FOSAMAX DRUG INFO:

ALENDRONATE - ORAL (al-EN-droh-nate)

COMMON FOSAMAX BRAND NAME(S): Fosamax

What is Fosamax

Fosamax is a hormone used treat adults with Paget's disease of the bone and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

How to Use Fosamax

Follow the patient instructions provided exactly. How much you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Fosamax you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking Fosamax without checking with your health care provider. Do not take more Fosamax than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or medications without talking with your doctor. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. Patients with previous conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Fosamax. Take each Fosamax tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass of water(6 to 8 oz), at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage or medication of the day. Taking Fosamax with orange juice or coffee can decrease its effectiveness. Do not chew or suck on the Fosamax tablet.

After taking Fosamax, remain upright (sitting/standing) for 30 minutes. Do not lie down until after eating. Do not take Fosamax at bedtime. Do not take Fosamax at the same time as other medicines (including aspirin), antacids or calcium supplements.

Wait at least one-half hour before taking any other medication.

Fosamax Side Effects

Every medicine can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following occurs: Common: Abdominal pain;nausea;upset stomach;constipation;diarrhea;gas;heartburn;muscle and joint pain;headache;vomiting;bloating;difficulty swallowing.

Fosamax Contraindications

Do not take Fosamax if you are allergic to any ingredient of Fosamax  (bisphosphonates); you have low calcium blood levels ; you have active stomach problems(eg, esophagitis, gastritis, ulcers) ; you have renal insufficiency ; you have a difficulty swallowing or inability to stand/sit upright for at least 30 minutes.

Fosamax Notes

Contact your doctor if any throat or swallowing problems occur. Do not change the dose or discontinue taking Fosamax unless advised to do so by your health care provider. May cause stomach upset, nausea or diarrhea. Patients should maintain adequate nutrition, particularly an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. Supplemental calcium and vitamin D may be required. Avoid cigarette smoking and alcohol, which deplete calcium from bones. Consider weight-bearing exercises to increase to increase the calcium density of bones.

Fosamax Overdose

Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken or given too much of this Fosamax.

Fosamax Missed dose

If a Fosamax dose is missed, do not take it later in the day. The next day, continue your usual schedule of 1 Fosamax tablet once a day. Continue use of Fosamax. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the Fosamax dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one Fosamax dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Fosamax Storage

Store Fosamax at room temperature 59 to 86 degrees F, in a tightly sealed container.