Alendronate is the generic version of a prescription drug marketed under the brand name Fosamax. This medication treats and prevents osteoporosis, which may cause bones to break and fracture more easily.
Doctors prescribe Alendronate to prevent bone loss in men, post-menopausal women and in patients who receive corticosteroid medications such as prednisone. As a result, patients are less likely to fracture a bone.
Bone undergoes a continuous process of breaking down old bone and forming new bone. Fosamax works by binding to the bone and slowing the breaking down process. As a result, bones are more dense and less likely to break.
Take Alendronate orally with a full glass of plain water upon waking and before eating or drinking anything. Fosamax is only effective if taken on an empty stomach. After swallowing the medication, do not lie down for 30 minutes. This medication is taken ONCE per week. Take one tablet of Alendronate on the same day each week.
These may not be all the side effects of Alendronate.
You should not take Alendronate if are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, are allergic to any of its ingredients, have low blood calcium, have certain disorders of the esophagus or have severe kidney disease.
Before taking Fosamax, let your doctor know if you have kidney disease, digestive problems, cancer or poor oral hygiene. Tell your doctor if you are undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or are taking corticosteroids.
Store Alendronate at room temperature, safely away from the reach of children.