ALENDRONATE DRUG INFO
IIMPORTANT NOTE: What should my health
care professional know before I take alendronate? 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: How should I take this medicine?
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: What side effects might I notice from taking
alendronate? 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: What should I watch
for while taking alendronate? 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 at room
temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Throw
away any unused medicine after the expiration date. |
