breast-feeding
How should Fosamax be used?
Fosamax comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Fosamax should be taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach. Fosamax should be taken with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate before you eat, drink, or take other medications. Do not take Fosamax/alendronate with mineral water, coffee, orange juice, milk, or other dairy products. Do not suck or chew the Fosamax/Alendronate tablet; swallow the Fosamax tablet whole. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosama. Standing or sitting upright helps you get the full dose and decreases heartburn or the risk of injury to your esophagus.
Follow the Fosamax directions on your Fosamax prescription label carefully. Take Fosamax exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Fosamax or take Fosamax more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking Fosamax/alendronate without talking to your doctor.
What if I miss a 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.
If you take a once-weekly dose of alendronate: If you miss a dose of alendronate 35-mg or 70-mg once a week, take the dose on the morning after you remember. Then return to taking your dose just once a week, as originally scheduled on your regular chosen day of the week. Never take 2 tablets on the same day. Do not take double or extra doses.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
It is important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking Fosamax. Your doctor may prescribe supplements if your dietary intake is not sufficient.
What drug(s) may interact with Fosamax?
aluminum hydroxide, antacids, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, aspirin, calcium supplements, iron supplements, magnesium supplements, parathyroid hormone, teriparatide, vitamins with minerals.
On the questionaire needed to buy Fosamax, inform of all medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines. Also include if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works.
What side effects might I notice from taking Fosamax?
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: allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, black or tarry stools, eye inflammation, pain or change in vision, muscle twitching, redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth, vomiting.
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.
What should I watch for while taking Fosamax?
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.
It is very important to take Fosamax 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 Fosamax with food. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer after taking alendronate before you eat, drink or take other medicines.
Because Fosamax 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 Fosamax, unless directed otherwise by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist.
If you get bone pain, or a worsening of bone pain, check with your doctor. However, many patients have improvement in their bone pain during and after treatment with Fosamax.
If you are taking an antacid, a mineral supplement like calcium or iron, or a vitamin with minerals, make sure that you wait at least 30 minutes, and preferably 2 hours before or after taking alendronate. Do not take them at same time.
Limit your time in sunlight or other UV exposure, such as tanning beds, while taking Fosamax. Fosamax may cause a rash that is worsened by exposure to the sun.
What storage conditions are needed for Fosamax?
Keep Fosamax in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Fosamax at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F) and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Fosamax medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
What should I do if I forget a Fosamax dose?
Take the missed Fosamax dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Fosamax dose, skip the missed Fosamax dose and continue your regular Fosamax dosing schedule. Do not take a double Fosamax dose to make up for a missed one.
What if I overdose with Fosamax?
In case of Fosamax overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
