Primary Drug Name: Fosamax
Generic Drug Name: Alendronate
Fosamax Information
Fosamax osteoporosis medication is for the treatment
or prevention of osteoporosis (thinning of bone) in postmenopausal
women. It reduces the chance of fractures, including those of the
spine and hip. FOSAMAX osteoporosis medication is a treatment to
increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. FOSAMAX osteoporosis
medication is for the treatment of osteoporosis in certain men and
women receiving corticosteroid medications in a 7.5 mg or higher
prednisone equivalent dose who have low bone mass.
In clinical studies involving women with osteoporosis, Fosamax reduced
the incidence of hip fractures from 2 in 100 women to 1 in 100 women.
It reduced the incidence of wrist fractures from 4 in 100 women
to 2 in 100 women. Both of these reductions were over a 3-year period
of time. Also, Fosamax was found to increase bone mass by 1 to 4
percent. A recent study established that similar benefits also hold
true for men. Researchers showed that taking Fosamax for 2 years
can increase bone density and may prevent spine fractures for men
with osteoporosis. To be most effective, Fosamax should be taken
with calcium and vitamin D as directed by your doctor.
Osteoporosis
Information - Read more Information about Osteoporosis Disease,
Osteoporosis Side Effects and Osteoporosis Prevention.
Fosamax Paget's disease medication is used to treat
Paget's disease of bone (osteitis deformans). The treatment for
Paget's disease is very different than for osteoporosis and uses
a different type of Fosamax. If you have Paget's Disease, ask your
healthcare provider how to use Fosamax.
Fosamax osteoporosis medication may reverse bone
loss by stopping more loss of bone and increasing bone mass in most
people who take it, even though they won't be able to see or feel
a difference. Fosamax helps lower the risk of breaking bones (fractures).
Your health care provider may measure the thickness (density) of
your bones or do other tests to check your progress.
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Fosamax Side Effects
Fosamax Side Effects: Some patients may develop
severe digestive reactions including irritation, inflammation or
ulceration (occasionally severe and/or with bleeding) of the esophagus
(the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach). These reactions
can cause chest pain, heartburn or difficulty or pain upon swallowing.
This may occur especially if patients do not drink the recommended
amount of water with FOSAMAX and/or if they lie down in less than
30 minutes or before their first food of the day. Esophageal reactions
may worsen if patients continue to take FOSAMAX after developing
symptoms suggesting irritation of the esophagus.
Like all prescription drugs, FOSAMAX may cause side effects. Fosamax
Side effects usually have been mild. They generally have not caused
patients to stop taking FOSAMAX. Some patients treated with FOSAMAX
experienced abdominal (stomach) pain. This is the most commonly
reported side effect.
Less frequently reported Fosamax side effects are: Nausea, heartburn,
irritation or pain of the esophagus (the tube that connects your
mouth with your stomach), vomiting, difficulty swallowing, a full
or bloated feeling in the stomach, constipation, diarrhea, black
and/or bloody stools, stomach or other peptic ulcers (some severe),
and gas. Bone, muscle or joint pain (rarely, with flu-like symptoms
or fever), headache, or an altered sense of taste were also experienced
by some patients. Rarely, a rash (occasionally made worse by sunlight),
itching, or eye pain have occurred. Rarely, severe skin reactions
have occurred.
Allergic
reactions such as hives or,
rarely, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat which may
cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing have also been reported.
Mouth ulcers have occurred when the tablet was chewed or dissolved
in the mouth. Anytime you have a medical problem you think may be
related to FOSAMAX, talk to your doctor.
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Fosamax (Alendronate) Mechanism of Action
Fosamax inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption.
FOSAMAX works by:
• Reducing the activity of the cells that cause bone loss
• Decreasing the faster rate of bone loss that occurs after menopause
• Increasing the amount of bone in most patients
These effects are seen as soon as three months after therapy with FOSAMAX has begun. These FOSAMAX effects continue as long as you keep taking FOSAMAX. The density of bone is maintained or increased and the bone is less likely to fracture.
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Fosamax (Alendronate) Schedule
Fosamax (Alendronate) Schedule - Once Weekly
These are the important things you must do to help make sure you
will benefit from FOSAMAX:
1. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule. Every
week, take one dose of FOSAMAX (one tablet or one entire bottle
of solution) on your chosen day.
