Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: ALENDRONATE (a-LEN-droe-nate)
Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg) is a bisphosphonate used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). 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), 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); 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 blood vitamin D levels; cancer; anemia; blood clotting problems; an infection; calcium metabolism problems; poor dental hygiene; other dental problems; an upcoming dental procedure; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you have a mental disorder or other condition that may decrease your ability to follow the dosing instructions for Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). USE OF FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) 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 Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg).
Follow the directions for using Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg) provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, suck, or chew the tablet before swallowing. TAKE FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) 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 Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg) at bedtime or before you get out of bed in the morning. Do not take Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg) with mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice. DO NOT LIE DOWN for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg) and until after your first food of the day. Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg) is usually taken 1 time each week. Be sure you understand how to take Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). CONTINUE TO TAKE FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. STORE FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg), do not take it later in the day. Take it the morning after you remember, and then go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in the product. Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg) may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). Using Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg) 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 Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) 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 Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). Ask your doctor any questions you may have about dental treatment while you use Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). Proper dental care is important while you are taking Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly. FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including bone density tests and calcium levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). 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 Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg). 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, or naproxen. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg) during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg), 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 Fosamax 1 Package = 4 Tablets (70mg) 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 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 FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) for other health conditions. KEEP FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING FOSAMAX 1 PACKAGE = 4 TABLETS (70mg) FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.