General Information and Indications:
Alendronate is used to prevent osteoporosis (a
condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women
who have undergone menopause (change of life). Alendronate is also used to
treat osteoporosis in men and women who have developed the disease due to
natural causes or because they took corticosteroids (a type of medication
that may cause osteoporosis). Alendronate is also used to treat Paget's
disease of the bone (a condition in which the body replaces healthy bones
with weak bones). Alendronate is in a class of medications called
bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone
density (thickness) to make bones stronger and less likely to break.
Information For Users:
Alendronate comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to
take by mouth. The liquid is usually taken on an empty stomach once a week
in the morning. The tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once a day
in the morning or once a week in the morning. Follow the directions on your
prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions.
Take alendronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take
it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.
Alendronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between
the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken
according to the following instructions. Inform your doctor if you do not
understand, do not think you will remember, or are unable to follow these
instructions.
You must take alendronate immediately after you get out of bed in the
morning, and before you eat or drink anything. Never take alendronate at
bedtime or before you get up for the day.
Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water, and drink
at least a quarter of a cup (2 ounces) of plain water after drinking
alendronate liquid. Never take alendronate with tea, coffee, juice, mineral
water, or any liquid other than plain water.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, crush, or suck on them.
After you take alendronate, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications
for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down immediately after you take
alendronate. Sit or stand upright until at least 30 minutes have passed and
you have eaten your first food of the day.
Alendronate controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone, but does
not cure these conditions. Alendronate helps to prevent osteoporosis only as
long as it is taken regularly. Continue taking alendronate even if you feel
well. Do not discontinue taking alendronate without informing your doctor.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to alendronate or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antacids; aspirin and other
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve); calcium, iron, or potassium
supplements; doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin); quinidine (Quinaglute); and
tetracycline (Sumycin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o if you are taking any other medications, vitamins, or antacids by mouth,
take them at least 30 minutes after alendronate.
o Inform your doctor if you are unable to sit or stand upright for 30
minutes or to feed yourself. Also inform your doctor if you are
breast-feeding any problems with your esophagus, difficulty swallowing,
heartburn, ulcers, other stomach problems, low levels of calcium in your
blood, frequent muscle cramps or spasms, osteomalacia (softening of bones
due to lack of vitamin D), or kidney disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Also Inform
your doctor if you plan to become pregnant at any time in the future,
because alendronate may remain in your body for many years after you stop
taking it. If you become pregnant while taking alendronate, call your
doctor.
o talk to your doctor about other things you can do to prevent osteoporosis
from developing or worsening. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid
smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol and to follow a regular
program of weight-bearing exercise.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Alendronate may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o stomach pain
o constipation
o diarrhea
o gas
o bloating or fullness in the stomach
o change in ability to taste food
o pain in bones, muscles, or joints
o headache
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay. It is
very important to talk to your doctor right away after you develop these
symptoms to be sure you do not develop a serious condition:
o new or worsening heartburn
o difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
o chest pain
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o blood in the vomit (Hematemesis) or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
o black, tarry, or bloody stools
o mouth sores or pain in the mouth (especially if you chew or suck on
tablets)
o rash (may be severe and may be made worse by sunlight)
o itching
o hives (Urticaria)
o swelling of eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o hoarseness
o eye pain
o flu-like symptoms
o fever
Some laboratory animals who were given alendronate developed a certain type
of cancer. It is not known if alendronate causes this type of cancer in
humans. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking this medication.
Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o heartburn
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o blood in the vomit (Hematemesis) or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
o difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
o stomach pain
o bloody or black and tarry stool
o seizures
o muscle twitches, cramps, or spasms
Brand Name(s):
o Fosamax® |
