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Brand name:

Fosamax

Pronounced: FAH-suh-max
Generic name: Alendronate sodium

Why is this drug prescribed?

Fosamax is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease, in postmenopausal women. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and is prescribed for both men and women who have developed a form of osteoporosis sometimes caused by steroid medications such as prednisone. This drug can also be used to relieve Paget's disease of bone, a painful condition that weakens and deforms the bones.

Most important fact about this drug

For Fosamax to be effective, you must take the tablets without food or other medications, exactly as directed.

How should you use this medication?

Fosamax is effective only when each tablet is taken with a full glass of plain water first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or other medication. If you can wait longer before eating or drinking, the medication will be absorbed better. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax and avoid chewing or sucking on the tablet; it can cause mouth sores.

You should take calcium and vitamin D supplements if you don't get enough in your diet. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Weight-bearing exercise can also strengthen bones.

--If you miss a dose...

If you are taking Fosamax on a daily basis, do not take a missed dose later in the day, Instead, skip it and go back to your regular schedule the next morning.

If you are taking Fosamax once a week, take 1 tablet the morning after you remember, then return to your original once-weekly schedule on the chosen day. Do not take 2 tablets on the same day.

--Storage instructions...

Keep the container tightly closed and store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Fosamax.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, bone and joint pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, muscle pain, nausea

• Less common side effects may include:
  Abdominal distention, acid backup, difficulty in swallowing, esophageal ulcers, gas, headache, stomach ulcers, vomiting

• Rare side effects may include:
  Changes in taste, esophageal blockage or perforation, eye pain, hives, inflammation of the stomach, mouth sores, muscle cramps, rash, skin redness, swollen face and throat

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

You should not take Fosamax if the calcium level in your blood is low. Avoid Fosamax if it causes an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about this medication

Fosamax is not recommended for women on hormone replacement therapy, or for women with kidney problems.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing or have any digestive disease. Fosamax may cause problems in your esophagus such as inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, and in rare cases, blockage or perforation.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Combining aspirin with a Fosamax dose of more than 10 milligrams per day will increase the likelihood of stomach upset.

Calcium supplements such as Caltrate, antacids such as Riopan, and some other oral medications will interfere with the absorption of Fosamax, so wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before you take anything else.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Fosamax during pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Fosamax appears in breast milk. The drug is not recommended for nursing mothers.

Recommended dosage

POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS

The usual dose is one 10-milligram tablet once a day or one 70-milligram tablet once a week. Treatment continues for years.

PREVENTION OF POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS

The usual dose is one 5-milligram tablet once a day or one 35-milligram tablet once a week.

OSTEOPOROSIS IN MEN

The usual dose is one 10-milligram tablet once a day or one 70-milligram tablet once a week.

STEROID-INDUCED OSTEOPOROSIS

The usual dose is one 5-milligram tablet once a day, except for postmenopausal women not taking estrogen, who should take one 10-milligram tablet once daily.

PAGET'S DISEASE

The usual dose is 40 milligrams once a day for 6 months.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Fosamax overdose may include:
  Heartburn, inflammation of the esophagus or stomach, ulcer, upset stomach