Alendronate (By Mouth)

Alendronate (a-LEN-droe-nate)

Treats and prevents osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones). Also treats a bone disorder called Paget's disease.

Brand Name(s):

Fosamax
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to alendronate, if you have trouble swallowing, or if you have very low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia). You should not take this medicine if you are not able to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If any of this medicine stays in your esophagus, it may cause serious damage. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach when you swallow. To lower the risk of this problem, use this medicine exactly as directed below.
• Take this medicine as soon as you get out of bed in the morning, before you eat or have anything to drink. Do not take the medicine while you are still in bed, and do not take it at bedtime.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a large glass (8 ounces) of plain water only (not mineral water, coffee, juice, or any other liquid). Do not chew or suck on the tablet. If you use the oral liquid, drink at least 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of only plain water after you take the medicine.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after you take the medicine before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicines. This will help your body absorb the medicine.
• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate, and do not lie down until after you have eaten some food.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about diet and exercise. It is especially important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine in the morning, skip the missed dose and take your medicine the next morning. Follow all of the usual instructions about taking it on an empty stomach and not lying down for at least 30 minutes. If you are using the medicine only once a week, return to your regular schedule the following week.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Wait at least 30 minutes after you take alendronate before taking any calcium supplements and antacids.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin or products that contain aspirin, a steroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone), or any type of pain or arthritis medicine (such as Advil®, Aleve®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, Voltaren®).
• Do not drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. Both alcohol and smoking can make your bone problems worse.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, ulcers, heartburn, trouble swallowing, or any other kind of digestive problems.
• If you think this medicine has started to damage your esophagus, stop taking the medicine and call your doctor. Symptoms to watch for include heartburn (either new or worse than usual), pain when swallowing, pain in the center of your chest, trouble swallowing, or feeling that food gets stuck on the way to your stomach.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Unusual or severe stomach pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Mild nausea, gas, diarrhea, or constipation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.