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    Alendronate sodium

    Generic Name: Alendronate Tablets (a LEN droe nate)
    Brand Name: Fosamax
    Easy-to-read patient leaflet for Alendronate Tablets. Includes indications, proper use, special instructions, precautions, and possible side effects.

    Average Savings for alendronate sodium (generic): 64.66%
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    Drug Information:
    This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (alendronate tablets). Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (alendronate tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor. Use this medicine (alendronate tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Learn more

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    Alendronate Tablets

    Generic Name: Alendronate Tablets (a LEN droe nate)
    Brand Name: Fosamax
    Uses of Alendronate Tablets:
    • It is used to prevent or treat soft, brittle bones (osteoporosis).
    • It is used to treat Paget's disease.
    • It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

    What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Alendronate Tablets?

    • If you have an allergy to alendronate or any other part of this medicine (alendronate tablets).
    • If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
    • If you have any of these health problems: A swallowing tube (esophagus) that is not normal, low calcium levels, kidney disease, or trouble swallowing.
    • If you are not able to stand or sit up for 30 minutes.

    This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (alendronate tablets).

    Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (alendronate tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

    What are some things I need to know or do while I take Alendronate Tablets?

    • Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (alendronate tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
    • Very bad swallowing tube (esophagus) problems like irritation, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding have happened with this medicine (alendronate tablets). Talk with the doctor.
    • Worsening of asthma has happened in people taking drugs like this one. Talk with the doctor.
    • This medicine may raise the chance of a broken leg. Talk with the doctor.
    • Have a bone density test as you have been told by your doctor. Talk with your doctor.
    • This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D and weight-bearing workouts like walking or PT (physical therapy).
    • Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about.
    • Have a dental exam before starting this medicine (alendronate tablets).
    • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist often.
    • Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
    • If you smoke, talk with your doctor.
    • This medicine is not approved for use in children. However, the doctor may decide the benefits of taking this medicine (alendronate tablets) outweigh the risks. If your child has been given this medicine (alendronate tablets), ask the doctor for information about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions about giving this medicine (alendronate tablets) to your child.
    • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (alendronate tablets) while you are pregnant.
    • Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

    How is this medicine (Alendronate Tablets) best taken?

    Use this medicine (alendronate tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

    • Take on an empty stomach before breakfast.
    • Take at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or drugs of the day.
    • Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine (alendronate tablets).
    • Keep taking this medicine (alendronate tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
    • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
    • Take with a full glass of water.
    • Take with plain water only. Avoid taking with mineral water, milk, or other drinks.
    • Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

    What do I do if I miss a dose?

    • Do not take it later in the day.
    • Take the missed dose on the next morning after you think about it and then go back to your normal time.
    • Do not take 2 doses on the same day.

    What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

    WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

    • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
    • Signs of low calcium levels like muscle cramps or spasms, numbness and tingling, or seizures.
    • Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
    • Chest pain.
    • Coughing up blood.
    • Very bad belly pain.
    • Heartburn.
    • Trouble swallowing.
    • Very bad pain when swallowing.
    • Sore throat.
    • Very upset stomach or throwing up.
    • Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
    • Very bad bone, joint, or muscle pain.
    • Any new or strange groin, hip, or thigh pain.
    • Mouth sores.
    • This medicine may cause jawbone problems. The risk may be higher with longer use, cancer, dental problems, ill-fitting dentures, anemia, blood clotting problems, or infection. It may also be higher if you have dental work, chemo, radiation, or take other drugs that may cause jawbone problems. Many drugs can do this. Talk with your doctor if any of these apply to you, or if you have questions. Call your doctor right away if you have jaw swelling or pain.

    What are some other side effects of Alendronate Tablets?

    All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

    • Belly pain.
    • Upset stomach or throwing up.
    • Headache.
    • Constipation.
    • Diarrhea.
    • Muscle or joint pain.

    These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

    You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

    If OVERDOSE is suspected:

    If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

    How do I store and/or throw out Alendronate Tablets?

