Alendronate-oral

Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases as you age, after menopause, or if you are taking corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) for a long time.

This medication works by slowing bone loss. This effect helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.

How to use Alendronate Tablet, Effervescent

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking alendronate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is taken once per week. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule and take it on that day each week.

Take this medication by mouth, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage, or other medication. Do not swallow, chew, or suck on the tablet since this may cause mouth/throat irritation or ulcers. You must dissolve the tablet before you take it. Place the tablet in 4 ounces/120 milliliters plain water (not mineral water or flavored water) at room temperature. After bubbling from the tablet stops, wait at least 5 minutes until it is completely dissolved. Then stir the liquid for about 10 seconds and drink all of it. Stay fully upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after your first food of the day.

Alendronate works best if taken on an empty stomach. Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water, calcium-enriched juices, and food can decrease the absorption of alendronate. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking the medication before you eat or drink anything except plain water.

Do not take this medication at bedtime or before rising for the day. It may not be absorbed and you may have serious side effects.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of long-term use of this medication.

Before taking alendronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: disorders of the esophagus (such as narrowing, trouble swallowing), trouble standing or sitting upright for at least 30 minutes, low calcium levels, kidney problems, stomach/intestinal disorders (such as heartburn, ulcers).

Some people taking alendronate may have serious jawbone problems. Your doctor should check your mouth before you start this medication. Tell your dentist that you are taking this medication before you have any dental work done. To help prevent jawbone problems, have regular dental exams and learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have jaw pain, tell your doctor and dentist right away.

This medication contains salt (sodium). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a low-salt diet.

Before having any surgery (especially dental procedures), tell your doctor and dentist about this medication and all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor or dentist may tell you to stop taking alendronate before your surgery. Follow all instructions about stopping or starting this medication.

This drug is not recommended for use in children. Studies have shown that many children who took this drug had severe side effects such as vomiting, fever, and flu-like symptoms.

Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. Alendronate may stay in your body for many years. Its effects on an unborn baby are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment with alendronate.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, painful heartburn, pain in the esophagus (chest pain), muscle weakness/cramps, mental/mood changes.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. You may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Consult your doctor for specific advice.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (X-rays, height measurement, blood mineral levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it the next morning after you remember. Then resume your weekly dosing schedule on your usual day of the week. Do not take two doses on the same day.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.Information last revised March 2017. Copyright(c) 2017 First Databank, Inc.