Alendronate (Systemic)

Brand Names : Fosamax

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take alendronate with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water on an empty stomach . It should be taken in the morning at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages, such as mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice, will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body. Waiting longer than 30 minutes will allow more of the drug to be absorbed. Medicines such as antacids or calcium or vitamin supplements will also decrease the absorption of alendronate.

Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking alendronate . This will help alendronate reach your stomach faster. It will also help prevent irritation to your esophagus.

Your doctor may recommend that you eat a balanced diet with an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products). However, do not take any food, beverages, or calcium or vitamin supplements within 30 minutes or longer of taking alendronate. To do so may keep this medicine from working properly.

Dosing - The dose of alendronate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of alendronate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For treatment of Paget's disease of bone:
  • Adults - 40 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water. Your treatment may continue for six months. Your doctor may repeat the treatment.
  • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For treatment of osteoporosis in men (thinning of bone):
  • Adults - 10 mg once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
• For treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (thinning of bone):
  • • Adults - 10 mg once a day in the morning or 70 mg once a week, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
• For prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis (thinning of bone):
  • Adults - 5 mg once a day in the morning or 35 mg once a week, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
• For treatment of osteoporosis (thinning of bone) caused by glucocorticoid treatment:
  • Adults - 5 mg once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. In postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen, the dose is 10 mg once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, do not take it later in the day. Resume your usual schedule the next morning. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.