Drug Uses
Fosamax is indicated for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in
postmenopausal women. For the treatment of osteoporosis, Fosamax increases
bone mass and reduces the incidence of fractures, including those of the hip
and spine. It is also indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis, treatment
to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, treatment of glucocorticoid.
It is used to treat induced osteoporosis in men and women receiving
glucocorticoids in a daily dosage equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of
prednisone and who have low bone mineral density, treatment of Paget\'s
disease of bone in men and women.
How Taken
Fosamax comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken once a day
in the morning on an empty stomach. Fosamax should be taken with a full glass
(6-8 ounces) of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax
before you eat, drink, or take other medications. Do not take Fosamax with
mineral water, coffee, orange juice, milk, or other dairy products. Do not
suck or chew the tablet; swallow the tablet whole. Do not lie down for at
least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. Standing or sitting upright helps you
get the full dose and decreases heartburn or the risk of injury to your
esophagus.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Fosamax, tell your doctor if you have a problem swallowing,
such as a narrowing of the esophagus; have esophageal ulcers or an esophageal
disease; have a condition that causes low levels of calcium in the body; have
kidney disease; have stomach ulcers or other stomach or digestive problems; or
are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes. You may not be
able to take Fosamax, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Fosamax is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether Fosamax will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Fosamax without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment. It is not known whether Fosamax passes into breast milk. Do
not take Fosamax without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
If you take Fosamax every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and take
the next regularly scheduled dose the following day. Missing one dose will not
affect your treatment. Do not take two tablets at the same time. If you take a
Fosamax once a week and you miss a dose, take the missed dose on the morning
after you remember. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Return to taking
one tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on your chosen day.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking Fosamax if you experience any of the following serious side
effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); Seek emergency or talk to
your doctor if you have difficulty or pain when swallowing; chest pain; pain
or burning under the ribs or in the back; or new or worsening heartburn.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Fosamax and talk to your doctor if you experience abdominal discomfort;
stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; headache; muscle,
bone, or joint soreness or aches; eye pain; a rash; or an altered sense of
taste. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
Storage
Store in a well-closed container at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).
Overdose
Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and upper gastrointestinal adverse events,
such as upset stomach, heartburn, esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcer, may result
from oral over dosage. If you do think that an overdose has occurred, call an
emergency room or poison control center.
More Information
Follow you doctor\'s recommendations about drinking alcohol and smoking.
These activities are related to decreased bone density. Antacids and other
medicines taken by mouth may decrease the effects of Fosamax. Do not take any
other medicines within 30 minutes after a dose of Fosamax. Talk to your doctor
before taking any other medicines during treatment with Fosamax.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not
intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions,
precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general
information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be
construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We
disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this
information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information,
including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such
damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is
made in regards to this information