2. After getting up for the day and before taking your first food,
beverage, or other medication, take your FOSAMAX with plain water
only as follows:
- TABLETS: Swallow one tablet with a full glass (6-8 oz) of plain
water.
- ORAL SOLUTION: Drink one entire bottle of solution followed by
at least 2 ounces (a quarter of a cup) of plain water.
Do not take FOSAMAX with:
Mineral water
Coffee or tea
Juice
Do not chew or suck on a tablet of FOSAMAX.
3. After taking your FOSAMAX do not lie down - 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. This will help
FOSAMAX reach your stomach quickly and help reduce the potential
for irritation of your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth
with your stomach).
4. After taking your FOSAMAX, wait at least 30 minutes before taking
your first food, beverage, or
other medication of the day, including antacids, calcium supplements
and vitamins. FOSAMAX is effective only if taken when your stomach is empty.
5. Do not take FOSAMAX at bedtime or before getting up for the day.
6. If you have difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or
new or worsening heartburn, stop
taking FOSAMAX and call your doctor.
7. If you miss a dose, take only one dose of FOSAMAX on the morning
after you remember. Do not take
two doses on the same day. Return to taking one dose once a week,
as originally scheduled on your
chosen day.
Fosamax (Alendronate) Schedule - Once Weekly
These are the important things you must do to help make sure you
will benefit from FOSAMAX:
1. After getting up for the day and before taking your first food,
beverage, or other medication, swallow your FOSAMAX tablet with
a full glass (6-8 oz) of plain water only.Not mineral water, Not
coffee or tea, Not juice
Do not chew or suck on a tablet of FOSAMAX.
2. After swallowing your FOSAMAX tablet do not lie down - 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. This will help the FOSAMAX tablet reach your stomach quickly and help
reduce the potential for irritation of
your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach).
3. After swallowing your FOSAMAX tablet, wait at least 30 minutes
before taking your first food,
beverage, or other medication of the day, including antacids, calcium
supplements and vitamins.
FOSAMAX is effective only if taken when your stomach is empty.
4. Do not take FOSAMAX at bedtime or before getting up for the day.
5. If you have difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or
new or worsening heartburn, stop
taking FOSAMAX and call your doctor.
6. Take one FOSAMAX tablet once a day, every day.
7. It is important that you continue taking FOSAMAX for as long
as your doctor prescribes it. FOSAMAX
can treat your osteoporosis or help you from getting osteoporosis
only if you continue to take it.
8. If you miss a dose do not take it later in the day. Continue
your usual schedule of 1 tablet once a day
the next morning.
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What to Avoid when Taking Fosamax
Follow you doctor's recommendations about drinking alcohol and smoking. These activities are related to decreased bone density.
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Who should not take Fosamax ?
Do not take Fosamax if you:
• have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)
• cannot sit or stand up for 30 minutes
• have kidneys that work poorly
• have an allergy to Fosamax.
Patients with the following should not take Fosamax:
• Certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube that connects
your mouth with your stomach)
• Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
• Difficulty swallowing liquids should not take FOSAMAX oral
solution
• Low levels of calcium in their blood
• Severe kidney disease
• Allergy to FOSAMAX
Patients who are:
• Pregnant or Nursing
If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not be taking FOSAMAX.
Talk to your doctor.
The active ingredient in Fosamax is Alendronate sodium.
Tell your doctor before using Fosamax if:
• you are pregnant. We do not know if Fosamax can harm your
unborn child.
• you are breast feeding. We do not know if Fosamax can pass
through your milk and if it can harm your baby. You will need to
decide whether to stop breast feeding or not to take Fosamax.
• you have kidney problems. Fosamax may not be right for you.
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Fosamax Dose Supply
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Fosamax is available in two doses. Fosamax comes as a 10mg tablet,
and 70mg tablet in Canada.
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Fosamax Storage
Keep Fosamax in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. You may ask your pharmacist to put this medication in a container without a child-resistant cap, but be sure to keep it out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
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Additional Fosamax Information
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones grow porous and
more likely to break. Several prescription drugs can help treat
it.
