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Uses
Fosamax/Alendronate is used to prevent and treat postmenopausal
osteoporosis (bone weakening) or Paget's disease. Fosamax/Alendronate
prevents or slows weakening of bone.
How to Take This
Medication
Fosamax/Alendronate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Fosamax/Alendronate
should be taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach.
Fosamax/Alendronate should be taken with a full glass (6-8
ounces) of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking
alendronate before you eat, drink, or take other medications. Do
not take Fosamax/alendronate with mineral water, coffee, orange
juice, milk, or other dairy products. Do not suck or chew the
Fosamax/Alendronate tablet; swallow the Fosamax tablet whole. Do
not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax/alendronate.
Standing or sitting upright helps you get the full dose and
decreases heartburn or the risk of injury to your esophagus.
Follow the Fosamax directions on your Fosamax prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part
you do not understand. Take Fosamax/alendronate exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of Fosamax or take Fosamax
more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking
Fosamax/alendronate without talking to your doctor.
Side Effects
SIDE-EFFECTS FOSAMAX are not common, they can occur. Tell your
doctor if any of these Fosamax symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
* gas with Fosamax/alendronate
* bloating with Fosamax/alendronate
* constipation with Fosamax/alendronate
* diarrhea with Fosamax/alendronate
* stomach irritation or upset stomach with Fosamax/alendronate
* acid regurgitation (reflux) with Fosamax/alendronate
* stomach pain with Fosamax/alendronate
* headache with Fosamax/alendronate
* muscle or bone pain with Fosamax/alendronate
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your
doctor immediately:
* difficulty swallowing with Fosamax/alendronate
* pain during swallowing with Fosamax/alendronate
* chest pain with Fosamax/alendronate
* new or worsening heartburn with Fosamax/alendronate
* vomiting blood with Fosamax/alendronate
* Overdose with Fosamax/alendronate
Symptoms of Fosamax overdose may include:
* upset stomach
* heartburn
* bloody vomit
* vomiting material that looks like coffee ground
* stomach pain
Precautions
Before taking
Fosamax/alendronate,
* Tell your doctor and Fosamax pharmacist if you are allergic to
Fosamax/alendronate or any other drugs.
*
Tell your
doctor and Fosamax pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids,
aspirin products, calcium products, and vitamins.
*
Tell your
doctor if you have or have ever had abnormalities of your
esophagus; upper gastrointestinal tract such as ulcers,
gastritis, heartburn, chronic stomach problems, or duodenitis; a
history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high temperature with
rigid muscles and abnormal consciousness); or below normal
calcium levels in your blood.
* Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Fosamax/alendronate,
tell your doctor
if you are
having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or
dentist that you are taking Fosamax/alendronate.
Do not drink
alcoholic beverages while you are taking Fosamax.
.
Drug Interaction
It is
important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you
are taking Fosamax/alendronate. Your doctor may prescribe
supplements if your dietary intake is not sufficient. Remember
that Fosamax/alendronate should be taken with at least 6-8
ounces of water. Food, drinks, and other drugs (including
vitamins, calcium, and vitamin D) should not be taken for at
least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax/alendronate.
Missed Dosage
Take the
missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up
for a missed one.
Storage
Keep this
medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from
excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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