What is Fosamax (Alendronate)?

Alendronate is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Alendronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures.
Alendronate is used in men and women to treat or prevent osteoporosis that is caused by menopause or by taking steroids. Alendronate is also used to increase bone mass in men who have osteoporosis, and to treat Paget’s disease of bone in men and women.
Alendronate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Fosamax (Alendronate)?

Do not take an alendronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
Take the alendronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
Take each dose with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice) when taking an alendronate tablet.
For at least the first 30 minutes after taking an alendronate tablet, do not lie down or recline; do not eat or drink anything other than plain water; and do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids.
Some people using medicines similar to alendronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums. You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre-existing dental problem.
If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using alendronate. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Alendronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Fosamax (Alendronate)?

trouble swallowing
a vitamin D deficiency
a dental problem
kidney disease; or
an ulcer or other problem in your stomach or esophagus

Some people using medicines similar to alendronate have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.
You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and dental surgery or pre-existing dental problems.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether alendronate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether alendronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Fosamax Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Fosamax (Alendronate)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using alendronate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

chest pain
difficulty or pain when swallowing
pain or burning under the ribs or in the back
severe heartburn, burning pain in your upper stomach, or coughing up blood
new or worsening heartburn
fever, body aches, flu symptoms
severe joint, bone, or muscle pain
new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip
jaw pain, numbness, or swelling

Less serious side effects may include:

mild heartburn, bloating
mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
diarrhea, gas, or constipation
mild joint pain or swelling
swelling in your hands or feet; or
dizziness, eye pain, headache

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fosamax Interactions

What other drugs affect Fosamax (Alendronate)?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as:

celecoxib (Celebrex)
diclofenac (Voltaren)
diflunisal (Dolobid)
ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
indomethacin (Indocin)
ketoprofen (Orudis)
ketorolac (Toradol)
naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); or
piroxicam (Feldene), and others

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with alendronate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Fosamax (Alendronate)?

Avoid taking any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking an alendronate tablet. Some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb alendronate.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you take an alendronate tablet.

Fosamax Dosage

How should I take Fosamax (Alendronate)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Alendronate tablets are taken either once each day or once each week.
Take the alendronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. If you take an alendronate tablet only once a week, take it on the same day each week and always first thing in the morning.
Take each alendronate tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking an alendronate tablet.
Do not crush, chew, or suck the alendronate tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
After taking an alendronate tablet, carefully follow these instructions:

Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate
Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water
Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. It may be best to take your other medicines at a different time of the day. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your bone mineral density will need to be tested on a regular basis. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using alendronate. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Alendronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Fosamax (Alendronate)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Drink a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center or emergency room right away. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in your face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or behavior.

What happens if I miss a dose of Fosamax (Alendronate)?

If you take alendronate tablets once daily: If you forget to take this medicine first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.
If you take alendronate tablets once a week: If you forget to take alendronate on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular weekly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Alendronate Fosamax

Fosamax (Alendronate)