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| Pronunciation |
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 (a LEN droe
nate) |
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| Brand Names |
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; Fosamax® |
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| Therapeutic Categories |
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Bisphosphonate Derivative |
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| Reasons not to take this medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to other bisphosphonates, alendronate, or any
other part of the medicine.
- If you have low calcium levels in your blood, abnormal esophagus
(swallowing tube), trouble swallowing.
- If you are unable to stand or sit up for half an
hour.
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| What is this medicine used for? |
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- This medicine is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (brittle
bones) in postmenopausal women.
- It is used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
- It is also used to treat osteoporosis caused by taking steroids on a
long-term basis, and in Paget's
disease.
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| How does it work? |
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- Alendronate reduces normal and abnormal bone
destruction.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take first thing in the morning.
- Take with a full glass of plain water at least 30 minutes before the
first food, drink, or medicine of the day.
- Do not drink coffee or orange juice for at least 30 minutes after
taking this medicine. These decrease the amount of medicine getting into your
system. If possible, take 2 hours before the first meal of the day, but this
cannot always be done.
- Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine.
This will prevent irritation of the esophagus.
- Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush. May irritate the
lining of the mouth.
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| What do I do if I miss a dose? |
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- Skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when taking this
medicine? |
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- Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and cigarette
smoking. Can worsen bone breakdown.
- This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements
(if dietary intake is poor), weight-bearing exercises like walking, or physical
therapy. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Use caution if you have stomach, intestine, or esophageal disease.
Talk with healthcare provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects of this
medicine? |
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- Low calcium or phosphate levels in the blood.
- Belly pain and cramps.
- Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy,
or chewing gum may help.
- Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing
diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
- Diarrhea.
- Muscle or bone pain.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Test to look at the bones before and during treatment.
- Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare
provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Heartburn, belly pain or burning, nausea.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this medicine? |
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- Store in a tight container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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