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 with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking before you eat, drink, or take other medications. Do not take 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. 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, 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 this medication, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
This medication is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether this drug will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take it without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether it passes into breast milk. Do not take without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
If you take this medication 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 this medication 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 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 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.
