|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (a
LEN droe
nate) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Fosamax® |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Bisphosphonate Derivative |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to other bisphosphonates, alendronate, or any
other part of the medicine.
- If you have low calcium levels in your blood, abnormal esophagus
(swallowing tube), trouble swallowing.
- If you are unable to stand or sit up for half an
hour.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (brittle
bones) in postmenopausal women.
- It is used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
- It is also used to treat osteoporosis caused by taking steroids on a
long-term basis, and in Paget's
disease.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Alendronate reduces normal and abnormal bone
destruction.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take first thing in the morning.
- Take with a full glass of plain water at least 30 minutes before the
first food, drink, or medicine of the day.
- Do not drink coffee or orange juice for at least 30 minutes after
taking this medicine. These decrease the amount of medicine getting into your
system. If possible, take 2 hours before the first meal of the day, but this
cannot always be done.
- Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine.
This will prevent irritation of the esophagus.
- Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush. May irritate the
lining of the mouth.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and cigarette
smoking. Can worsen bone breakdown.
- This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements
(if dietary intake is poor), weight-bearing exercises like walking, or physical
therapy. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Use caution if you have stomach, intestine, or esophageal disease.
Talk with healthcare provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Low calcium or phosphate levels in the blood.
- Belly pain and cramps.
- Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy,
or chewing gum may help.
- Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing
diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
- Diarrhea.
- Muscle or bone pain.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Test to look at the bones before and during treatment.
- Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare
provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Heartburn, belly pain or burning, nausea.
- Any rash.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store in a tight container at room
temperature.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
|
|
|
Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
|
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.
|
![[Subscribe to Newsletter]](http://www.healthandage.org/images/tonews.gif){kind=small}
Alternative Medicine
