what is the half life of fosamax

Precautions

fosamax is still being rx'd and for many people still works. Many of those people dont search out this forum to say their medication is working for them. Its also true as you stated, fosmax isnt detailed (by drug reps) any more- when a drug goes generic, the push changes.

Is Fosamax still being prescribed?

In fact, some researchers say that when taken for more than 10 years, Fosamax will actually make bones more brittle and, thus, more susceptible to fracture. And, even if patients stop taking the drug, doctors say, it can stay in the body for up to 10 years before the body gets rid of 50 percent of it.

Should I keep taking Fosamax for my osteoporosis?

Yes, Fosamax is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Fosamax is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term. This section explains how to take Fosamax to treat osteoporosis in males and in females* who’ve gone through menopause.

Is it safe to take Fosamax to treat osteoporosis?

Studies and reports indicate that people using Fosamax are at a greater risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw, especially after having dental work done. The condition usually begins after something like having a tooth pulled.

Does Fosamax cause jaw problems?

How long does Fosamax remain in the body?

There are not good studies to show effectiveness beyond 10 years. There does seem to be some residual effect on bone density after stopping: Bone density remained higher and fracture risk lower, corresponding with data showing that the medication remains in the bone for years (and possibly decades) after stopping it.

How long does alendronate stay in your system after stopping it?

After a 2-h intravenous infusion, plasma concentrations of alendronate decline rapidly to approximately 5% of initial values within 6 h. About 50% of a systemic dose is excreted unchanged in the urine in the 72 h following administration.

How long do bisphosphonates stay in the body?

A bisphosphonate holiday typically lasts at least a year, but it may last indefinitely for some people if the risks of treatment outweigh the benefits. Luckily, the bone-strengthening effects of bisphosphonates appear to continue for several years after people stop taking the drugs.

What is the half-life of bisphosphonates?

With 20-80% of absorbed bisphosphonate rapidly taken up by bone and the remainder rapidly excreted in the urine, the half-life of bisphosphonates in the circulation is short (0.5-2 hours).

What happens if you drink coffee after taking Fosamax?

Food and beverages (eg, mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice) will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body. Waiting longer than 30 minutes will allow more of the drug to be absorbed. Medicines such as antacids, calcium, or vitamin supplements will also decrease the absorption of alendronate.

Do Fosamax side effects go away?

Certain side effects, such as heartburn or nausea, may go away after you've taken a few doses of Fosamax. However other side effects, such as bone pain or a low blood calcium level, may not go away after a few doses of the drug.

Is Fosamax worth the risk?

Fosamax may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers. Some studies have shown that Fosamax may be more effective than other bisphosphonates such as risedronate at increasing bone mineral density and reducing bone turnover without a higher risk of side effects.

How long does it take for Fosamax to strengthen bones?

"Over three years on Fosamax, you can expect a 6% to 8% increase in spinal bone density and a 4% to 6% increase in hip bone density," says Michael Holick, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine, physiology, and biophysics at Boston University Medical Center.

When should Fosamax be stopped?

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has issued guidance, saying that although the optimal duration isn't known, discontinuation should be considered after three to five years for patients with a low fracture risk.

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.

Where is Fosamax absorbed?

In general, bisphosphonates are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract as a result of their poor lipophilicity. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that bisphosphonates are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract via paracellular transport.

What is the most common side effect of bisphosphonate?

Side effects for all the bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid) may include bone, joint or muscle pain. Side effects of the oral tablets may include nausea, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, irritation of the esophagus (tube connecting the throat to the stomach) and gastric ulcer.

What happens when you stop taking alendronate?

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don't take it at all: If you don't take this drug, you may have a higher risk for bone breaks. If you miss doses or don't take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely.

What happens when you stop taking Alendronic acid?

Once you stop taking alendronic acid, the effects of the medicine will gradually wear off. Your bones may continue to benefit for up to 5 years afterwards. The longer you take the medicine, the longer the effects will last.

What are the long term side effects of alendronate?

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin.bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet.bone, joint, or muscle pain, severe and occasionally incapacitating.chest pain.confusion.convulsions.diarrhea.difficulty with breathing.More items...•

Can Fosamax be stopped abruptly?

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. Tell your doctor if you do weight-bearing exercises, smoke or drink excessively. Your doctor will need to take these into consideration in deciding your dose.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not take Fosamax if you are allergic to alendronate, or if you have: 1. low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or 2. proble...

How Should I Take Fosamax?

Take Fosamax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Fosamax is taken either once daily or once per week. Follow all directions on your prescription...

Fosamax 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 Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Once-daily dosing: If you forget to take Fosamax first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning and...

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 Fosamax?

Avoid taking any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. This includes vitamins, calcium, and antacids. Some medicines ca...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Fosamax?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: 1. aspirin; or 2. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflamma...

How long does Fosamax stay in your system?

But, Fosamax which is used to treat a long term problem, stays in your system indefinitely.

How long can you use Fosamax?

Some Studies are advising that using Fosamax for longer than 5 years, may actually be counterproductive, and may increase the risk of Fractures.

What is Fosamax used for?

Bisphosphonates are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis and bone loss, something that many women, and even some men experience as they get older.

How long does a 0.6% steroid stay in your system?

The 0.6% that is used by your body gets incorporated into your bone matrix and stays indefinitely. Your bone cells grow around the medication, and once covered by your bone, it is no longer active. The incorporated drug has a half life of more than 10 years.

Can you take Fosamax after a few years?

What if after a few short years, you decide Fosamax is not for you. In the unlikely event you develop stomach or esophagus problems, which can happen, you may want to consider alternative treatment. You may also be exploring other options after learning about recent studies linking Fosamax with Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) or spontaneous femur fractures. Perhaps you yourself have suffered one of these unfortunate effects of Fosamax. Deciding to discontinue use, you may be wondering how long Fosamax remains in your Body?

