Precautions
unusual weight gain or loss; vomiting; Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of alendronate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Does alendronate tablets make you gain weight?
The cost for alendronate oral tablet 70 mg is around $18 for a supply of 4 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. This alendronate price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies. Oral Solution
How much does alendronate cost?
What Conditions does ALENDRONATE SODIUM Treat?
- post-menopausal osteoporosis prevention
- osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid drugs
- glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis prevention
- Paget's disease of bone
- decreased bone mass following menopause
- osteoporosis in male patient
What does alendronate treat?
Typical dosing for alendronate (Fosamax)
- Treatment of osteoporosis (men and women): Take 10 mg by mouth once a day. OR Take 70 mg by mouth once a week.
- Prevention of osteoporosis in post menopausal women: Take 5 mg by mouth once a day. ...
- Treatment of osteoporosis caused by steroids: Take 5 mg or 10 mg by mouth once a day.
- Paget's disease: Take 40 mg by mouth once a day for 6 months.
How to take alendronate sodium 70 mg?
What class is bisphosphonates?
Key Points within the Medication Class o Bisphosphonates have good quality evidence supporting their use for reducing the risk of vertebral, non-vertebral, and hip fractures.
What drugs should not be taken with alendronate?
Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water, calcium-enriched juices, and food can decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take these for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking alendronate.
What are the dangers of taking alendronate?
This medicine could lower the amount of calcium in your blood. Call your doctor right away if you develop any signs of low calcium levels, such as muscle spasms or twitching, or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or lips. This medicine may increase your risk of developing fractures of the thigh bone.
Which drugs belong to the bisphosphonate class of drug?
Bisphosponates such as risedronate (Actonel), alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), zoledronic acid (Reclast), and pamidronate (Aredia) are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis—or, bone thinning—which occurs when the bones lose calcium and other minerals that help keep them strong and compact.
What foods destroy bone density?
What foods destroy bone density?Excess salt.Hydrogenated oil.Alcohol.Food rich in vitamin A.Soft drinks.
What is the safest drug for osteoporosis?
Risedronate – Risedronate (brand names: Actonel, Atelvia) reduces the risk of both vertebral and hip fractures. Risedronate is approved for both prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It can be taken once per day, once per week, or once per month....GRAPHICS.T-scoreBone density–2.5 or lessOsteoporosis5 more rows•Feb 4, 2021
What are the long term side effects of alendronate?
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:Ulcers or erosions of your esophagus. Symptoms can include: ... Bone death of your jaw. Symptoms can include: ... Unusual bone breaks in your hip and leg bones. ... Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in your blood). ... Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.
What is normal bone density for a 70 year old woman?
For postmenopausal women and men age 50 years and older, the T-score is the number that is used for diagnostic classification, as follows: A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal bone density. Examples are 0.9, 0 and -0.9. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 means you have low bone mass or osteopenia.
How long should you stay on alendronate?
Answer From Ann Kearns, M.D., Ph. D. Bisphosphonates, the most common type of osteoporosis medications, are typically taken for at least 3 to 5 years. After that, your doctor will consider your risk factors in determining whether you should continue to take these or other osteoporosis medications.
What is a rare but serious adverse effect of alendronate therapy?
Rare but serious ocular complications can occur with alendronate treatment. Of these, most of the clinically significant reactions reported to CARM and internationally are ocular inflammation such as conjunctivitis, uveitis, episcleritis and scleritis.
Who should avoid bisphosphonates?
Avoid oral bisphosphonates in patients with esophageal disorders such as achalasia, esophageal stricture, esophageal varices, Barrett's esophagus, inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, history of bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass).
Are bisphosphonates worth the risk?
Medication can also reduce the risk of breaking bones. Bisphosphonates are typically used for this purpose....What is your risk of a bone fracture?Number of additional risk factorsNumber of women who will break a bone within the next 10 years07 out of 100321 out of 100539 out of 100Oct 18, 2018
What medicine should not be taken with Fosamax?
