Information about Alendronate (Generic Fosamax) :


What is Alendronate Sodium?
Alendronate sodium (chemically known as a bisphosphonate medication) is the generic name for Fosamax. You should know that it is not a hormone drug.

Fosamax takes effect by increasing bone mass and reducing the incidence of fractures. It does not affect the heart, breast, uterus or other parts of the body. Fosamax is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It may also be used in the same efforts in men with osteoporosis. Moreover, Fosamax is administered to treat osteoporosis resulting from the long-term usage of steroid drugs such as prednisone or cortisone.

How is Alendronate Sodium usually prescribed?
For the purpose of osteoporosis prevention, Alendronate Sodium is taken as a 5mg tablet a day or a 35mg tablet once a week. For the purpose of osteoporosis treatment, Fosamax is taken as a 10mg tablet a day or a 70mg tablet once a week.

Recently, Alendronate sodium/Aholecalciferol (Fosamax Plus D) has been approved by FDA for osteoporosis treatment. Fosamax Plus D comes as a single, once-weekly tablet that contains both 70mg Alendronate sodium (Fosamax) and 2800IU of vitamin D.

Be aware that Fosamax may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: aluminum hydroxide; antacids; anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and others; aspirin; calcium supplements; iron supplements; magnesium supplements; parathyroid hormone; teriparatide; vitamins with minerals.

Be aware that you should get adequate calcium and vitamin D each day while using Fosamax. It is also necessary to follow the universal strategies for promotion of healthy bones.

What are the benefits of Alendronate Sodium?
Fosamax is used to treat osteoporosis in people who suffer from low bone mineral density. It increases the bone mineral density and reduces the risk of all osteoporosis-related fractures (fractures of the spine and other non-spine areas including the hips).

What are the side effects of taking Alendronate Sodium?
The side effects of Fosamax are heartburn and irritation of the esophagus. Such effects can be avoided by using the Fosamax properly.

Fosamax is a tablet to be taken orally once a day (in the morning) on an empty stomach with a glass of water. Eat, drink and lie down only in 30 minutes after administering Fosamax. You should not take mineral water, coffee, orange juice, milk, or other dairy products with Fosamax. It is obligatory to swallow the tablet whole without chewing, dividing or crushing. After taking Fosamax, try to remain upright (in a sitting or standing position) and avoid bending over or lying down for at least 30 minutes.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.