Is Fosamax curable?

This is a condition that can come with age, and is not curable. But, it is manageable through bisphosphonates such as Fosamax and a few lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and calcium and vitamin supplements. Once you’re prescribed Fosamax, you’re on it for the long run.

How long does Fosamax last?

It’s not known exactly how long treatment with Fosamax should last. In clinical trials, the drug was only studied in people for up to 4 years. Your doctor may have you stop taking Fosamax after 3 to 5 years. For more information on length of use and safety, see the “ Fosamax uses ” section below.

How long do side effects from Fosamax last?

It depends. Certain side effects, such as heartburn or nausea, may go away after you’ve taken a few doses of Fosamax. However other side effects, such as bone pain or a low blood calcium level, may not go away after a few doses of the drug.

How can I stop taking Fosamax?

If your doctor recommends that you stop taking Fosamax, be sure to follow their instructions for stopping. Sometimes your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Fosamax if you have side effects from the drug. Or they may recommend that you stop treatment if you’ve been taking Fosamax for a certain amount of time.

Will Fosamax cure my condition?

No, Fosamax doesn’t cure osteoporosis or Paget’s disease of bone. In fact, there’s currently no cure for either of these conditions. However, treatments such as Fosamax may help relieve symptoms and keep these conditions from getting worse.

Does Fosamax cause cancer?

It’s not known if Fosamax increases your risk of cancer. Cancer wasn’ t reported as a side effect in clinical trials of Fosamax. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been reviewing clinical studies to see if there’s a link between medications such as Fosamax and cancer of the esophagus. (The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.)

Can I use the supplement strontium instead of Fosamax?

While strontium may sometimes be used as an alternative to Fosamax, there’s very little evidence in the United States that strontium is safe and effective for osteoporosis treatment. This is because very few clinical trials have been done to determine if strontium can be used for osteoporosis.

Can I use Fosamax if I’m taking thyroid medication?

Yes, if your doctor recommends, you can take Fosamax while you’re taking thyroid medication. There aren’t any known interactions between Fosamax and thyroid medications, such as Synthroid ( levothyroxine ). This means that Fosamax doesn’t affect how thyroid medications work in your body, and vice versa.

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.

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 should I take Fosamax?

Take Fosamax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Fosamax is taken either once daily or once per week. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

How long after taking Fosamax can you sit?

Do not take Fosamax if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.

How long after taking Fosamax can you take other medications?

Avoid taking any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. This includes vitamins, calcium, and antacids. Some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb alendronate.

What happens if you are allergic to Fosamax?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Fosamax: hives; wheezing, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What are the side effects of Fosamax?

trouble swallowing; problems with your stomach or digestion; low levels of calcium in your blood; a dental problem (you may need a dental exam before you begin taking Fosamax); kidney disease; or. any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

When did Fosamax expire?

Approved in the US on September 29th 1995, Fosamax has made billions of dollars to pharmaceutical giant Merck. Its patent expired in February 2008, and since then, generic alendronate sodium is widely available and still used by millions of women and men all over the world.

What is the generic for Fosamax?

In the Osteoporosis Reversal ProgramI dedicate an entire chapter to the discussion of all the osteoporosis drugs, including Fosamax and its generic formula alendronate sodium. This is a popular bisphosphonate drug widely prescribed by doctors and advertised on TV and other media outlets.

What was the first bisphosphonate?

The first mass-marketed bisphosphonate was alendronate sodium, branded as Fosamax and promising to cure osteoporosis, a brand new bone disease as defined by the World Health Organization in the early 90's. Approved in the US on September 29th 1995, Fosamax has made billions of dollars to pharmaceutical giant Merck.

Can bisphosphonates cause hair loss?

First of all, congratulations on winning the fight against breast cancer! Second of all, research has shown that hair loss can result from bisphosphonates like Fosamax. You can read more about that here:

Who discovered bisphosphonates?

Fleisch was a Swiss pioneer researcher on metabolic bone diseases whose work led to the discovery of bisphoshponates as osteoporosis drugs. He writes that: “Bisphosphonates were used in industry, mainly as corrosion inhibitors or as complexing agents in the textile, fertilizer, and oil industries.

Does fosamax thicken hair?

I started to use fosamax a year ago and noticed my hair was thinning. My doctor increased my folic acid and my hair is starting to thicken up.

What is Alendronate (Fosamax®)?

Alendronate is commonly known by the brand name Fosamax®. Fosamax® is a bisphosphonate and is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Fosamax® decreases the rate bone cells are absorbed. This reduced absorption allows the body to increase bone density, which in turn reduces the risk of fracture.

How many mg of a pill is needed for osteoporosis?

The usual dosage for osteoporosis treatment is 70 mg once weekly, or 10 mg once daily. You doctor will tell you how many pills to take and how often. Follow your doctor’s directions.

How long does Fosamax stay in your system?

And, even if patients stop taking the drug, doctors say, it can stay in the body for up to 10 years before the body gets rid of 50 percent of it.

What is Fosamax made of?

Merck is now facing more than 4,000 femur-fracture lawsuits. Fosamax is made out of a chemical called “bisphosphonate,” a class of drugs that are used mainly as corrosion inhibitors or as complexing agents in the textile, fertilizer, and oil industries.

Is Fosamax still on the market?

Today, I am permanently disabled and struggle to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Fosamax is still on the market and dispensed like candy.

Is Fosamax good for femur fractures?

Fosamax, F***ing People One Bone At A Time. Fosamax is prescribed to people with osteoporosis, the bone-thinning disorder that leaves patients vulnerable to life-threatening fractures. Ironically, aside from jaw bone decay, the drug has been linked to atypical femur fractures.