For example, Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and anaprox may increase stomach irritation. And calcium supplements and antacids can prevent Fosamax absorption and make the drug less effective.
Can you take vitamin D with alendronate?
It will also help prevent irritation to your esophagus. It is important that you eat a well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products). However, do not take any foods, beverages, or calcium supplements within 30 minutes or longer after taking this medicine.
What medications does Fosamax interact with?
Most frequently checked interactionsalbuterol.aspirin.Calcium 600 D (calcium / vitamin d)folic acid.gabapentin.Lasix (furosemide)levothyroxine.Lipitor (atorvastatin)More items...
When is the best time to take alendronate?
Take the medicine on an empty stomach. It should be taken as soon as you get out of bed in the morning and at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages (eg, mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice) will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not take alendronate if you are allergic to it, or if you have: 1. low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or 2. problems wi...
How Should I Take Alendronate?
Alendronate is taken either once daily or once per week. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or s...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Once-daily dosing: If you forget to take alendronate first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Drink a full glass of milk and seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Do not make yourself vomit and do n...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Alendronate?
Avoid taking any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. This includes vitamins, calcium, and antacids. Some medicines ca...
Alendronate Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women; To Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis:-10 mg orally o...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Alendronate?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: 1. aspirin; or 2. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflamma...
Uses of Alendronate Tablets
1. It is used to put off or treat soft, brittle bones (osteoporosis). 2. It is used to treat Paget's disease. 3. It may be given to you for other r...
What Do I Need to Tell My Doctor Before I Take Alendronate Tablets?
1. If you have an allergy to alendronate or any other part of this medicine (alendronate tablets). 2. If you are allergic to any drugs like this on...
What Are Some Things I Need to Know Or Do While I Take Alendronate Tablets?
1. Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (alendronate tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and d...
How Is This Medicine (Alendronate Tablets) Best Taken?
Use this medicine (alendronate tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. 1. Take on a...
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need to Call My Doctor About Right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor o...
What Are Some Other Side Effects of Alendronate Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help i...
How Do I Store and/or Throw Out Alendronate Tablets?
1. Store at room temperature. 2. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. 3. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the rea...
Why is alendronate prescribed?
Why is this medication prescribed? Alendronate is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (''change of life,'' end of menstrual periods) and to treat osteoporosis in men.
How to take alendronate?
Alendronate comes as a tablet, an effervescent tablet, and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. The solution is usually taken on an empty stomach once a week in the morning. The 5-mg and 10-mg tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once a day in the morning, and the 35-mg and 70-mg tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once a week in the morning. The 40-mg tablets are usually taken once a day in the morning for six months to treat Paget's disease of bone. The effervescent tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once weekly in the morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take alendronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What to tell your doctor before taking Alendronate?
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
How long after taking Alendronate can you eat?
After you take alendronate, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications (including vitamins or antacids) for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you take alendronate. Sit upright or stand upright until at least 30 minutes have passed and you have eaten your first food of the day.
Can you take Alendronate with water?
Never take alendronate tablets with tea, coffee, juice, milk, mineral water, sparkling water, or any liquid other than plain water. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew or crush them. Do not suck on the tablets.
Does alendronate cause sores?
Alendronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to the following instructions. Tell your doctor if you do not understand, you do not think you will remember, or you are unable to follow these instructions:
Does alendronate help with osteoporosis?
Alendronate helps to treat and prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take alendronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking alendronate without talking to your doctor, but talk to your doctor from time to time about whether you still need to take alendronate.
How is this medicine (Alendronate Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (alendronate tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
How to take alendronate?
Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about. Have a dental exam before starting this medicine (alendronate tablets). Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist often. Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol. If you smoke, talk with your doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Alendronate Tablets?
If you have an allergy to alendronate or any other part of this medicine (alendronate tablets).
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Alendronate Tablets?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (alendronate tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Can alendronate cause bleeding?
