Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: ALENDRONATE (a-LEN-droe-nate) and CHOLECALCIFEROL (kole-e-kal-SI-fer-ole)
This medicine is a bisphosphonate and vitamin D combination used to prevent or treat osteoporosis (weak bones) in certain patients.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (such as ibuprofen), anticonvulsants (such as phenytoin), bile acid sequestrants (such as cholestyramine, colestipol), cimetidine, mineral oil, olestra, orlistat, or thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide), or a corticosteroid (such as prednisone). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including if you have a history of stomach or bowel problems (such as inflammation, ulcer, nutrient absorption problems); esophagus problems (such as heartburn, reflux disease, severe irritation); kidney problems; or if you have difficult or painful swallowing. Inform your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol, or if you have low or high blood vitamin D levels; poor health; cancer (such as leukemia, lymphoma); anemia; blood clotting problems; an infection; sarcoidosis; calcium metabolism problems; poor dental hygiene; other dental problems; an upcoming dental procedure; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are a woman who has not reached menopause. TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you have a mental disorder or other condition that may decrease your ability to follow the dosing instructions for this medicine. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have certain esophagus problems (such as narrowing, blockage); low blood calcium levels; severe kidney problems; or if you are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine is taken once a week. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, suck, or chew the tablet before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. Take it with 6-8 ounces of PLAIN WATER ONLY the first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medicine. Do not take this medicine at bedtime or before you get out of bed in the morning. Do not take this medicine with mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice. DO NOT LIE DOWN for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine and until after your first food of the day. Be sure you understand how to take this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in the original blister packaging, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each week will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it on the morning after you remember and then return to your normal schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in the product. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR before you drink alcohol, smoke, or use other tobacco products while taking this medicine. PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN OLESTRA may decrease the absorption of vitamin D. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about eating foods that contain olestra while you take this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE JAW BONE PROBLEMS IN SOME PATIENTS. Your risk may be greater if you have cancer, poor dental hygiene, or certain other conditions (eg, anemia, blood clotting problems, infection, dental problems). Your risk may also be greater if you use certain medicines or therapies (eg, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation). Talk to your doctor about having a dental exam before you start to use this medicine. Ask your doctor any questions you may have about dental treatment while you use this medicine. Proper dental care is important while you are taking this medicine. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including bone density tests, blood calcium levels, and blood vitamin D levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. It is important to have enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions about your diet or about taking dietary supplements such as calcium or vitamin D. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines which contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or vitamin D. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. AT LEAST ONE OF THE INGREDIENTS IN THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur during treatment include bone, muscle, or joint pain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; feeling bloated or full; gas; headache; flu-like symptoms at the start of treatment; mild stomach pain; nausea; taste changes; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience mouth sores. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience black tarry or bloody stools; chest pain; coughing or vomiting blood; difficult or painful swallowing; new, worsening, or severe heartburn; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe bone, muscle, or joint pain; severe or persistent sore throat or stomach pain; swelling of the hands, legs, or joints; or swelling or pain in your jaw. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Drink a full glass (8oz/240mL) of milk. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes or as directed by your doctor. Do not try to vomit. Symptoms may include loss of appetite; sluggishness; unusual weakness; severe heartburn, stomach pain or upset; or painful swallowing.
Non-drug therapy may also help prevent bone loss. Consult your doctor about a weight-bearing exercise plan or other lifestyle changes that may be helpful. Follow all diet recommendations for adequate daily calcium and vitamin D intake. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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