Drug Uses

Fosamax is primarily used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. But it is also used for the prevention of osteoporosis in men, treatment of glucocorticoid and treatment of Paget's disease of bone in men and women.

Usage

Fosamax should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning. You should avoid eating or drinking anything or lying down for a period of 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. Take it only with water and not with coffee, orange juice, milk, or other dairy products. Do not chew or crush.

Missed Dose

You should try and take your doses on time taking care not to miss any. But if you do miss a dose, then skip it and continue with your regular dose. But do not take a double dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature.

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose include hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and severe upper gastrointestinal disturbance (upset stomach, heartburn, esophagitis, gastritis). Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

More Information

Do not consume alcohol along with the drug. Do not drive or handle heavy machinery until you know how to react to the drug. Taking antacids are known to reduce the effect of the drug.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking fosamax, tell your doctor if you have a problem swallowing, such as a narrowing of the esophagus; have esophageal ulcers or an esophageal disease; have a condition that causes low levels of calcium in the body; have kidney disease; have stomach ulcers or other stomach or digestive problems; or are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes. You may not be able to take Fosamax, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, listed above. Fosamax is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Fosamax will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Fosamax without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Fosamax passes into breast milk. Do not take Fosamax without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Possible Side Effects

Stop taking fosamax if you experience any of the following serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Seek emergency or talk to your doctor if you have a difficulty or pain when swallowing; chest pain; pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; or new or worsening heartburn. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Fosamax and talk to your doctor if you experience abdominal discomfort; stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; headache; muscle, bone, or joint soreness or aches; eye pain; a rash; or an altered sense of taste. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

More Information

Stop taking alendronate and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); difficulty or pain when swallowing; chest pain; pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; or new or worsening heartburn. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take alendronate and talk to your doctor if you experience abdominal discomfort; stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; headache; muscle, bone, or joint soreness or aches; eye pain; a rash. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.