Canadian pharmacy buying guide: drug characteristics, uses and benefits, side effects and interactions, and links for further information about buying discount drugs online from Canada.

Fosamax Consumer Information

FOSAMAX

Generic Name: alendronate (a LEN droe nate)

Brand Names: Fosamax

What is the most important information I should know about alendronate?

• Some forms of alendronate are taken once a day. Others are taken only once a week. It is very important that you follow your doctor's directions. If you take alendronate once a week, take it on the same day each week.
• After swallowing the tablet or oral solution, do not lie down, remain fully upright sitting, standing or walking, for at least 30 minutes and until after you have eaten.
• Do not take alendronate at bedtime or before getting up for the day.
• Do not crush, chew, or suck the tablets. Swallow them whole.

What is alendronate?

• Alendronate is a compound that alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Alendronate increases new bone formation.
• Alendronate is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis and to treat Paget's disease. Alendronate is also used to treat osteoporosis that is caused by treatment with a corticosteroid.
• Alendronate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alendronate?

• Before taking alendronate, tell your doctor if you
• have a problem swallowing, such as a narrowing of the esophagus;
• have esophageal ulcers or an esophageal disease;
• have a condition that causes low levels of calcium in the body;
• have kidney disease;
• have stomach ulcers or other stomach or digestive problems; or
• are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
• You may not be able to take alendronate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Alendronate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether alendronate will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take alendronate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether alendronate passes into breast milk. Do not take alendronate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take alendronate?

• Take alendronate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Some forms of alendronate are taken once a day. Others are taken only once a week. It is very important that you follow your doctor's directions. If you take alendronate once a week, take it on the same day each week.
• Take alendronate first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat any food or drink any liquid (other than plain water). This timing is very important for getting the maximum amount of medication from each dose. Foods and beverages greatly decrease the effect of alendronate.
• To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the alendronate oral suspension with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• Take each tabet dose with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of tap water or bottled water. Follow each dose of oral solution with at least 2 ounces (one quarter cup) of water. Taking each dose with a full glass of water will ensure proper swallowing of the medication and reduce the risk of mouth or throat irritation. Do not take this medication with mineral water, juice, or any other beverage.
• Do not crush, chew, or suck the tablets. Swallow them whole.
• After swallowing the tablet or oral solution, do not lie down. Remain fully upright sitting, standing or walking, for at least 30 minutes and until after you have eaten.
• Do not take alendronate at bedtime or before getting up for the day.
• If you have difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn, stop taking alendronate and call your doctor.
• It is important that you continue taking alendronate for as long as your doctor prescribes it. Alendronate can treat or prevent osteoporosis only if you continue to take it.
• Store alendronate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• If you take alendronate every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose the following day. Missing one dose will not affect your treatment. Do not take two tablets at the same time.
• If you take alendronate once a week and you miss a dose, take the missed dose on the morning after you remember. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Return to taking one tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on your chosen day.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• The symptoms of an alendronate overdose are unknown, but the following symptoms might be expected: nausea, heartburn, pain in the abdomen, other stomach-related symptoms, muscle cramps, uncontrollable facial grimacing, seizures, irritability, and abnormal behavior.

What should I avoid while taking alendronate?

• Follow you doctor's recommendations about drinking alcohol and smoking. These activities are related to decreased bone density.

What are the possible side effects of alendronate?

• Stop taking alendronate and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• difficulty or pain when swallowing;
• chest pain;
• pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; or
• new or worsening heartburn.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take alendronate and talk to your doctor if you experience
• abdominal discomfort;
• stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
• headache;
• muscle, bone, or joint soreness or aches;
• eye pain;
• a rash; or
• an altered sense of taste.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect alendronate?

• Antacids and other medicines taken by mouth may decrease the effects of alendronate. Do not take any other medicines within 30 minutes after a dose of alendronate. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medicines during treatment with alendronate.
• Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), 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 alendronate. Talk to your doctor before taking anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers or fever reducers during treatment with alendronate.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with alendronate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about alendronate written for health professionals that you may read.
• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations of This Canadian Pharmacy Information

Efforts have been made to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. This is an educational resource only intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. This site does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 5.01. Revision date: 11/13/03.