Fosamax Information:
IMPORTANT
NOTE: What should my health care professional know
before I take Fosamax? They need to know if you have
any of these conditions: kidney disease, low level of
blood calcium, stomach, intestinal, or esophageal problems,
like acid-reflux or GERD; problems swallowing; vitamin
D deficiency; an unusual or allergic reaction to alendronate,
other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant
or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding
ALENDRONATE - ORAL
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fosamax
USES: This medication reduces calcium loss from
bones.
HOW TO USE: Follow the directions on the prescription
label. Some patients take alendronate every day. Other
patients may only take a dose of alendronate once a
week. If you take alendronate only once a week, take
the medicine on the same day every week.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects that you should report
to your prescriber or health care professional as soon
as possible: More common; stomach pain; heartburn; pain
or difficulty swallowing Rare or uncommon: black or
tarry stools, skin rash, itching (hives), swelling of
the lips, arms, legs, face, tongue, or throat; vomiting,
allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face,
lips or tongue Side effects that usually do not require
medical attention (report to your prescriber or health
care professional if they continue or are bothersome):;
diarrhea or constipation; headache; stomach gas or fullness;
nausea; changes in taste; bone, muscle or joint pain;
rash, which may be made worse by prolonged exposure
to sunlight
PRECAUTIONS: Visit your prescriber or health
care professional for regular checks on your progress.
If you have Paget's disease it may be some time before
you see the benefit from alendronate. Do not stop taking
alendronate except on your prescriber's advice. Low
blood levels of phosphorus and calcium can occur but
usually do not cause serious problems. Your prescriber
or health care professional may order regular blood
tests to check for these problems.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: What drug(s) may interact
with alendronate? Aluminum hydroxide, antacids, anti-inflammatory
drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, aspirin,
calcium supplements, iron supplements, magnesium supplements,
vitamins with minerals
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your
local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, fever,
fast breathing, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations,
panic or paranoid, drowsiness, convulsions, unconsciousness,
unusually fast or slow heart beat, headache, nausea/vomiting,
diarrhea, stomach pain, pale or flushing, chest pain,
sweating, muscle weakness, agitation, large pupils,
or delusions.
NOTES: It is very important to take alendronate
with a full glass of water (6-8 ounces). Do not take
with orange juice, coffee or other fluids as these may
decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take
alendronate with food. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer
after taking alendronate before you eat, drink or take
other medicines. Because alendronate may irritate your
throat, remain sitting or standing upright for at least
30 minutes after taking alendronate; do not lie down.
If you begin to have pain when swallowing, difficulty
swallowing, heartburn or stomach pain, call your prescriber
or health care professional right away. You should make
sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet
while you are taking alendronate, unless directed otherwise
by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs
with your health care professional or nutritionist.
MISSED DOSE: If you take a daily dose of alendronate:
If you miss a dose, do not take it later in the day.
Continue your normal schedule starting the next morning,
before you have eaten. Do not take double or extra doses.
STORAGE: Store Fosamax at room temperature between
15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Throw away any unused
medicine after the expiration date.
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