What is Generic Fosamax (Alendronate)?
Is a bisphosphonate that acts as a specific inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate that bind to the hydroxyapatite found in bone.
What is Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) used for?
It is is used to reduce hypercalcemia in tumor-induced bone disease, to treat corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease, and to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. For the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in women and Paget's disease of bone in both men and women.
Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) Facts
Active Ingredients: Alendronate sodium
Other Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous lactose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate
Class and Mechanism: Alendronate is in a class of medications used to strengthen bone. Bone is in a constant state of remodeling, whereby old bone is removed by cells called osteoclasts, and new bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts. Alendronate inhibits bone removal by the osteoclasts.
Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) Storage
Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature in a dry, dark place. Do not store in the bathroom. Moisture can cause the drug to break down. Throw away any Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) medication. Be sure that any medicine is out of the reach of children.
How to take Generic Fosamax (Alendronate)?
Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) tablets by mouth in the morning, after you have risen for the day. Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6—8 fluid ounces) of plain water first thing in the morning. Do not take the tablets with any other type of liquid except plain water. Do not take with orange juice, coffee or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of Generic Fosamax (Alendronate). Do not chew or suck on the tablets; this may cause mouth ulcers (sores). Do not eat or drink anything before you take your tablets and do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking Generic Fosamax (Alendronate). If you can wait for 2 hours before eating, your body will absorb even more of the medicine. After taking this medicine, remain sitting or standing upright (do not lie down) for at least 30 minutes to avoid irritation of your throat and esophagus (tube connecting mouth to stomach). Do not take this medicine at the same time as antacids, calcium, magnesium or iron supplements, or vitamins with minerals; if you take these medications, take them later in the day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
When OVERDOSE is suspected call an emergency room or poison control center.
Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and upper gastrointestinal adverse events, such as upset stomach, heartburn, esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcer, may result from oral over dosage.
What to do if I miss a dose?
If you take a daily dose of Generic Fosamax (Alendronate): If you miss a dose, do not take it later in the day. Continue your normal schedule starting the next morning, before you have eaten. Do not take double or extra doses.
If you take a once-weekly dose of Generic Fosamax (Alendronate): If you miss a dose of Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) 35-mg or 70-mg once a week, take the dose on the morning after you remember. Then return to taking your dose just once a week, as originally scheduled on your regular chosen day of the week. Never take 2 tablets on the same day. Do not take double or extra doses.
Who should not take Generic Fosamax (Alendronate)?
Patients with:
- Certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach)
- Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
- Low levels of calcium in their blood
- Severe kidney disease
- Allergy to Generic Fosamax (Alendronate)
Patients who are:
Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) is for use by women after menopause. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not be taking Generic Fosamax (Alendronate). Talk to your doctor.
What side effects may occur?
Stop taking Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) if you experience any of the following serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); Seek emergency or talk to your doctor if you have difficulty or pain when swallowing; chest pain; pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; or new or worsening heartburn. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) and talk to your doctor if you experience abdominal discomfort; stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; headache; muscle, bone, or joint soreness or aches; eye pain; a rash; or an altered sense of taste. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) Drug Interactions
The safety of Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) in patients with significant kidney disease is not known. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with significant kidney conditions. Since Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) can lower blood calcium, low blood calcium levels are corrected prior to use. Calcium supplements, antacids and medications can interfere with the absorption of Generic Fosamax (Alendronate).
It is important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking Generic Fosamax (Alendronate). Your doctor may prescribe supplements if your dietary intake is not sufficient. Remember that Generic Fosamax (Alendronate) should be taken with at least 6-8 ounces of water. Food, drinks, and other drugs (including vitamins, calcium, and vitamin D) should not be taken for at least 30 minutes after taking Generic Fosamax (Alendronate).
Additional Information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions.
Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, eating well-balanced meals containing adequate calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking, and limiting alcohol.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (x-rays, height measurement, blood mineral levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
