FOSAMAX - Alendronate sodium

Fosamax Used For

Fosamax is prescribed for treatment or prevention of osteoporosis (bone thinning) in post-menopausal women. It is the prescribed treatment for increasing bone mass in men with osteoporosis. It is also indicated for the treatment of Paget's disease of bone in men and women.

Directions for Fosamax medication

The recommended dosage of Fosamax is one 10 mg tablet once daily. The tablet must be taken at least one-half hour before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day with plain water only.

How Fosamax medication works

Fosamax should only be taken at the time of arising for the day and never at bedtime or before arising. After taking the drug, patients should not lie down for at least 30 minutes or until after taking the first food for the day. The tablet should not be chewed or dissolved but should be swallowed whole with plenty of water. Fosamax should not be prescribed to 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 or to pregnant or nursing women.

Side effects of Fosamax

As with all other medicines, Fosamax too has its side effects which include severe digestive reactions like irritation, inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus, chest pain, heartburn or difficulty or pain in swallowing, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, black and/or bloody stools, gas. Allergic reactions such as hives or, rarely, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing have also been reported. The tablet may cause mouth ulcer if chewed or dissolved in the mouth.

Other Fosamax medication Information

To facilitate delivery to the stomach and thus reduce the potential for esophageal irritation, a Fosamax tablet should be swallowed with a full glass of water (6-8 oz). Patients should avoid beverages (including mineral water), food and other medications like antacids with and at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax since this could reduce absorption of the drug into the body.