Alendronate for osteoporosis
Most people assume that bones can only break under extreme conditions. Bones are actually comprised of living tissue that is constantly replaced by new, stronger tissue. If the regeneration cycle is altered, your body will remove more tissue than it creates. This is known as osteoporosis.
There are no symptoms for osteoporosis. You can’t feel your bones weakening, so osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed until you actually break a bone.
Alendronate
Alendronate (brand name – FOSAMAX) is a bisphosphonate that reduces the activity of the cells that create bone loss. By decreasing the rate at which bone tissue is lost, patients see an increase in the amount of bone tissue.
Side Effects
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you should not take Alendronate:
- certain disorders of the esophagus
- unable to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes
- severe kidney disease
- low blood calcium
** If you have difficultly swallowing liquids you should not take the liquid Alendronate solution.
If any of the following symptoms develop or worsen, you should stop taking Alendronate and call your doctor immediately:
- heartburn
- difficult or painful swallowing
- chest pain
- severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
