Fosamax for Bone Strength

Posted July 1, 2008 7:34 PM

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What It Is Prescribed For

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) in postmenopausal women
Treatment of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis
Treatment of Paget's disease (thickening and softening of bones due to an abnormal increase in both bone breakdown and bone rebuilding)

How Alendronate Works

Rerun image Throughout life, bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt. In the cases of osteoporosis and Paget's disease, this natural cycle is altered. This change, along with other factors, leads to a loss of bone (osteoporosis), or loss of bone at some places in the body and thickening of bone in other places (Paget's disease). Alendronate helps to improve overall bone mass by inhibiting its breakdown.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

See your doctor regularly

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, to allow for dosage adjustments and to help reduce side effects. The following information may affect your usage of alendronate, so be sure to tell your doctor:

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
If you are planning to be pregnant or breast-feeding
If you are following a special diet
If you are taking aspirin, products that contain aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Be cautious with certain medical condition

Alendronate may make some medical conditions worse. Tell your doctor if you have any medical problems, especially:

Stomach, intestinal or esophageal problems
Kidney problems
Low level of blood calcium or vitamin D deficiency

Proper Use

Take on an empty stomach

Take alendronate in the morning on an empty stomach. Take with a full glass of plain water, and wait at least 30 minutes before consuming any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages other than plain water will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body. Medicines such as antacids or calcium or vitamin supplements will also decrease absorption. Waiting at least 30 minutes allows for more of the drug to be absorbed.

Don't lie down

For 30 minutes after taking this drug, do not lie down. Staying upright will help the alendronate reach your stomach faster, and will help prevent irritation in your throat.

Follow dietary recommendations

You may be advised to increase the amount of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Both of these nutrients are important for bone health. You can get these nutrients through foods, but your doctor may also recommend a supplement.

Rerun Image

Sources of calcium include:

Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products
Calcium-fortified juices and breakfast cereals
Sardines and salmon with bones
Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and turnip greens

Vitamin D image

Sources of vitamin D include:

Fortified milk
Fish oil
Sunshine; your body can make vitamin D with the sunlight absorbed through your skin

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of alendronate, do not take it later in the day. Resume your usual schedule the next morning. Do not double up on doses.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Abdominal pain
Difficulty swallowing
Heartburn
Irritation or pain of the esophagus
Vomiting
Black or tarry stools
Skin rash or swelling (rare)

Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects occur frequently and/or become bothersome:

Constipation
Diarrhea
Full or bloated feeling
Gas
Headache
Nausea
Bone, muscle or joint pain

RESOURCES:

Food and Drug Administration
www.fda.gov

The National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases
http://www.osteo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/

College of Pharmacists of British Columbia
http://www.bcpharmacists.org/youandyourpharmacist/

Last reviewed January 2008 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Source: EBSCO

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Fosamax for Bone Strength

What It Is Prescribed For

How Alendronate Works