by mouth once a day, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage or other medication. Take it with a full glass (6-8 oz. or 180-240 ml) 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. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking the medication before you eat or drink anything other than plain water. Do not take this medication at bedtime or before rising for the day. It may not be absorbed and you may have side effects. Other medications, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water and food can decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take these for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. Consult a doctor before taking Fosamax if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you have a history of low blood calcium levels, impaired kidney function, esophageal disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, blood clotting disorders, infections or disorders of the mouth, or cancer. If you are scheduled to have any dental work done, tell your doctor you are taking Fosamax, as osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported. Drug Interactions Consult a doctor before taking Fosamax if you are taking corticosteroids, hormone replacements, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen. Adverse/Side Effects Common side effects include: stomach pain, constipation, gassiness, and nausea. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but more severe side effects occur: jaw pain, muscle or bone pain, black stools, or coffee ground-like vomit. This medication may infrequently cause serious irritation and ulcers of the esophagus, and symptoms of this should be watched for. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking alendronate and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, trouble or painful swallowing. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Overdose Symptoms of overdose include severe stomach pain, painful heartburn, pain in the esophagus (chest pain), muscle weakness, mental/mood changes. If you suspect overdose, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Storage Instructions Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light, and out of reach of children and pets. |
