Women's Health >> Fosamax

Fosamax

Active Ingredients:

• alendronate

How does Fosamax work?

Fosamax contains the active ingredient Alendronate which is inhibitor of bone resorption. Alendronate belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates are localized in zones of active bone resorption (under osteoclasts) inhibits the process of the resorption of bone tissue. The medication does not cause a direct action on the formation of new bone tissue. The medication contributes to formation of normal bone tissue. In therapeutic doses alendronate does not cause osteomalacia.

When Fosamax is prescribed?

• Treatment of osteoporosis in women in post menopause period
• Prophylaxis of osteoporosis in women in post menopause period
• Treatment and prophylaxis of osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoids in men and women
• Paget's disease
• Malignant hypercalcemia

Before taking Fosamax

You should not take Fosamax if any of these conditions apply to you:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the medication ingredients
• Esophagus diseases which slows down its evecuation
• Inability to stand or sit for more then 30 minutes
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• High calcium blood levels
• Hypersensitivity to any of the medication ingredients

Fosamax should be used with caution in the following conditions:

The medication should be used with caution in patients with:

Aggravation of upper digestive system diseases such as dysphagia, low calcium blood levels, esophagus disease, gastritis, duodenitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers. It is not recommended to indicate Fosamax for patients with decreased kidney function in creatinine clearance less than 35 ml/min.

Application during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

The medication should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How Fosamax is taken?

You should take Fosamax exactly as indicated by your physician. Do not exceed recommended dosages. Follow the directions of your prescription. The medication is taken daily or weekly. You should take the medication in the morning at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything. You must wait at least 30 minutes after taking the medication before eating or drinking anything other than water or taking any medications. Fosamax tablets should be taken only with a full glass of plain water.

You should swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright. You must not lie down until you have waited at least 30 minutes after the dose and after you have eaten something. The tablets should not be chewed, broken, or sucked on.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you take the medication once daily You should take the medication as soon as possible. If its already time to your next dose, you should skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. And then you should return to your regular return.

If you take Fosamax tablets once weekly: If you forget to take Fosamax on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. And then you should return to your regular return.

What should I do if I overdose?

Seek immediate medical attention if you have taken Allegra dosage much higher than recommended. The symptoms of overdose include: low calcium blood levels, low phosphate blood levels, stomach upset, dyspepsia, heartburn, esophagitis, gastritis, stomach and esophagus ulcers.

Which Fosamax side effect are possible while the treatment?

As with any drug, there are some side effects while may occur while taking Fosamax. However, not everyone who takes Fosamax will experience side effects. In fact, most patients taking Fosamax tolerate it well. During clinical trials there were reported the following Fosamax side effects:

• Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
• Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gas
• Headaches
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Constipation

Other possible side effects may include: severe throat pain, severe heart burnt, bone muscle, joint pain, allergic reactions

This is not a complete list of Fosamax side effects. When side effects do occur make sure to inform your health care provider.

Which other medicines can interact with Fosamax?

• NSAID's
• Osteoporosis treatment drugs
• Iron supplements
• Magnesium supplements
• Calcium supplements
• Aspirin

Make sure to inform your health care provide about prescription and over-the-counter medication, herbal supplements, and other medical preparations you are currently taking. Do not begin a new medication without letting your doctor know.

How Fosamax should be stored?

Fosamax should be stored at room temperature (18-25°C). Protect from light. Do not store in the bathroom.

Additional information

You should not share this medicine with others. Do not take Fosamax on your own initiative without your doctors approval. Keep the drug as well as any other disposable material out of the reach of children.