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Fosamax
Fosamax®
Important
Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the
expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
How to use
Follow the directions on the prescription label. Some patients take fosamax
every day. Other patients may only take a dose of fosamax once a week. If
you take fosamax only once a week, take the medicine on the same day every
week.
Take fosamax tablets by mouth in the morning, after you have risen for the
day. Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6-8 fluid ounces) of plain water
first thing in the morning. Do not take the tablets with any other type of
liquid except plain water. Do not take with orange juice, coffee or other
fluids as these may decrease the absorption of fosamax. Do not chew or suck
on the tablets; this may cause mouth ulcers (sores). Do not eat or drink
anything before you take your tablets and do not eat breakfast, drink, or
take any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking fosamax. If
you can wait for 2 hours before eating, your body will absorb even more of
the medicine. After taking this medicine, remain sitting or standing upright
(do not lie down) for at least 30 minutes to avoid irritation of your throat
and esophagus (tube connecting mouth to stomach). Do not take this medicine
at the same time as antacids, calcium, magnesium or iron supplements, or
vitamins with minerals; if you take these medications, take them later in
the day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of
this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Side effects
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care
professional as soon as possible:
More common: stomach pain; heartburn; pain or difficulty swallowing.
Rare or uncommon: black or tarry stools; skin rash, itching (hives);
swelling of the lips, arms, legs, face, tongue, or throat; vomiting;
allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your
prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea or constipation; headache; stomach gas or fullness; nausea; changes
in taste; bone, muscle or joint pain; rash, which may be made worse by
prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Precautions
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your
progress. If you have Paget's disease it may be some time before you see the
benefit from fosamax. Do not stop taking fosamax except on your prescriber's
advice. Low blood levels of phosphorus and calcium can occur but usually do
not cause serious problems. Your prescriber or health care professional may
order regular blood tests to check for these problems.
It is very important to take fosamax with a full glass of water (6-8
ounces). Do not take with orange juice, coffee or other fluids as these may
decrease the absorption of fosamax. Do not take fosamax with food. Wait at
least 30 minutes or longer after taking fosamax before you eat, drink or
take other medicines.
Because fosamax may irritate your throat, remain sitting or standing upright
for at least 30 minutes after taking fosamax; do not lie down.
If you begin to have pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, heartburn
or stomach pain, call your prescriber or health care professional right
away.
You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while
you are taking fosamax, unless directed otherwise by your health care
provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or
nutritionist.
If you get bone pain, or a worsening of bone pain, check with your doctor.
However, many patients have improvement in their bone pain during and after
treatment with fosamax.
If you are taking an antacid, a mineral supplement like calcium or iron, or
a vitamin with minerals, make sure that you wait at least 30 minutes, and
preferably 2 hours before or after taking fosamax. Do not take them at same
time.
Limit your time in sunlight or other UV exposure, such as tanning beds,
while taking alendronate. Fosamax may cause a rash that is worsened by
exposure to the sun.
Drug interactions
Aluminum hydroxide; antacids; anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen,
naproxen, and others; aspirin; calcium supplements; iron supplements;
magnesium supplements; vitamins with minerals.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines
you are taking including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your
prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks
with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These
can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care
professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Notes
Prescriber needs to know if you have any of these conditions: kidney
disease; low level of blood calcium; stomach, intestinal, or esophageal
problems, like acid-reflux or GERD; problems swallowing; vitamin D
deficiency; an unusual or allergic reaction to alendronate, other medicines,
foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant;
breast-feeding.
Missed
dose
If you take a daily dose of fosamax: If you miss a dose, do not take it
later in the day. Continue your normal schedule starting the next morning,
before you have eaten. Do not take double or extra doses.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot
open.
Store at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Throw
away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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