Drug Name: Fosamax (Alendronate)
Drug Uses: Fosamax is indicated for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. For the treatment of osteoporosis, fosamax increases bone mass and reduces the incidence of fractures, including those of the hip and spine. It is also indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis, treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, treatment of glucocorticoid. It is used to treat induced osteoporosis in men and women, receiving glucocorticoids in a daily dosage, equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone, and who have low bone mineral density, treatment of Paget's disease of bone in men and women.
How to use: Fosamax comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach. Fosamax should be taken with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before you eat, drink, or take other medications. Do not take Fosamax with mineral water, coffee, orange juice, milk, or other dairy products. Do not suck or chew the tablet; swallow the tablet whole. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. Standing or sitting upright helps you get the full dose and decreases heartburn or the risk of injury to your esophagus.
Drug Class and Mechanism Alendronate is in a class of medications, used to strengthen bone. Bone is in a constant state of remodeling, whereby old bone is removed by cells, called osteoclasts, and new bone is laid down by cells, called osteoblasts. Alendronate inhibits bone removal by the osteoclasts.
Missed Dose If you take Fosamax every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose the following day. Missing one dose will not affect your treatment. Do not take two tablets at the same time. If you take a Fosamax once a week and you miss a dose, take the missed dose on the morning after you remember. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Return to taking one tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on your chosen day.
Storage Store in a well-closed container at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).
