This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- bone disease
- bone strength
Brand Name(s): Fosamax
Generic Name: Alendronic Acid
Instructions
Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.
Take the medicine with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.
Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after taking this medicine.
Sit or stand upright for 30 minutes after taking the medicine. Do not lie down.
After taking this medicine, wait 30 minutes before taking any other medicine.
Take the medicine first thing in the morning.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you miss a dose, do not take it later in the day. Take it the next morning after you remember. Continue taking your weekly dose on your originally scheduled day of the week. Do not take 2 doses on the same day.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Visit your dentist regularly. Proper care of your teeth is very important while taking this medicine. Brush your teeth and floss regularly.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for bone fractures.
It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- constipation or diarrhea
- excess gas
- nausea
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- severe or persistent bone, joint or jaw pain
- chest pain
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- discomfort or pain in the ear
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- persistent heartburn
- unusual or unexplained pain in hips, thighs or groin
- severe stomach or bowel pain
- dark, tarry stool
- difficulty swallowing
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about ALENDRONATE WEEKLY - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
