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Alendronate Sodium
Alendronate, commonly known as Fosamax, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. It primarily fights and prevents osteoporosis – a condition that weakens bones and makes them prone to fractures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Alendronate Sodium every day?
It's usually taken once a day or once a week, depending on the strength and your doctor's instructions.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Alendronate Sodium?
If you miss a weekly dose, take it the next morning after you remember. But if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one, and return to your regular schedule.
Can I take Alendronate Sodium with coffee or juice?
No, take Alendronate Sodium with a full glass of plain water. Do not take it with any other drink.
Can Alendronate Sodium cause bone pain?
While Alendronate Sodium is meant to strengthen your bones, in some rare cases, it may cause bone, joint, or muscle pain.
Should I stay upright after taking Alendronate Sodium?
Yes, to avoid heartburn and irritation to your esophagus, sit or stand upright, and do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Alendronate Sodium.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Alendronate Sodium Work?
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate that acts as a potent inhibitor of bone resorption. It targets osteoclasts, the bone cells that break down bone tissue, thereby helping preserve bone mass and decrease bone fracture risk.
What is Alendronate Sodium Used For?
Alendronate is predominantly used to either prevent or treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It's also employed to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and to treat Paget's disease – a condition that disrupts the normal cycle of bone renewal.
Common Dosages
- Tablets: 5mg, 10mg, 35mg, 40mg, 70mg
- Oral solution: 70mg/75mL
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis: 5mg per day or 35mg once weekly.
- Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: 10mg per day or 70mg once weekly.
- Osteoporosis for Males: 70mg once weekly
- Paget’s disease: 40mg daily for 6 months.
Who Shouldn't Take Alendronate Sodium?
- People unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
- Patients with certain disorders of the esophagus
- Those with low levels of calcium in their blood
- Those prone to allergic reactions to alendronate
- People with severe kidney disease
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Always take it as the first thing in the morning
- Use plain water to swallow, not coffee or juice
- Must stay upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate
- Don’t eat or drink anything but plain water for at least 30 minutes after taking it
- Don’t chew or suck on the tablet
- If you notice any difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or new/worsened heartburn, stop the drug and call your doctor immediately.
- Might cause pain in bones, muscles, or joints. Talk to your doctor if you experience this.
- Check your dental health before starting the treatment, as alendronate may rarely cause jaw problems.
- You should maintain good dental hygiene and regular dental visits while on this medication.
- Consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D during therapy.
Side Effects of Alendronate Sodium
Common Side Effects
- You might experience a mild heartburn or stomach upset. This often occurs when you first start taking the medication and may subside over time.
- You might feel muscle or joint pain. This is commonly seen but usually mild and temporary.
- You could find yourself feeling dizzy or fatigued. This often improves as your body adjusts to the medication.
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- You could potentially face serious issues like ulcers in the oesophagus or stomach.
- You might experience severe bone, joint, or muscle pain, which could render you unable to carry out daily activities.
- Itching of the skin or a rash could form, which requires prompt attention to exclude serious allergic reactions.
Risks and Warnings of Alendronate Sodium
- Esophagus Problems: Esophageal issues are a key concern with Alendronate. Some users might experience difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or even esophagus ulcers. If you have any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional right away.
- Bone, Joint, and Muscle Pain: While we're using Alendronate to strengthen the bones, it can sometimes cause severe bone, joint, or muscle pain. These symptoms might occur days, months, or even years after beginning the medication.
- Jaw Bone Decay: Alendronate has been linked to a rare condition called Osteonecrosis, specifically of the jaw. Symptoms include severe jaw pain, loosening of the teeth, or slow healing after dental work.
- Unusual Thigh Bone Fractures: Unusual fractures in the thigh bone have been reported in rare cases. Users may feel dull or aching thigh pain weeks to months before a complete fracture occurs.
- Low Calcium Levels: Alendronate might lower calcium levels in your blood, often indicated by spasms, twitches, or cramps in your muscles, or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth.
- Severe Skin Reactions: Rarely, alendronate can cause rash or other severe skin reactions.
Interactions with Alendronate Sodium
Common Drug Interactions
- Aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Calcium supplements
- Antacids
- Certain oral medications
Alternatives to Alendronate Sodium
- Risedronate
- Ibandronate
- Zoledronic acid
- Teriparatide
- Denosumab
- Raloxifene
- Calcitonin
