Fosamax is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) in women after menopause. This medication may also be used to increase bone mass in men who have osteoporosis and in men and women to prevent and treat osteoporosis caused by long0term use of corticosteroids. It may also be used to treat Paget’s disease of the bone.
This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription.
This medication is available in the following forms:
Before using Fosamax, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric: The use of this medication in children is not indicated.
Geriatric: Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.
Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women OR there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.
Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive.
Using this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:
Parathyroid Hormone
Other Interactions
Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain mediations may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
Using this medication with any of the following is not normally recommended, but may be unavoidable. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take your medication, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol or tobacco:
Dairy
Other Medical Problems
Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Hypertension (high blood pressure)—Use with caution. This medication contains sodium and may make these conditions worse if you are on a salt-restricted diet.
Stomach or bowel problems (i.e. Barrett's esophagus, duodenitis, gastritis, heartburn, inflammation of the esophagus, or ulcers)—Use with caution. This medication may make these conditions worse.
3 Proper Usage
To use Fosamax correctly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.
Do not take more, less or for a longer or shorter period of time than your doctor tells you.
This medication comes with a patient information brochure. It is very important that your read this information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Take this medication on an empty stomach. It should be taken as soon as you get out of bed in the morning and at least 30 minutes before taking any food, beverage or other medications. Food and beverages will decrease the amount of medication absorbed by the body. Waiting longer than 30 minutes will allow more of the drug to be absorbed. Medications such as antacids, calcium or vitamin supplements will also decrease the absorption of this medication.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, drink at least 2 ounces of water immediately after taking the medication. This will allow the medication to reach your intestines and be absorbed by the body more quickly.
Swallow the tablet whole with 6-8 ounces of plain water. Do not suck or chew on the tablet as it may cause throat irritation.
If you are taking the effervescent tablet form of this medication, dissolve it in 4 ounces of plain water at room temperature. Wait at least 5 minutes after the effervescence stops and then stir the solution for 10 seconds before drinking it.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate and before having your first food for the day. This will help the medication reach your stomach faster and prevent irritation to the esophagus.
It is important to eat a well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. However, do not take any foods, beverages or calcium supplements within 30 minutes or longer after taking this medication. To do so may keep the medication from working properly.
Carefully follow the dosing instructions given to you by your doctor. If you don’t, it may affect the way this medication works. Do not stop using this medication without asking your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you do weight-bearing exercises, smoke or drink excessively. Your doctor will need to take these into consideration when deciding on your dose.
Dosing
Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication. The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
Adults - 70mg once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day (other than water).
Children - Use is not recommended.
For postmenopausal osteoporosis:
Adults - 70mg once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day (other than water).
Children - Use is not recommended.
Liquid or tablets
For corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis:
Adults - 5mg once a day at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day (other than water). In postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen, the dose is 10mg once a day.
Adults - 40mg once a day for six months. Your doctor may tell you to repeat the dose.
Children - Use is not recommended.
For osteoporosis in men:
Adults - 10mg once a day or 70mg once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day (other than water).
Children - Use is not recommended.
For postmenopausal osteoporosis:
Adults - 5mg once a day or 35mg once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day (other than water).
Children - Use is not recommended.
Missed dose
For patients taking this medication each day: If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose. Do not take two tablets on the same day.
For patients on a weekly schedule: If you miss a dose of this medication, take it the next morning after you remember. Resume your normal schedule the next week.
Storage
Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away form heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze.
Protect the effervescent tablet from moisture and do not remove from the foil until you are ready to use it.
Keep our of the reach of children
Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
4 Precautions to Take
In using Fosamax, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor.
It is very important that your doctor checks in with the you often while you are receiving this medication to make sure that it is working properly.
Do not take other prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor.
This medication can irritate your esophagus. If you think this medication is beginning to damage your esophagus, stop taking it and call your doctor.
feeling that food gets stuck on the way to your stomach.
It is very important that you tell all of your doctors that you are taking this medication.
If you are having a dental procedure while taking this medication, you may have an increased chance of having a severe problem with your jaw.
Inform your doctor about any new medical problems, especially with your teeth or jaws.
Inform your doctor if you have severe bone, join or muscle pain while taking this medication.
This medication could lower the amount of calcium in your blood.
Call your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of low calcium levels, such as muscle spasms or twitching or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes or lips.
This medication may increase your risk of developing fractures of the thigh bone (femur). This may be more common if you use it for an extended period of time.
Inform your doctor immediately if you have a dull or aching pain in the thighs, groin or hips.
Fosamax may produce unwanted side affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:
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