Prescription Required
Description
Fosamax is an oral tablet made up of a bisphosphonate drug called alendronate. Fosamax is available as both the brand choice and generic choice! We carry this medication in 5mg, 10mg, and 70mg!
Fosamax is prescribed to adults who either have or risk osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease where the body either loses to much bone, makes too little bone or a combination of the two. Fosamax is often prescribed to woman to treat or prevent osteoporosis after menopause (a condition all woman go through at some point and their child bearing abilities are lost) or to men to treat osteoporosis and increase bone mass after taking steroids. It is used in both men and woman when treating Paget’s disease of bone.
Fosamax (alendronate) is effective in the treatment of osteoporosis due to its ability to alter the bone formation and breakdown in the body, which helps to slow the progress of bone loss and may assist with the prevention of bone fractures.
Directions
Only take this medication the way that your doctor has directed you too. Taking the incorrect dose can lead to unwanted side effects, ineffectiveness, or adverse interactions.
Fosamax should be taken in the morning when you get up, before your first meal of the day. Fosamax is only needed to be taken once a day with a glass of water. Swallow the Fosamax tablet whole; do not crush, chew or suck it.
Stay upright for the next 30 minutes; you may stand, sit, and walk but avoid lying down.
If you take calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water, calcium-enriched juices and food, ensure you are taking Fosamax at least 30 minutes before; ideally wait 1 – 2 hours in between. Taking these substances at the same time as Fosamax may cause absorption of the drug to decrease.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Cautions
If you have problems in your esophagus or low levels of calcium in your blood, avoid using Fosamax. Using this product could cause your condition to worsen.
It is rare however; there have been cases where Fosamax causes bone loss in the jaw or femur fraction (broken leg). Monitor yourself for the signs of bone loss; go to side effects for warning signs.
You need to mention to your doctor if you have trouble swallowing, problems with digestion or other stomach issues, dental problems, kidney disease, or any kind of condition that causes malabsorption (issues absorbing nutrients), in order to determine if Fosamax is safe for you.
It has not been established if alendronate will harm an unborn baby in a pregnant woman nor has it been established if it passes into breast milk. Consult with your doctor about the benefits and risks before proceeding to use this medication if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Fosamax – alendronate may include:
heartburn, upset stomach; stomach pain, nausea; diarrhea, constipation; or headaches; or bone pain, muscle or joint pain.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Fosamax – alendronate may include:
chest pain, new or worsening heartburn; difficulty or pain when swallowing; pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; severe heartburn, burning pain in your upper stomach, or coughing up blood; new or unusual pain in your thigh, hip or groin; jaw pain, numbness, or swelling; severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;
If you have any of the above side effects, stop using this medication and contact your doctor right away.
Signs to watch for:
low calcium levels - muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes).
bone loss in the jaw - jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work.
femur fracture – leg or groin pain
Stop using this medication and call your doctor right away if you have warning signs of low calcium, bone loss, or a femur fracture.
FAQs
What is Fosamax?
Alendronate is used for osteoporosis. It is a treatment that prevents and helps protect against bone loss in adults. Osteoporosis is a disease that develops as you age, and it causes your bones to become thinner and more breakable. As for how does alendronate work? When taken, this medication works to slow down bone loss. Its overall effect helps to maintain strong bones and reduces the risks of any factures. If you still have any questions on what is alendronate used for, you should consult with your doctor. This medication comes in three different strengths which are 5mg, 10mg, and 70mg. And initially it goes by the name Fosamax, but its generic is called Alendronate. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any general inquiries, feel free to call us at 1-877-385-8998.
How to take Fosamax?
This medication is taken orally once a day, usually after getting up for the day and before any intake on food, beverage, or other medications. How to take alendronate; Swallow the pill whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or suck on it. Once taken be sure to stay in an upright position, do not lie down for at least 30 minutes. And it is perhaps best to wait about 30 minutes (1 to 2 hours is preferred) before you eat anything, since this medication works at its best with an empty stomach.
What is the most common side effect of Fosamax?
Generally, a health care professional should tell a patient who is taking alendronate some of the more common side effects to Fosamax, which are listed as follows; Abdominal or stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, irritation or pain of the esophagus, muscle pain, and skin rash. Keep in mind that these are not the only side effects listed for this medication, and if you have any questions or concerns regarding Fosamax, you should speak with your doctor.
How long does it take for Fosamax to work?
It can generally take up to 3 months or longer before this medication takes effect, and before your bone density begins to increase. This medication will help against osteoporosis as long as it is taken on a regular basis.
Why take Fosamax on empty stomach?
By taking any food or beverage before or after taking this drug, you will actually decrease the amount of medication your body can absorb into your system.
What is the generic name for Fosamax?
The generic name for Fosamax is known as Alendronate, which was approved for medical use on February 6th 2008.
Who makes Fosamax?
Fosamax is manufactured by a company known as Merck, and they are an American multinational pharmaceutical company, and also one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.
How much does Fosamax cost?
Fosamax falls in line with Medicare’s Tier 1 formulary. Most of the medications on Tier 1 are inexpensive generics, and Medicare is known to pay for a portion of Tier 1 drugs. However, you may still find a more affordable option on an online Canadian Pharmacy. We have a starting price of $33.00 for 4 pills.
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