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) can prevent the large loss of
bone mass that women experience soon after menopause. Examples of
drugs used in ERT include conjugated estrogen (brand name Premarin)
and estradiol (Estrace). Such drugs can increase bone density by
5 percent, lower the risk of a broken wrist or hip from 1 in 15
to 1 in 50 over a five year period. Like all medications, ERT has
positive and negative effects. It’s very important for you
and your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of ERT.
For women who can’t take estrogen, other medicines are available.
Medications like raloxifene (brand name Evista), alendronate (Fosamax),
and calcitonin (Miacalcin nasal spray) have been shown to slow bone
loss. Evista increases bone density by 2.5 percent and lowers the
risk of spine fractures from 1 in 25 people to 1 in 50 people. Fosamax
increases bone density by 5 to 10 percent and reduce the risk of
hip fractures from 1 in 50 women to 1 in 100 women Fosamax increases
bone density by 1.6 to 5 percent and reduces the risk of fractures
from 1 in 12 people to 1 in 20 people. Fosamax reduces the risk
of hip fracture among women with osteoporosis. Miacalcin reduces
the risk of spine fractures from 1 in 8 people to 1 in 13 people.
Another promising alternative is a class of drugs called HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors or “statins”. Doctors prescribe
statins such as pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin
(Mevacor), and fluvastatin (Lescol) to lower cholesterol levels
in the blood and to reduce the risk of heart disease. Researchers
have found a link between the use of statins and a lower risk of
fractures. Early information suggests that statins may reduce fractures
by increasing bone density. Scientists will have to conduct more
studies to determine the role and benefits of statins in reducing
fractures.
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Osteoporosis Detection
Specialized tests called bone density tests can measure bone density
in various sites of the body. A bone density test can: Detect osteoporosis
before a fracture occurs and predict your chances of fracturing
in the future.
DXA BMD can determine your rate of bone loss and/or monitor the
effects of treatment.
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Osteoporosis Prevention
By about age 20, the average woman has acquired 98 percent of her
skeletal mass. Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence
can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later. There
are four steps, which together, can optimize bone health and help
prevent osteoporosis. They are:
1.A balanced diet rich in calcium
and vitamin D
2.Weight-bearing exercise
3.A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake
4.Bone density testing and medication when appropriate.
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Steps to Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention
1.Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D
2.Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise
3.Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
4.Talk to your doctor about bone health
5.Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate
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Osteoporosis Prevention - Calcium
Calcium is needed for the heart, muscles and nerves to function properly and for blood to clot. Inadequate calcium is thought to contribute to the development of osteoporosis. National nutrition surveys have shown that many women and young girls consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to grow and maintain healthy bones.
Depending on your age, an appropriate calcium intake falls between 1000 and 1300 mg a day. If you have difficulty getting enough calcium from the foods you eat, you may take a calcium supplement to make up the difference.
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Osteoporosis Prevention - Vitamin D
Vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb calcium. Without enough vitamin D, you will be unable to absorb calcium from the foods you eat, and your body will have to take calcium from your bones. Vitamin D comes from two sources: through the skin following direct exposure to sunlight and from the diet. Experts recommend a daily intake between 400 and 800 IU per day, which also can be obtained from fortified dairy products, egg yolks, saltwater fish and liver.
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Osteoporosis Prevention - Exercise
Exercise is also important to good bone health. If you exercise regularly in childhood and adolescence, you are more likely to reach your peak bone density than those who are inactive. The best exercise for your bones is weight-bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, jogging, stair-climbing, racquet sports and hiking. If you have been sedentary most of your adult life, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program.
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Osteoporosis Prevention - No Smoking
Smoking is bad for your bones as well as for your heart and lungs. Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared to nonsmokers and frequently go through menopause earlier. Postmenopausal women who smoke may require higher doses of hormone replacement therapy and may have more side effects. Smokers also may absorb less calcium from their diets.
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Osteoporosis Prevention - Alcohol
Regular consumption of 2 to 3 ounces a day of alcohol may be damaging
to the skeleton, even in young women and men. Those who drink heavily
are more prone to bone loss and fractures, both because of poor
nutrition as well as increased risk of falling.
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