08/29/2007

Alendronate Information

 

ALENDRONATE

 

Generic Name: alendronate (a LEN dro nayt)
Brand Names: fasomax


What is the most important information I should know about alendronate?
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• Do not take an alendronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. alendronate
can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that
connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at
least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
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• Take
the alendronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes
before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
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• Take
each dose with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain
water (not mineral water) when taking an alendronate tablet.
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• For
at least the first 30 minutes after taking an alendronate tablet, do
not lie down or recline; do not eat or drink anything other than plain
water; and do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium,
or antacids.
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• Some
people using medicines similar to alendronate have developed bone loss
in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this
condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum
infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.
You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have
cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids.
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Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood
clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre-existing
dental problem.
• Alendronate
is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include
diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements.
Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.


What is alendronate?

• alendronate is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts).
alendronate, alendroneit, alandronate -
It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Alendronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures.
• Alendronate is used to treat or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and steroid-induced osteoporosis
for alendronate, alendroneit, alandronate
. Alendronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone.
• Alendronate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alendronate?

• Do
not take an alendronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for
at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the
stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach).
You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this
medication.
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• Before using alendronate, tell your doctor if you have:
     Â· low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);
     Â· a vitamin D deficiency;
     Â· kidney disease; or
fosamax and acid-alendronate for the alendronate      Â· an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.
• If
you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
alendronate, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests
during treatment.
alendronate, alendroneit, alandronate
• Some
people using medicines similar to alendronate have developed bone loss
in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this
condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum
infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.
• You
may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have
cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids.
Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood
clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and dental surgery or
pre-existing dental problems.
• FDA
pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby
and should not be used by a woman who is pregnant. Tell your doctor if
you become pregnant during treatment.
• It
is not known whether alendronate passes into breast milk or if it could
harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.


How should I take alendronate?

• Take
alendronate exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the
medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your
doctor.
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• Alendronate tablets are taken either once each day or once each week.
• Take
the alendronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes
before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. If you
take an alendronate tablet only once a week, take it on the same day
each week and always first thing in the morning.
• Take each alendronate tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water
with alendronate, alendroneit, alandronate
. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking an alendronate tablet.
• Do not crush, chew, or suck the alendronate tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
• After taking an alendronate tablet, carefully follow these instructions:
     Â· Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate.
     Â· Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water.
     Â· Do
not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids
for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. It may be best to
take your other medicines at a different time of the day. Talk with
your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines.
• To
be sure this medication is helping your condition, your bone mineral
density will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that
you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
• Alendronate
is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include
diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements.
Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
• Store alendronate tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.


What happens if I miss a dose?

• If you take alendronate tablets once daily: If you forget to take this medicine first thing in the morning
to alendronate, alendroneit, alandronate
, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take take two (2) tablets in one day.
• If you take alendronate tablets once a week:
If you forget to take alendronate on your scheduled day, take it first
thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose.
Then return to your regular weekly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take take two (2) tablets in one day.


alendronate, alendroneit, alandronate

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek
emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine. Drink a full glass of milk and call your local poison control
left or emergency room right away. Do not make yourself vomit and do
not lie down.
• Symptoms
of an alendronate overdose may include nausea, heartburn, stomach pain,
diarrhea, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in your
face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or
behavior.


What should I avoid while taking fasomax?

• Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking an fasomax tablet.
• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you take an alendronate tablet.


What are the possible side effects of fasomax?

•
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using alendronate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
     Â· chest pain;
     Â· difficulty or pain when swallowing;
     Â·
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pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;
     Â· new or worsening heartburn;
     Â· severe joint, bone, or muscle pain; or
     Â·
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jaw pain, numbness, or swelling.
• Continue using alendronate and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
     Â·
alendronate, alendroneit, alandronate
mild heartburn or stomach upset;
     Â· diarrhea, gas, or constipation;
     Â· mild joint or back pain; or
     Â· headache.
• Side effects of fosamax
other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


What other drugs will affect alendronate?
All alendronate, alendroneit, alandronate

• Antacids,
supplements, or medicines that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or
other minerals can interfere with how your body absorbs fasomax. If you use these other medicines, do not that take them for at least 30 minutes after taking an alendronate tablet.
•
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Before
using alendronate, tell your doctor if you also use aspirin or other
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as celecoxib
(Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), ibuprofen
(Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac
(Toradol), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.
•
alendronate, alendroneit, alandronate
There may be other drugs that can affect fosamax (alendronate).
Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter
medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products,
and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new
medication without telling your doctor.


Where can I get more information?
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• Your pharmacist has more information about alendronate written for health professionals that you may read.

alendronate, alendroneit, alandronate
• Remember,
keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never
share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the
indication prescribed.
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•
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