IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the
medication is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using
Fosamax.
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 with Fosamax
exactly. How much Fosamax 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.
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