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Alendronate

Brand Names

; Fosamax®

Bisphosphonate Derivative

If you have an allergy to other bisphosphonates, alendronate, or any other part of the medicine.
If you have low calcium levels in your blood, abnormal esophagus (swallowing tube), trouble swallowing.
If you are unable to stand or sit up for half an hour.

This medicine is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (brittle bones) in postmenopausal women.
It is used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
It is also used to treat osteoporosis caused by taking steroids on a long-term basis, and in Paget's disease.

Take first thing in the morning.
Take with a full glass of plain water at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or medicine of the day.
Do not drink coffee or orange juice for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. These decrease the amount of medicine getting into your system. If possible, take 2 hours before the first meal of the day, but this cannot always be done.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. This will prevent irritation of the esophagus.
Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush. May irritate the lining of the mouth.

Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and cigarette smoking. Can worsen bone breakdown.
This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements (if dietary intake is poor), weight-bearing exercises like walking, or physical therapy. Talk with healthcare provider.
Use caution if you have stomach, intestine, or esophageal disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

Low calcium or phosphate levels in the blood.
Belly pain and cramps.
Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
Diarrhea.
Muscle or bone pain.

Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Heartburn, belly pain or burning, nausea.
Any rash.

Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).