Fosamax® Tablets for Osteoporosis

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in adults. It slows bone loss and supports stronger bones over time. This guide explains dosing, safety, and what to discuss with your prescriber. It also outlines US delivery from Canada and options if you pay without insurance.

What Fosamax Is and How It Works

Fosamax® contains alendronate, a bisphosphonate that targets overactive bone breakdown. It binds to bone surfaces and reduces osteoclast activity. As resorption decreases, bone remodeling can rebalance. The result may be increased bone mineral density at the hip and spine when used as directed. One common presentation is alendronate sodium 70 mg for once-weekly therapy in adults with osteoporosis.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This medicine is not a hormone. It does not replace calcium or vitamin D. Your clinician may recommend adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to support therapy. Consider a dental checkup before starting, especially if you have major dental work planned.

If you also manage conditions that affect bone health, review them with your healthcare professional. For background on related conditions, see our articles on Thyroid Disease and Lower Back Pain.

Who It’s For

This treatment is used in adults to treat or prevent osteoporosis, including postmenopausal osteoporosis and glucocorticoid-induced bone loss. It is also used to treat Paget’s disease of bone. Explore related conditions here: Osteoporosis and Pagets Disease.

People who should avoid it include those with esophageal abnormalities that delay emptying, inability to sit or stand upright for 30 minutes, low blood calcium until corrected, or severe kidney problems. Tell your prescriber about swallowing difficulties, reflux, dental concerns, or plans for invasive dental procedures.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the directions on your prescription label. Typical osteoporosis regimens include a weekly tablet taken first thing in the morning. Some patients may use a daily tablet when prescribed for other indications. Label directions emphasize proper timing and posture to reduce stomach and esophagus irritation.

Take the tablet with a full glass of plain water only. Swallow whole right after getting out of bed. Do not chew or suck the tablet. After taking it, wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medicines. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes. These steps help the treatment reach your stomach quickly and reduce irritation risk.

Weekly regimens often align with a set day to help adherence. Ask your clinician if your plan involves alendronate sodium 70 mg once weekly or a different schedule. If instructions differ from the above, follow the label you received. Do not double up after a missed dose unless the label specifically instructs you to do so.

Strengths and Forms

Tablets are commonly available in multiple strengths for various approved indications. Adult osteoporosis therapy often uses a weekly tablet. Other strengths support daily dosing or short-course therapy for certain bone conditions. Availability can vary by manufacturer and market.

Some countries list daily options and a higher weekly dose tablet for convenience. Check your exact product strength on your package and prescription label. The weekly tablet, including alendronate sodium 70 mg tablets, is widely used and recognizable, but your prescribed strength may differ.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a weekly dose, take one tablet the morning you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled day. Do not take two doses on the same day. Resume your regular schedule on your usual day. If you miss a daily dose, skip it and continue the next morning. These are general label principles. When uncertain, follow your product’s Patient Information or ask a pharmacist.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place. Keep the bottle closed tightly, away from humidity and direct heat. Protect from moisture in bathrooms. Keep out of reach of children and pets. For travel, carry your medicine in original packaging with your prescription label. Bring enough tablets for the trip plus a small buffer in case of delays. A copy of your prescription can help with security checks and refills while away.

When flying, use a carry-on bag to avoid lost luggage. Pack an extra glass of water if allowed, or plan access to plain water when you take your dose. Avoid taking the tablet at bedtime or before rising for the day, as this increases the chance of throat irritation.

Benefits

This therapy helps reduce bone breakdown and maintain bone mass. It can support improved bone mineral density when taken correctly, along with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. A weekly tablet schedule may be convenient for many adults, making adherence easier than daily dosing. Fracture risk at the hip and spine may be reduced in indicated populations according to approved labeling.

Side Effects and Safety

• Stomach upset or abdominal pain
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Constipation, diarrhea, or gas
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle, bone, or joint pain
• Headache or dizziness

Serious effects are uncommon but can include esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, or severe chest pain with swallowing. Rare risks include osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures, especially with long-term use. Low blood calcium can occur, particularly if vitamin D is insufficient. Stop the medicine and seek care for chest pain, trouble swallowing, new jaw pain, new or unusual thigh or groin pain, or signs of an allergic reaction.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Mineral supplements and antacids can block absorption if taken too close to the dose. Take calcium, magnesium, iron, and antacids later in the day. NSAIDs may increase stomach irritation when used together. Prednisone and other glucocorticoids can affect bone health; review long-term plans with your prescriber. For reference, see Prednisone. Thyroid and parathyroid conditions may influence bone turnover; learn more in our overview of Endocrine Thyroid.

Tell your clinician about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use. Let your dentist know you take a bisphosphonate before invasive dental work. A prescription is required and verified before dispensing.

What to Expect Over Time

Bone health changes slowly. Many people use this therapy for months or years under clinician guidance. You may not feel different day to day, which makes routine and reminders helpful. Keeping a consistent weekly schedule, pairing it with a morning habit, and using a pill organizer can support adherence. Your prescriber may monitor bone density periodically and reassess whether to continue, pause, or switch treatment based on overall risk.

Good bone health also involves lifestyle choices. Adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and fall prevention strategies are common parts of a complete plan. If you use medicines that affect stomach lining or bone metabolism, your prescriber may coordinate timing and supportive measures.

Compare With Alternatives

Other options for bone health include oral and injectable therapies. Risedronate is an oral bisphosphonate used on weekly or monthly schedules; see Risedronate for details. Denosumab is an injection given at long intervals under clinician supervision; review Prolia. An anabolic option for selected patients is romosozumab (Evenity), which is administered by a professional. Your prescriber can help decide which class best suits your risk profile and preferences.

Pricing and Access

Canadian-sourced medicines can offer value compared with some local options. Check the current alendronate sodium 70 mg price on this page to review available pack sizes. We list clear pricing and show what is in stock. For occasional offers, visit our Promotions page. We provide transparent checkout and confirmations for your order. Ships from Canada to US with tracking on eligible orders.

If you have coverage, your plan may set your out-of-pocket amount. If you self-pay, consider multi-month fills to reduce refill fees and time.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and package size. If your exact tablet is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a therapeutically equivalent alternative within the same class. For questions about generic labeling and equivalence, ask our pharmacy team. You can also review alendronate sodium 70 mg online availability details on this page before sending your prescription.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates can sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes after dosing and can follow the morning dosing routine. People with uncontrolled reflux or swallowing problems may need a different therapy. Those with very low calcium should correct that before starting. Severe kidney impairment is a common reason to avoid this medicine. Your prescriber will consider your fracture risk, kidney function, and other factors before choosing a plan.

To manage costs, ask about 90-day supplies when appropriate, which may reduce per-fill fees. Set calendar reminders for weekly dosing and refill dates. Keep your prescription and contact details up to date to avoid delays. If your prescriber adjusts therapy, use remaining tablets only if they match the new directions.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Best time and day: How should I schedule my weekly dose?
• Calcium and vitamin D: What daily amounts are right for me?
• Dental planning: Should I see a dentist before starting therapy?
• Duration: How long might I stay on this class of medicine?
• Monitoring: When will you recheck my bone density?
• Interactions: Which supplements or medicines should I separate from this dose?
• Alternatives: If I cannot tolerate this, what are the next options?

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed: Alendronate Tablets

Merck: Fosamax Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready when you are. Place your prescription and we’ll arrange prompt US shipping from Canada with temperature-controlled handling when required, so you can focus on your plan. Your healthcare professional decides if this therapy is appropriate for you.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and your product’s Patient Information.