Name

Fosamax (Alendronate)

Indications for use of the drug

Fosamax is indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Fosamax increases bone mass and reduces the incidence of fractures, including hip and spine. It is also indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis, treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, treatment with glucocorticoids. The drug is used to treat osteoporosis in men and women receiving glucocorticoids in a daily dose equivalent to 7.5 mg or more, which have low bone mineral density, paget's disease (bone loss) in men and women.

Medication

Fosamax is taken by one tablet per day in the morning before eating. Fosamax should be taken with a full glass of water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before eating, drinking or other drug therapy. Do not take Fosamax with mineral water, coffee, orange juice, milk or other dairy products. The tablets should be swallowed whole without chewing. It is not recommended to go for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. It is better to take a vertical position, which will help you get the full dose and decreases heartburn or the risk of damage to the esophagus.

The Mechanism of Action

Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs that are used to strengthen bones. Our bones are in a constant state of renovation, resulting in old bone is removed by cells called osteoclasts, new bone, called osteoblasts. Alendronate inhibits the activity of osteoclasts.

Missed Dose

If you take Fosamax every day, you missed a pill, skip to the next dose the next day. Do not take two tablets at the same time. If you are taking Fosamax once a week, you missed a pill, take the missed dose the next morning after you remember about it. Do not take two pills in one day. Then you can come back to take one tablet once a week, as originally planned, to day of your choice.

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature of 15-30 degrees Celsius (59-86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Precautions

Before taking Fosamax, tell your doctor if you have problems such as narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers, or esophageal disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers or other digestive problems. You should take the drug with caution, or require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Adequate and well controlled clinical studies on the safety of alendronate during pregnancy and lactation is not carried out. If necessary, use during lactation breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Side effects

You should stop taking Fosamax if you experience any of the following side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; narrowing of the airways, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or hives). Contact your doctor immediately if you have difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, pain or burning under the ribs or back pain, heartburn. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely. Continue to take Fosamax and consult your doctor if you experience abdominal discomfort, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, headache, muscle pain, bone or joint pain or eye pain, rash.

Additional information

Your pharmacist can provide more information about the drug Fosamax.