Alendronate 70 mg Weekly Solution – Oral, Fosamax

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: 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 slows bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures. Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking alendronate and each time you get a refill. Follow the instructions closely to ensure your body absorbs as much drug as possible and to reduce the risk of injury to your esophagus. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is taken once per week. Choose the day that best fits your schedule and take it on that day each week. Take this medication by mouth, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage, or other medication. Drink at least 2 ounces (60 milliliters) of plain water after taking liquid alendronate. Then stay fully upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after your first food of the day. 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, as it may not be absorbed properly and could cause side effects. 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. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of long-term use of this medication. SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: jaw pain, swelling of joints/hands/ankles/feet, increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain, new or unusual hip/thigh/groin pain, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. This medication may infrequently 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 to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 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 other bisphosphonates, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have disorders of the esophagus, trouble swallowing, trouble standing or sitting upright for at least 30 minutes, low calcium levels, kidney problems, or stomach/intestinal disorders. Bisphosphonates have been known to cause serious jawbone problems in some people. Poor dental hygiene, poorly fitting dentures, or certain dental work may increase your risk. Medical conditions such as gum disease, infection, cancer, or anemia might also increase the risk. Inform your doctor and dentist immediately if you develop jaw pain. Before having any surgery, especially dental procedures, inform your doctor and dentist about this medication and all other products you use. Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Alendronate may stay in your body for many years, and its effects on an unborn baby are unknown. Consult your doctor before starting treatment with alendronate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist to prevent any potential drug interactions. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, painful heartburn, pain in the esophagus, muscle weakness/cramps, mental/mood changes. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and eating a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. You may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Consult your doctor for specific advice. Regular medical tests should be performed to monitor your progress and check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

QUESTION

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it the next morning after you remember. Then resume taking your weekly dose on your originally scheduled day of the week. Do not take two doses on the same day. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze or store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.