Fosamax Oral - ALENDRONATE WEEKLY

Uses
Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis). It belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates, and they decrease the activity of cells which break down bone. Maintaining strong bones by slowing bone loss helps to reduce the risk of fractures.
Your risk of developing osteoporosis is greater as you age, after menopause due to the lack of natural estrogen hormones, and if you are taking corticosteroid medications (e.g., prednisone) for long periods.

How to use Fosamax Oral
Follow these instructions very closely to maximize the amount of drug absorbed and reduce the risk of injury to your esophagus. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine.
This medication is usually taken once per week unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule and take it on that day each week.
Take this medication by mouth, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage or other medication. Take it with a full glass (6-8 oz. or 180-240 ml) of plain water. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or suck on it. Then stay fully upright (sitting, standing or walking) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after your first food of the day. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking the medication before you eat or drink anything other than plain water.
Do not take this medication at bedtime or before rising for the day. It may not be absorbed and you may have side effects.
Other medications, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water and food can decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take these for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking alendronate.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

Before taking alendronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: disorders of the esophagus (e.g., esophageal stricture or achalasia), inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, low calcium levels, severe kidney disease.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: trouble swallowing, stomach/intestinal disorders (e.g., ulcers).
Infrequently, serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis) have occurred in people taking similar medication. Most people were also using other medications or had conditions which might have actually caused the jawbone problem. If you have cancer, anemia, blood clotting disorders, infections in the mouth or other diseases of the mouth, or poor dental hygiene, see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before you start alendronate. Make sure he/she knows your entire medical history, any cancer radiation treatments, and also all the medications you are using, especially corticosteroids such as prednisone, cancer chemotherapy, and alendronate. Consult your dentist for more details.
This drug is not recommended for use in children. Studies have shown that many children who took this drug had severe side effects such as vomiting, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, painful heartburn, pain in the esophagus (chest pain), muscle weakness, mental/mood changes.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, eating well-balanced meals containing adequate calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking, and limiting alcohol. Consult your doctor to see if you need to take calcium/vitamin D supplements and discuss lifestyle changes that might benefit you.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (x-rays, height measurement, blood mineral levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, take it the next morning after you remember. Then resume taking your weekly dose on your originally scheduled day of the week. Do not take two doses on the same day. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Stomach pain, constipation, gas, or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: jaw pain, swelling of joints/hands/ankles/feet, an increase in muscle or bone pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
This medication may infrequently cause serious irritation and ulcers of the esophagus. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking alendronate and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, trouble or painful swallowing.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

See also the How to Use section.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone).
Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) that could cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.