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Alendronate

Generic Name: Alendronate [a-LEN-dro-nate]
Brand Names: Binosto, Fosamax
Dosage Formats: Oral solution (70 mg/75 milliliters) oral tablet (10 mg, 35 mg, 5 mg, and 70 mg) or oral tablet infusible (70 mg).
Drug Class: Bisphosphonates

What is Alendronate?

Alendronate is a treatment for osteoporosis due to menopause, steroid use, or gonadal dysfunction. Alendronate can be used when you have a high chance of bone fractures because of osteoporosis.Alendronate can also be utilized for treating the disease of

the bone.

Alendronate is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.

Side Effects Of Alendronate

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, wheezing, difficulties breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or face,

Alendronate may cause serious side effects. Stop taking alendronate and contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:

  • Chest pain chest pain, whether new or getting worse; the symptoms of heartburn;

  • Difficulties or pain while swallowing;

  • Burning or pain under your ribs or on the lower back

  • Intense heartburn, a burning sensation in your stomach's upper part, or coughing up blood

  • A new or uncharacteristic pain is felt in your hip or thigh.

  • Numbness, pain, or swelling in the jaw

  • Extreme joint, bone, or muscle discomfort severe joint, bone, or muscle pain.

  • Low levels of calcium—muscle spasms or contractions, numbness, or sensation (around your mouth or on your toes and fingers).

Common adverse effects of alendronate could include:

  • Heartburn, upset stomach;

  • Stomach pain, nausea;

  • Diarrhea, constipation

  • Muscle and joint discomfort.

The side effects are not all listed here in their entirety. There can be further side effects. Seek medical advice from your doctor about any side effects.You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

It is not recommended to take alendronate when you are having issues with your esophagus or have low concentrations of calcium in your blood.

Don't take alendronate when you are unable to stand or sit for at least 30 minutes following the dose.

Alendronate may cause serious issues within the stomach or in the esophagus. Stop taking alendronate and consult your physician immediately if you experience chest discomfort, new or worsening symptoms of heartburn, or discomfort when swallowing.

Consult your physician for any muscle spasms, numbness, or the sensation of tingling (in your feet, hands, or around your mouth), new abnormal hip pain, or if you feel severe discomfort in your joints, muscles, bones, or joints.

Before You Take This Drug

It is not recommended to take alendronate if you have an allergy to alendronate or suffer from:

  • Low levels of calcium within your blood (hypocalcemia) as well as

  • Muscle problems in your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach).

Don't take any alendronate when you are unable to stand or sit for at least 30 minutes.Alendronate may result in severe issues with the esophagus or stomach.It is important to remain in a straight position for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate.

Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Digestive issues or digestion

  • Hypocalcemia;

  • A dental issue (you might need to undergo an exam for dental problems before beginning to take alendronate);

  • Kidney disease 

  • Any medical condition that makes it difficult for your body to take in the nutrients in foods (malabsorption).

The tablet that is effervescent has a significant amount of sodium. Consult your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet prior to using this type of alendronate.

This medicine can cause jaw bone issues (osteonecrosis). The highest risk is in those suffering from cancer blood cell issues, pre-existing dental conditions, or those who are treated with steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation. Talk to your doctor about the risk you are taking.

It is unclear if this medication will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Stop taking the medication and inform your doctor right away if you are pregnant.It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about any potential risks.

How to Take Alendronate?

Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Follow the medication precisely as directed.

Alendronate can be taken every day or at least once per week. Follow the doctor's dosage instructions extremely carefully.

Use alendronate first thing in the morning for at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink anything, or consume any other medications. If you only take alendronate once a week, you should take it every day of the week and at the same time at the beginning of your day.Consume with a glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water. Do not drink soda, tea, coffee juice, or mineral water. Don't eat or consume anything other than plain water.

Take care when measuring liquid medicines. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or use a dosage-monitoring device (not an ordinary spoon).Don't crush, chew, or suck the alendronate normal tablet. Swallow it whole.

Dissolve the tablet with a minimum of 4 ounces of water (at room temperature, which is not boiling hot or

frigid

). The tablet should dissolve in five minutes. Mix the mix for about 10 seconds, then take it all immediately.

Add

some water to the glass, stir slowly, and then drink immediately.

At least 30 minutes following the time taken to take alendronate:

  • Do not recline or lay down.

  • Avoid taking any additional medication that contains vitamins as well as calcium or antacids.

Be particular about your dental hygiene when you take alendronate. Cleanse and brush your teeth on a regular basis. If you are going to need any dental procedure (especially surgery), be sure to inform your dentist in advance that you're using alendronate.

Alendronate is a small part of a full program of treatment that could include diet modifications and exercises, as well as bone mineral density testing and taking vitamin and calcium supplements. Follow your doctor's advice precisely.Keep them at room temperature and free of heat and moisture. Store any tablets that are not used inside the blister foil packs.

The doctor you consult will decide how long you'll be treated with this medication. Alendronate is usually prescribed for just 3 to 5 years.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Dosing every day, once per day Dosing once a day: If you don't remember to take alendronate in the first hour of the morning, don't do your dose later during the daytime. You should wait until the next morning and skip the dose you missed. Don't take more than two (2) doses in a single day.

Dosing once a week If you don't remember to take alendronate on your scheduled day, you should take it early in the morning when you are able to remember the dose that you skipped. You can then return to your normal weekly schedule on your selected dosage day. Don't take two doses on the same day.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Take a glass of milk and seek medical attention. You can also call the poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Do not force yourself to throw up, and don't lie down.

What Should be Avoided?

Do not take any other medications for a minimum of 30 minutes following the use of alendronate. This includes calcium, vitamins, and antacids. Certain medications can cause the body to absorb alendronate.

Do not smoke or try to stop. Smoking reduces the calcium mineral count, which makes fractures more likely.

Do not consume large quantities of alcohol. Alcohol consumption can also lead to bone loss.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Inform your doctor about all other medicines you take, including:

  • Aspirin 

  • The NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve); celecoxib; diclofenac; indomethacin; meloxicam; and many more.This list isn't comprehensive. Other medications can affect alendronate. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins, as well as herbs. There are many possible interactions between drugs. are included here.

 

DRUG STATUS

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Prescription only

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