Common
uses
Fosamax is a
bisphosphonate used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It may also be used to
treat Paget's disease, steroid-induced osteoporosis, and other conditions as
determined by your doctor.
Tablets
Chemical Name: ALENDRONATE (a-LEN-droe-nate)
Before
using
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR
PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you
are taking aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). Inform your doctor
of any other medical conditions or allergies. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT
RECOMMENDED if you have trouble swallowing, or low levels of calcium. Contact
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking
this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for
using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient
information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist
any questions that you may have about this medicine. In order for this medicine
to work, it is important to take it once a day, every day. TAKE THIS MEDICINE
with 6-8 ounces of PLAIN WATER ONLY the first thing in the morning, at least 30
minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medicine. This medicine
works even better if you take it 60 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking
any other medicine. This medicine is effective only if taken on an empty
stomach. DO NOT LIE DOWN for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine and
until after your first food of the day. Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins,
or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum may interfere with the
absorption of this medicine. Take these products or any other medicines at
least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room
temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU
MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular
dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
It is important to have enough
calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if
you have questions about your diet or about taking dietary supplements such as
calcium or vitamin D. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either
prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This
includes any medicines which contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. FOR
WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while
you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss
the risks to your baby.
Possible
side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away
during treatment, include stomach pain, muscle pain, headache, constipation,
stomach gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If they
continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR
IMMEDIATELY if you experience worsening severe heartburn, or pain upon
swallowing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can result
in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
If
you take too much
If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Do not
lie down. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach upset or pain, heartburn,
and pain upon swallowing.
Additional
information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE
with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other
health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING
THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply
runs out.
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