Drug Information
What is Fosamax used for?
This medicine is used treat adults with Paget's disease of the bone and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and is prescribed for both men and women who have developed a form of osteoporosis sometimes caused by steroid medications such as prednisone.
When should Fosamax not be taken?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to any ingredient of this medicine (bisphosphonates) you have low calcium blood levels you have active stomach problems (eg, esophagitis, gastritis, ulcers) you have renal insufficiency you have a difficulty swallowing or inability to stand/sit upright for at least 30 minutes
What precautions should I follow when taking Fosamax?
Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical conditions
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Fosamax?
This medicine is not recommended for women on hormone replacement therapy, or for women with kidney problems. This medicine may cause problems in your esophagus such as inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, and in rare cases, blockage or perforation.
What are the side effects of Fosamax?
Most severe: Abdominal pain, bone and joint pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, muscle pain, nausea
Most common: Abdominal distention, acid backup, difficulty in swallowing, esophageal ulcers, gas, headache, stomach ulcers, vomiting
Other: Changes in taste, esophageal blockage or perforation, eye pain, hives, inflammation of the stomach, mouth sores, muscle cramps, rash, skin redness, swollen face and throat.
How should I take Fosamax?
Follow the patient instructions provided with the medicine exactly. How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your health care provider. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. Patients with previous conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medication. Take each tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass of water (6 to 8 oz), at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage or medication of the day. Taking this medicine with orange juice or coffee can decrease its effectiveness. Do not chew or suck on the tablet. After taking this medicine, remain upright (sitting/standing) for 30 minutes. Do not lie down until after eating. Do not take at bedtime. Do not take at the same time as other medicines (including aspirin), antacids or calcium supplements. Wait at least one-half hour before taking any other drug. If a dose is missed, do not take it later in the day. The next day, continue your usual schedule of 1 tablet once a day. Continue use of this medicine. Contact your health care provider if any throat or swallowing problems occur. Do not change the dose or discontinue taking this medication unless advised to do so by your health care provider. May cause stomach upset, nausea or diarrhea. Patients should maintain adequate nutrition, particularly an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. Supplemental calcium and vitamin D may be required. Avoid cigarette smoking and alcohol, which deplete calcium from bones. Consider weight-bearing exercises to increase to increase the calcium density of bones. Lab tests may be required to monitor treatment. Keep appointments.
How should Fosamax be stored?
Store at room temperature 59 to 86 degrees F, in a tightly sealed container.
General Information:
If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider.
