Fosamax is used to treat and prevent postmenopausal and steroid-induced osteoporosis, it stimulates formation of the bones, increases their mineral density.
Dosage and direction
For treatment of osteoporosis a recommended dose is 5-10 mg a day or 35-70 mg a week. Pagets disease requires 40 mg once daily during six months. Take Fosamax with a full glass of water. Do not take this medication unless you cannot sit or stand upright during 30 minutes as this drug can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. Take other medications, food, minerals or vitamins at least 30 minutes before to take Fosamax.
Precautions
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or breastfeeding before to take this drug. Discuss with your physician if you suffer from any kidney disease, an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus, low blood calcium or vitamin D deficiency.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, infancy. In patients with diseases of gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase (dysphagia, esophagitis, gastritis, duodenitis, ulcers in stomach and duodenum), esophageal stricture, achalasia of the esophagus, chronic renal failure, hypocalcemia, deficiency of vitamin D, treatment with Fosamax should be performed with certain cautiousness.
Possible side effect
Besides allergic reaction like hives, swelling of face and tongue, difficulty breathing, rash Fosamax may cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, black stool, change in taste perception, muscle or joint pain, osteonecrosis of the jaw. Seek for immediate medical attention if you think that you took too much of this drug.
Drug interaction
Intravenous ranitidine (Zantac) increases blood levels of alendronate. Antacids, Ca2+-supplements, or medicines that contain calcium, aluminum, magnesium reduce absorption of Fosamax. Aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) co-administered with Foxamax may increase risk of stomach and intestinal side effects.
Missed dose
If you take this medication every day and missed your morning dose of Fosamax do not take it later in the day but take it next morning. If you take Fosamax once a week take it in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Do not try to make up a missed dose by taking an extra one.
Overdose
If you suspect that you took too much of the medication seek for immediate medical attention and drink glass of milk. Your symptoms may appear as nausea, heartburn, pain in upper stomach, diarrhea, tight and stiff muscles in your face, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, convulsions, irritability.
Storage
Store Fosamax in a dry tight container away from sunlight at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F) away from children and pets.