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Fosamax
Generic Name: Aledronate sodium
Brand Name: Fosamax
Indications
FOSAMAX is indicated for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, Treatment of Paget's disease of bone in men and women
Dosage and Administration
Fosamax is available for oral administration as 10mg, 35mg, 40mg and 70mg tablets.
Normal dosage:
Fosamax must be taken at least one-half hour before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day with plain water only. Fosamax should only be taken upon arising for the day. To facilitate delivery to the stomach and thus reduce the potential for esophageal irritation, a Fosamax tablet should be swallowed with a full glass of water (6-8 oz). To facilitate gastric emptying Fosamax oral solution should be followed by at least 2 oz (a quarter of a cup) of water. Patients should not lie down for at least 30 minutes and until after their first food of the day. Fosamax should not be taken at bedtime or before arising for the day. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of esophageal adverse experiences.
Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: the recommended dosage is one 70 mg tablet once weekly or one 10 mg tablet once daily
Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis: the recommended dosage is one 70 mg tablet once weekly or one 10 mg tablet once daily
Overdose: Symptoms of an overdose include- nausea, heartburn, pain in the abdomen, other stomach-related symptoms, muscle cramps, seizures, irritability, and abnormal behavior.
Drug Description
Fosamax is a bisphosphonate that acts as a specific inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate that bind to the hydroxyapatite found in bone.
Alendronate sodium is chemically described as (4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene) bisphosphonic acid monosodium salt trihydrate.
The empirical formula of alendronate sodium is C4H12NNaO7P2•3H2O and its formula weight is 325.12. The structural formula is:
Side Effects
The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)
- Bloating
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
- Acid regurgitation
- Ulceration of the food pipe (oesophagus)
- Headache
- Pain in joints, muscles or bones (musculoskeletal pain)
- Inflammation of the food pipe (oesophagitis)
- Skin reactions such as rash or itching
- Flushing of the skin due to widening of the small blood vessels (erythema)
- Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
- Low blood calcium level (hypocalcaemia)
- Ulceration, bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestines
- Dark colored, tarry stools, due to the presence of blood altered by the intestinal juices (melaena)
- Inflammation of the front parts of the eye (uveitis)
Precautions
- Do not take a Fosamax tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
Before using Fosamax, tell your doctor if you have:
- low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);
- a vitamin D deficiency;
- kidney disease; or
- an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.
- If you have any of these conditions, you may require a dose adjustment or special tests to take this drug.
- Some people using medicines similar to Fosamax have developed bone loss in the jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms of this condition may include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery involving the gums.
- You may be more likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw if you have cancer or have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other conditions associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and dental surgery or pre-existing dental problems.
- Fosamax belongs to the class of the FDA pregnancy category C and this means that taking this drug during pregnancy may affect the foetus.You are advised to consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Drug Interactions
- Antacids, supplements, or medicines that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or other minerals can interfere with how your body absorbs Fosamax. If you use these other medicines, do not take them for at least 30 minutes after taking a Fosamax tablet.
- Before using Fosamax, tell your doctor if you also use aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.
- There may be other drugs that can affect Fosamax. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.
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