Alendronate
Generic name: alendronate
Brand name: Binosto, Fosamax
Dosage forms: oral solution (70 mg/75 mL); oral tablet (10 mg; 35 mg; 40 mg; 5 mg; 70 mg); oral tablet, effervescent (70 mg)
Drug class: Bisphosphonates
What is the alendronate?
Alendronate can be used to treat osteoporosis caused due to menopausal and steroid usage, as well as gonadal dysfunction. Alendronate can be used in cases of significant risk of fractures in your bone because of osteoporosis.
Alendronate can also be used to treat bone disease Paget’s.
Alendronate is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.¶
Warnings
Alendronate is not a good option in the event that you are suffering from problems with your esophagus or the calcium levels are low within your blood.
Don’t take Alendronate if can’t stand up or sit for at least 30 mins after taking the drug.
This medicine could cause serious health issues within the stomach or in the esophagus. Stop taking alendronate and contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest discomfort, new or worsening heartburn, discomfort while swallowing.
Consult your doctor for any muscle spasms or numbness sensations of tingling (in feet and hands or around your mouth) or if you notice a new and unusual pain in your hips or extreme joint pain muscles, bones, or joints.
Before taking this medication, you must consult your physician
This medication should not be taken when you have an allergy to the drug, or suffer from:
- the calcium levels are low present in the blood (hypocalcemia) (hypocalcemia)
- muscle problems in your stomach (the tube which connects your mouth to your stomach).
Don’t take any alendronate when you are unable to stand or sit for more than 30 minutes. Alendronate may cause serious issues with the stomachs or the esophagus. You should remain standing for at least 30 mins after taking alendronate.
Speak to your doctor if were ever diagnosed with:
- difficulty swallowing
- issues with your stomach or digestion
- hypocalcemia;
- There is a dental problem (you might need to undergo an exam for dental problems prior to beginning the alendronate);
- kidney disease or
- any illness that makes it difficult for your body to take in the nutrients that are present in the food you eat (malabsorption).
The tablet that is effervescent is loaded with sodium. Inform your physician if you are on a low salt diet prior to using this type of alendronate.
This medicine can lead to jaw bone issues (osteonecrosis). The highest risk is for patients with blood cell diseases, cancer, and pre-existing dental problems or patients who are treated with steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation. Talk to your doctor about the risk you are taking.
It isn’t clear if this medication will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Inform your doctor if are expecting or trying to get pregnant. Stop taking the medication and inform your doctor when you are pregnant.
It is not recommended to breastfeed during this medication. Talk to your doctor regarding any risks.
How to take alendronate?
Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and also read the entire medication guide or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medication exactly as prescribed.
Alendronate can be taken every day or at least once per week. Follow the instructions of your physician for dosage extremely carefully.
Start taking alendronate in the morning and at least 30 mins prior to eating or drinking anything, or use any other medication. If you take alendronate just every week, do it the same day every week, and always early to get up.
Drink with a glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water that is plain. Do not drink tea, coffee, soda juice, mineral water. Don’t drink or eat anything other than water that is plain.
Take care when measuring liquid medicines. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or a dosage-metering device (not the kitchen spoon).
Don’t chew, crush or chew in the alendronate normal tablet. Swallow it whole.
Dissolve the tablet with minimum 4oz water (at ambient temperature, but not cold or hot). Allow the tablet to dissolve for five minutes. Stir the mix for about 10 seconds before you take it all immediately. Add a bit more water into the glass, stir slowly, and then drink it right away.
At least 30 mins after taking alendronate:
- Do not lie down or recline.
- Don’t take other medications like calcium, vitamins, or antacids.
Be particular about your dental hygiene when taking alendronate. Cleanse and brush your teeth frequently. If you require any dental procedure (especially surgery) inform your dentist in advance that you’re using alendronate.
Alendronate is a small part of a full treatment program that could include changes to your diet and exercises and bone mineral density tests and taking vitamin and calcium supplements. Follow your doctor’s advice precisely.
Keep them at room temperature and far from heat and moisture. The tablets that are not used should be kept inside the blister foil packs.
The doctor you consult will decide the duration of treatment by this medication. The usual dosage is between 3 and 5 years.
If I don’t take a dose?
Dosing once a day: If you don’t remember to take alendronate in the first hour of the morning, don’t do your dose later during the daytime. Do not take it until the next day and skip the dose you missed. Don’t do more than two (2) doses in a day.
Once-a-week doses If you don’t remember to have alendronate taken on your scheduled day, you should take it early in the morning when you are able to remember the dose that you skipped. Return to your normal routine for the week on your selected dosage day. Do not take two doses at once.
How do I react if consume too much?
Drink a full glass of milk and seek medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Do not force yourself to vomit and don’t lay down.
What to avoid?
Do not take any other medications for at least 30 mins immediately following taking alendronate. This includes calcium, vitamins, and antacids. Certain medicines may cause your body to absorb alendronate.
Try not to smoke, or to stop. Smoking cigarettes can lower the calcium mineralization in your bones, which makes cracks more probable.
Beware of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Alcohol consumption can result in loss of bone.
Alendronate side effects
Take immediate medical care If you are experiencing symptoms warning signs of an allergic response such as wheezing; hives; difficulties breathing, swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.
Stop taking alendronate and contact your doctor right away If you suffer from:
- chest pain, heartburn that is new or getting worse;
- difficulties or pain while swallowing;
- discomfort or burning beneath one’s ribs and in back
- intense heartburn, burning sensation in your stomach’s upper part, or the coughing up of blood;
- Unusual or new pains in your hip or thigh;
- Jaw pains, weakness, or swelling in the jaw;
- severe bone, joint, or muscular pain
- low levels of calcium–muscle spasms, contractions, numbness, or sensation (around your mouth or even in your toes, fingers, and fingers).
Common side effects could be:
- stomach upset, heartburn;
- stomach pain, nausea;
- diarrhea, constipation; or
- Muscle and joint discomfort.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other medications can have an effect on alendronate?
Discuss with your doctor all other medications particularly:
- aspirin or
- The NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)–ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Naproxen (Aleve) Celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin and meloxicam and others.
This list isn’t comprehensive. Other medications can affect alendronate, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. The list of possible interactions with drugs is not exhaustive. are listed here.
More details
Always consult your doctor to make sure the information presented on this page is applicable to your specific situation.