Fosamax instructions
Patient Education Monograph Alendronate
Sodium Tablets (al-LEN-droe-nate SO-dee-uhm)
Common Brand Name Fosamax Tablet
The following product information is not intended to replace the physician's
or manufacturer's instructions.
Fosamax uses:
Fosamax is used to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (bone
weakening) in both women and men. It is also used to treat Paget's disease.
This medicine prevents or slows weakening of bone. It works by preventing
bone from being broken down by osteoclasts (cells that break down bone).
This indirectly causes an increase in bone formation--increasing the density
of bones to make them stronger.
Fosamax contraindications:
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to any ingredient of this
medicine(bisphosphonates); if you have low calcium blood levels; if you
have active stomach problems (esophagitis, gastritis, ulcers); if you
have renal insufficiency; you have a difficulty swallowing or inability
to stand/sit upright for at least 30 minutes
How to use Fosamax:
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. How much medicine
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. Fosamax
comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken once a day in the
morning on an empty stomach with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water.
Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before you eat, drink, or
take other medications. Taking this medicine mineral water, coffee, orange
juice, milk, or other dairy products can decrease its effectiveness. Do
not chew or suck on the tablet. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes
after taking this medication. Do not take at bedtime. Wait at least one-half
hour before taking any other medicine. It is important that you get enough
calcium and vitamin D while you are taking Fosamax. Do not stop taking
this medication without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medicine
than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor.
Fosamax possible
side effects:
Every medicine can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor,
side effects. Although side effects from Fosamax are not common, they
can occur. The most common side effect is stomach pain. Other less common
side effects are nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach fullness, gas, constipation,
diarrhea, muscle or bone pain, headache or altered taste. Tell your doctor
if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. If you experience
the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: allergic reaction;
difficulty or pain when swallowing; chest pain; pain or burning under
your ribs or in your back.
Fosamax precautions:
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Fosamax or any
other drugs. Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you are taking
any prescription or nonprescription medicine. Tell your doctor if you
have or have ever had: problem swallowing, such as a narrowing of your
esophagus; upper gastrointestinal disease such as ulcers, gastritis, heartburn,
chronic stomach problems, or duodenitis; kidney disease; a history of
neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high temperature with rigid muscles and
abnormal consciousness); below normal calcium levels in your blood; if
you are unable to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes. It is also important
to not smoke and to limit the amount of alcohol used as these can increase
the risk of osteoporosis. Fosamax should not be used by pregnant or nursing
women. Do not take Fosamax without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant or are breast-feeding a baby.
Fosamax Drug Interaction:
Some interactions between medications can be more severe than others.
The best way to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor what
prescription or nonprescription medications you are taking. Antacids and
other medicines taken by mouth may decrease the effects of Fosamax. Do
not take any other medicines within 30 minutes after a dose of Fosamax.
Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
(Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), indomethacin
(Indocin, Indocin SR), naproxen (Anaprox, Aleve, Naprosyn), oxaprozin
(Daypro), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others may increase
the risk of damage to your stomach if they are taken during treatment
with Fosamax. Talk to your doctor before taking anti-inflammatory medications,
pain relievers or fever reducers during treatment with Fosamax.
Overdose:
Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too
much of Fosamax.
Notes:
Contact your doctor if any throat or swallowing problems occur. Do not
change the dose or discontinue taking this medication 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.
Missed dose:
If a dose is missed, do not take it later in the day. The next day, continue
your usual schedule of 1 tablet once a day. Continue use of this medicine.
Storage:
Store Fosamax at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it
out of reach of children.
|