Very bad swallowing tube (esophagus) problems like irritation, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding have happened with this medicine (alendronate tablets). Talk with the doctor.
Can you stand up for 30 minutes with alendronate?
If you have any of these health problems: A swallowing tube (esophagus) that is not normal, low calcium levels, kidney disease, or trouble swallowing. If you are not able to stand or sit up for 30 minutes. This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (alendronate tablets).
Can children take alendronate?
This medicine is not approved for use in children. However, the doctor may decide the benefits of taking this medicine (alendronate tablets) outweigh the risks. If your child has been given this medicine (alendronate tablets), ask the doctor for information about the benefits and risks.
What is Alendronate used for?
Alendronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. With this condition, your bones become thin and weak, and break easily. This drug is also used to treat Paget’s disease. With this condition, your bones are soft and weak, and may be deformed or painful, or may break easily.
How long after taking alendronate can you take antacids?
Calcium supplements, magnesium, iron, and antacids. These drugs may reduce how much alendronate your body absorbs. You should wait at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate before taking any other oral medications.
Can Alendronate interact with other medications?
Alendronate oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking . An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
Does Alendronate make you drowsy?
Alendronate oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness but it can cause other side effects.
Can Alendronate cause muscle pain?
Muscle and bone pain: This drug may cause severe bone, joint, and muscle pain. If you have these symptoms, stop taking alendronate and call your doctor right away.
Is Alendronate a generic drug?
Alendronate oral tablet is available as both a generic drug and as brand-name drugs. Brand names: Fosamax and Binosto.
Can you take alendronate with food?
Don’t take this drug with food. Food can reduce how much alendronate you absorb. Take it with a full glass of plain water.
What is alendronate used for?
Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss ( osteoporosis) in adults. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases as you age, after menopause, or if you are taking corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) for a long time.This medication works by slowing bone loss. This effect helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones ( fractures ). Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.
How to report alendronate side effects?
You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Before taking alendronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates;
How long does it take for alendronate to work?
Alendronate works only if taken on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking the medication before you eat or drink anything other than plain water. Do not take this medication at bedtime or before rising for the day. It may not be absorbed and you may have side effects.
How long after taking alendronate can you take calcium?
Do not take these for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking alendronate.
Can Alendronate cause heartburn?
This medication may rarely cause serious irritation and ulcers of the esophagus. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking alendronate and talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away: new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, pain or difficulty when swallowing. A very serious allergic reaction ...
Can you take alendronate while pregnant?
This drug is not recommended for use in children. Studies have shown that many children who took this drug had severe side effects such as vomiting, fever, and flu -like symptoms. Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. Alendronate may stay in your body for many years.
What is alendronate used for?
Alendronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) in women after menopause . Alendronate may also be used to increase bone mass in men who have osteoporosis, and in men and women to prevent and treat osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicine).
How long before you take alendronate?
Take the medicine on an empty stomach. It should be taken as soon as you get out of bed in the morning and at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages (eg, mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice) will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body.
What to do if you miss a dose of Alendronate?
If you miss a dose of alendronate, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. For patients taking the medicine each day: If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine in the morning, skip the missed dose and take your medicine the next morning.
How long after taking alendronate can you take calcium supplements?
However, do not take any foods, beverages, or calcium supplements within 30 minutes or longer after taking the alendronate. To do so may keep alendronate from working properly.
How long to wait to drink alendronate?
Wait at least 5 minutes after the effervescence stops and then stir the solution for 10 seconds and drink it.
Can children take alendronate?
Use of alendronate is not indicated in children.
Can you have allergies to alendronate?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alendronate or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
What is alendronate used for?
Alendronate is used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. Alendronate may also be used to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone. Alendronate may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers.
How does alendronate work?
Alendronate works by inhibiting osteoclasts which are responsible for breaking down and reabsorbing bone (by a process known as bone resorption).
How long does alendronate last?
