FOSAMAX
Chemical Name: ALENDRONATE.
Alendronate sodium is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis, commonly known as brittle-bone disease, in
post-menopausal women and to treat Paget's disease of the bone, both diseases which weaken bones. Alendronate sodium
is effective in decreasing bone loss but does require you to understand exactly how to take this medication.
You may have also been prescribed Vitamin D y and/or exercises both which should be followed as prescribed in order
to get the greatest benefit.
GENERIC FOSAMAX functions the same way as Fosamax, but at
a lower cost. To learn more about generic Fosamax, please follow
the information we have provided below.
How Does Alendronate Sodium Work?
Alendronate sodium works by:
• Reducing the activity of the cells that cause bone loss
• Decreasing the faster rate of bone loss that occurs after menopause
• Increasing the amount of bone in most patients
These effects are seen as soon as three months after therapy with
generic Fosamax has begun. These effects continue
as long as you keep taking alendronate sodium. The density of bone is maintained or increased and the bone is less
likely to fracture. Thus, generic Fosamax prevents or reverses the progression of osteoporosis.
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How to use Generic Fosamax
These are the important things you must do to help make sure you will
benefit from alendronate sodium:
1. After getting up for the day, swallow your generic Fosamax tablet with a full glass (6-8 oz) of plain
water only.
- Not mineral water
- Not coffee or tea
- Not juice
2. After swallowing your generic Fosamax tablet do not lie down, stay fully upright (sitting or standing) for at
least 30 minutes and until after your first food of the day. Do not chew or suck on a tablet of
generic Fosamax. This will help the alendronate sodium tablet reach your stomach quickly and help avoid
irritation of your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach).
3. After swallowing your generic Fosamax tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before taking your first food,
beverage, or other medication of the day, including antacids, calcium supplements and vitamins.
Alendronate sodium is effective only if taken when your stomach is empty.
4. Do not take generic Fosamax at bedtime or before getting up for the day.
5. If you have difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn, stop
taking generic Fosamax and call your doctor.
6. Take generic Fosamax once a day, every day.
7. It is important that you continue taking generic Fosamax for as long as your doctor prescribes it.
Alendronate sodium can treat your osteoporosis or help you from getting osteoporosis only if you continue to take it.
8. If you miss a dose do not take it later in the day. Continue your usual schedule of 1 tablet once a day the next
morning.
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Who Should Not Take Generic Fosamax?
Patients with:
• Certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach)
• Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
• Low levels of calcium in their blood
• Severe kidney disease
• Allergy to alendronate sodium
• Patients who are pregnant or nursing. Alendronate sodium is for use by women after menopause.
If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not be taking generic Fosamax. Talk to your doctor.
• What Other Medical Problems Should I Discuss With My Doctor?
Talk to your doctor about any:
• Problems with swallowing
• Stomach or digestive problems
• Other medical problems you have or have had in the past.
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Generic Fosamax Side Effects
Some patients may develop severe digestive reactions
including irritation, inflammation or ulceration (occasionally with bleeding) of the esophagus
(the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach). These reactions can cause chest pain, heartburn
or difficulty or pain upon swallowing. This may occur especially if patients do not drink a full glass
of water with alendronate sodium and/or if they lie down in less than 30 minutes and before their first
food of the day. Esophageal reactions may worsen if patients continue to take generic Fosamax after
developing symptoms suggesting irritation of the esophagus.
Like all prescription drugs, generic Fosamax may cause side effects. Side effects usually have been mild.
They generally have not caused patients to stop taking generic Fosamax. Some patients treated with
alendronate sodium experienced abdominal (stomach) pain. This is the most commonly reported side effect.
Less frequently reported side effects are:
Nausea, heartburn, irritation or pain of the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach),
vomiting, difficulty swallowing, a full or bloated feeling in the stomach, constipation, diarrhea and gas.
Rarely stomach or other peptic ulcers (some severe) have occurred.
Bone, muscle or joint pain, headache, or an altered sense of taste were also experienced by some patients.
Rarely, a rash has occurred. Allergic reactions such as hives or rarely swelling of the face, lips,
tongue and/or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing have also been reported.
Mouth ulcers have occurred when the tablet was chewed or dissolved in the mouth.
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