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Patient Information for Generic Fosamax
Alendronate (a-LEN-droe-nate)
Generic Fosamax prevents or treats osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) in women after menopause and treats osteoporosis in men. Generic Fosamax is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone and osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid treatment.
Brand Name(s):Fosamax There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When Generic Fosamax Should Not Be Used: You should not use Generic Fosamax if you have had an allergic reaction to alendronate, or if you have esophagus (the tube that runs from your throat to your stomach) problems, trouble swallowing, low calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or if you cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes. How to UseGeneric Fosamax : Your doctor will tell you how much Generic Fosamax to use and how often. Do not use more Generic Fosamax or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. If any of this medicine stays in your esophagus, it may cause serious damage. To lower the risk of this problem, use Generic Fosamax exactly as directed by your doctor. Take Generic Fosamax as soon as you get out of bed in the morning, before you eat or have anything to drink. Do not take the medicine while you are still in bed, and do not take it at bedtime. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water only (not mineral water, coffee, juice, or any other liquid). Do not chew or suck on the tablet. If you use the oral liquid, drink at least 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of only plain water after you take the medicine. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Wait at least 30 minutes after you take Generic Fosamax before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicines. This will help your body absorb the Generic Fosamax. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Generic Fosamax, and do not lie down until after you have eaten some food. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about diet and exercise. It is especially important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Your doctor may also recommend weight-bearing exercises or diet changes to further decrease your risk of osteoporosis. If a dose is missed: Generic Fosamax is usually taken one time per week. If you miss your regularly scheduled dose or you forget to take your medicine, wait until the next morning to take it. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. You should never take two tablets in one day.
Storage and Disposal of Generic Fosamax: Store Generic Fosamax in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone. Drugs and Foods to Avoid: Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the- counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using aspirin or products that contain aspirin, or any type of pain or arthritis medicine (such as Advil®, Aleve®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, Voltaren®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking chemotherapy, radiation, or corticosteroids (such as prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, Decadron®, or Medrol®). Wait at least 30 minutes after you take Generic Fosamax before taking any calcium supplements and antacids. Do not drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. Both alcohol and smoking can make your bone problems worse.
Warnings While Using Generic Fosamax: Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have chronic heartburn, ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems, or any other kind of digestive problems. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Generic Fosamax, especially if you are having dental surgery. Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, anemia, blood clotting problems, cancer, infection of any kind, any type of vitamin or mineral deficiency or imbalance, poor oral hygiene, dental problems, or if you have recently had tooth extraction or dental surgery. This medicine can irritate your esophagus. If you think this medicine has started to damage your esophagus, stop taking the medicine and call your doctor. Symptoms to watch for include heartburn (either new or worse than usual), pain when swallowing, pain in the center of your chest, trouble swallowing, or feeling that food gets stuck on the way to your stomach.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine: Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects: Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing; bloody, black, or tarry stools; chest pain, discomfort, or burning; heavy jaw feeling; loosening of a tooth; pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw; severe stomach pain or enlarged abdomen (stomach); trouble swallowing or pain when swallowing. If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor: Bone, muscle, or joint pain; headache; mild stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, or gas.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
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