Fosamax oral solution
What is alendronate oral solution?
ALENDRONATE (Fosamax®) reduces calcium loss from bones. It helps prevent bone loss and increases production of normal healthy bone in patients with osteoporosis. It may also be used for other conditions which place someone at risk for bone loss, including after menopause in females or from the long-term use of corticosteroids (like prednisone) in men or women. Generic alendronate oral solution is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take alendronate?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
dental disease
kidney disease
low level of blood calcium
stomach, intestinal, or esophageal problems, like acid-reflux or GERD
problems swallowing
vitamin D deficiency
an unusual or allergic reaction to alendronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Follow the directions on the prescription label. Alendronate oral solution is taken once a week. Make sure you take the medicine on the same day every week. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure the oral solution. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate.
Take alendronate oral solution by mouth in the morning, after you have risen for the day. Swallow the oral solution with 2 fluid ounces (1/4 cup) of plain water first thing in the morning. Do not take the solution with any other type of liquid except plain water. Do not take with orange juice, coffee, or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not eat or drink anything before you take your solution and do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. If you can wait for 2 hours before eating, your body will absorb even more of the medicine. After taking this medicine, remain sitting or standing upright (do not lie down or bend over) for at least 30 minutes. This will help to avoid irritation of your throat and esophagus (tube connecting mouth to stomach). Do not take this medicine at the same time as antacids, calcium, magnesium or iron supplements, or vitamins with minerals; if you take these medications, take them later in the day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a your weekly dose of alendronate, take the dose on the morning after you remember. Then return to taking your dose just once a week, as originally scheduled on your regular chosen day of the week. Never take 2 doses of the oral solution on the same day. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with alendronate?
aluminum hydroxide
antacids
anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and others
aspirin
calcium supplements
iron supplements
magnesium supplements
parathyroid hormone
teriparatide
vitamins with minerals
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects might I notice from taking alendronate?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
More common
stomach pain
heartburn
pain or difficulty swallowing
Rare or uncommon:
black or tarry stools
constant jaw pain, especially burning or cramping
eye inflammation, pain or change in vision
skin rash, itching (hives)
swelling of the lips, arms, legs, face, tongue, or throat
vomiting
allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea or constipation
headache
stomach gas or fullness
nausea
changes in taste
bone, muscle or joint pain
rash, which may be made worse by prolonged exposure to sunlight
What should I watch for while taking alendronate?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking alendronate except on your prescriber’s advice. Low blood levels of phosphorus and calcium can occur but usually do not cause serious problems. Your prescriber or health care professional may order regular blood tests to check for these problems.
It is very important to take alendronate with 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of plain water. Do not take with orange juice, coffee, or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take alendronate with food. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer after taking alendronate before you eat, drink or take other medicines.
Because alendronate may irritate your throat, remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. Do not lie down. Do not bend over while you are sitting, standing, or walking.
If you begin to have pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, heartburn or stomach pain, call your prescriber or health care professional right away.
You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while you are taking alendronate, unless directed otherwise by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist.
If you get bone pain, or a worsening of bone pain, check with your doctor. However, many patients have improvement in their bone pain during and after treatment with alendronate.
If you are taking an antacid, a mineral supplement like calcium or iron, or a vitamin with minerals, wait to take them at least 30 minutes, and preferably 2 hours after you take alendronate. Do not take them at same time.
Limit your time in sunlight or other UV exposure, such as tanning beds, while taking alendronate. Alendronate may cause a rash that is worsened by exposure to the sun.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 - 30 degrees C (59 - 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 9/16/2005 2:20:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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