The optimal duration of therapy with alendronate has not been established. Periodically re-evaluate the need for therapy. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered by doctors after 3 to 5 years in patients at low risk of fracture.
How long does it take for alendronate to cause pain?
Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain, necessitating discontinuation of alendronate in some people, has been reported, occurring from one day to several months after starting the drug. Rarely may cause other side effects including uveitis (eye inflammation).
How long to wait to drink alendronate?
Dissolve alendronate effervescent tablets in 4oz of room temperature tap water. Wait 5 minutes after effervescence stops before stirring for 10 seconds then drinking . You may need to take supplementary calcium or vitamin D if your dietary intake is inadequate. Your doctor will advise you about this.
How long should you stay upright after taking Alendronate?
Take exactly as directed. Alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water and the person taking alendronate should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
What medications interact with Alendronate?
oral steroids, such as dexamethasone, prednisone, and methylprednisone. sirolimus and tacrolimus. zinc salts. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with alendronate.
What is alendronate used for?
Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss ( osteoporosis) in adults. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases as you age, after menopause, or if you are taking corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) for a long time.This medication works by slowing bone loss. This effect helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones ( fractures ). Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.
How to report side effects of alendronate?
You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. Before taking alendronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates;
How long does it take for alendronate to work?
Alendronate works only if taken on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking the medication before you eat or drink anything other than plain water. Do not take this medication at bedtime or before rising for the day. It may not be absorbed and you may have side effects.
Can you take alendronate while pregnant?
This drug is not recommended for use in children. Studies have shown that many children who took this drug had severe side effects such as vomiting, fever, and flu -like symptoms. Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. Alendronate may stay in your body for many years.
Can Alendronate cause heartburn?
This medication may rarely cause serious irritation and ulcers of the esophagus. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking alendronate and talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away: new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, pain or difficulty when swallowing. A very serious allergic reaction ...
Can you stop taking Alendronate before surgery?
Before having any surgery (especially dental procedures), tell your doctor and dentist about this medication and all other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor or dentist may tell you to stop taking alendronate before your surgery.
What is Fosamax?
Fosamax (alendronate) is a bisphosphonate (bis FOS fo nayt) medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures.
How long does Fosamax last?
Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine. Fosamax is often given for only 3 to 5 years. Detailed Fosamax dosage information.
Medical uses
Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults.
May Treat: Paget's disease of bone · Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis · Osteoporosis in male patient · Post-menopausal osteoporosis · Postmenopausal osteoporosis and more
Brand Names: Fosamax · Binosto
Drug Class: Bone Resorption Inhibitors - Bisphosphonates
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
- Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
- Take at least 30 minutes before breakfast/beverage
- Call Dr if heartburn, or swallowing/stomach pain
- Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
- Take at least 30 minutes before breakfast/beverage
- Call Dr if heartburn, or swallowing/stomach pain
- Tell dentist you are on this medication.
- May need calcium & vit D supplements
- Ask doctor
- For solution, oral products : Avoid lying down for 30 minutes after taking. Follow taking this drug with 2 ounces of water.
- For tablet products : Do not use more or less often than doctor said. Take once daily unless otherwise instructed. Take once weekly unless otherwise directed. Swallow whole with water. Do not lie down for 30min. Wait 30 minutes before taking other medicines.
Results
Diet
Risks
Prevention
- Alendronate is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (''change of life,'' end of menstrual periods) and to treat osteoporosis in men. Alendronate is also used to treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking corticosteroids (a type of ...
Diagnosis
- Alendronate controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone but does not cure these conditions. It may take 3 months or longer before your bone density begins to increase. Alendronate helps to treat and prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take alendronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking alendronate without talking to your d…
Preparation
- You should eat and drink plenty of foods and drinks that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking alendronate. Your doctor will tell you which foods and drinks are good sources of these nutrients and how many servings you need each day. If you find it difficult to eat enough of these foods, tell your doctor. In that case, your doctor can prescribe or recommend a supplement.