    • Store at room temperature.
    • Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
    • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
    • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

    Consumer information use

    • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
    • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
    • Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
    • Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
    • This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this medicine (alendronate tablets) is refilled. If you have any questions about this medicine (alendronate tablets), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
    • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

    Further information

    Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

    Medical Disclaimer

    More about alendronate

    • Side Effects
    • During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
    • Dosage Information
    • Patient Tips
    • Drug Images
    • Drug Interactions
    • Compare Alternatives
    • Support Group
    • Pricing & Coupons
    • En Español
    • 73 Reviews
    • Drug class: bisphosphonates
    • FDA Alerts (3)

    Consumer resources

    • Alendronate
    • Alendronate Effervescent Tablets
    • Alendronate Oral Solution

    Other brands: Fosamax, Binosto

    Professional resources

    • ... +3 more

    Related treatment guides

    • Osteoporosis
    • Prevention of Osteoporosis
    • Aseptic Necrosis
    • Paget's Disease

    Editorial References and Review

    Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/1/2020.

    Source: Drugs.com Alendronate Sodium (www.drugs.com/alendronate.html).

    Alendronate sodium Side Effects

    In Summary

    Commonly reported side effects of alendronate include: decreased serum calcium and decreased serum phosphate. Other side effects include: arthralgia, myalgia, and ostealgia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

    For the Consumer

    Applies to alendronate: oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet effervescent

    Along with its needed effects, alendronate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

    Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking alendronate:

    More common

    • Abdominal or stomach pain

    Less common

    • Difficulty with swallowing
    • heartburn
    • irritation or pain of the esophagus
    • muscle pain

    Rare

    • Skin rash

    Incidence not known

    • Abdominal or stomach cramps
    • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
    • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
    • bone, joint, or muscle pain, severe and occasionally incapacitating
    • chest pain
    • chills
    • confusion
    • convulsions
    • cough
    • diarrhea
    • difficulty with breathing
    • difficulty with moving
    • heartburn
    • heavy jaw feeling
    • hives or welts
    • irregular heartbeats
    • itching
    • joint pain
    • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
    • loosening of a tooth
    • muscle aching or cramping
    • muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
    • numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
    • pain or burning in the throat
    • pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw
    • rapid weight gain
    • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
    • red, irritated eyes
    • redness of the skin
    • shortness of breath
    • sore throat
    • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
    • swollen joints
    • tingling of the hands or feet
    • tremor
    • unusual tiredness or weakness
    • unusual weight gain or loss
    • vomiting

    Some side effects of alendronate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

    Less common

    • Constipation
    • diarrhea
    • full or bloated feeling
    • gas
    • headache
    • nausea

    Incidence not known

    • Blurred vision or other change in vision
    • dizziness or lightheadedness
    • eye pain
    • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
    • general feeling of discomfort or illness
    • hair loss or thinning of the hair
    • sensation of spinning
    • sensitivity of the eye to light
    • tearing

    For Healthcare Professionals

    Applies to alendronate: oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet effervescent

    General

    Generally, this drug has been well tolerated. Adverse effects usually have been mild when patients adhered to prescribing instructions.

    Musculoskeletal

    Very common (10% or more): Bone, muscle or joint pain (sometimes severe)

    Common (1% to 10%): Muscle cramp, joint swelling

    Rare (less than 0.1%): Osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures

    Postmarketing reports: Myalgia, low-energy femoral shaft and subtrochanteric fractures

    Dermatologic

    Common (1% to 10%): Alopecia, pruritus

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, erythema

    Rare (less than 0.1%): Rash with photosensitivity, severe skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis

    Gastrointestinal

    Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, acid regurgitation, nausea, abdominal distension, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, esophageal ulcer, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastric ulcer, esophagitis, esophageal erosions, melena, dysphagia, vomiting

    Rare (less than 0.1%): Esophageal stricture, oropharyngeal ulceration, upper gastrointestinal PUB (perforation, ulcers, bleeding)

    Postmarketing reports: Localized osteonecrosis of the jaw, generally associated with tooth extraction and/or local infection with delayed healing

    Nervous system

    Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia

    Other

    Common (1% to 10%): Vertigo, asthenia, peripheral edema

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Transient symptoms of myalgia, malaise and rarely, typically in association with initiation of treatment

    Ocular

    Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eye inflammation (uveitis, scleritis, episcleritis)

    Metabolic

    Rare (less than 0.1%): Symptomatic hypocalcemia (often in association with predisposing conditions)

    Hypersensitivity

    Rare (less than 0.1%): Urticaria, angioedema

    Respiratory

    Postmarketing reports: Acute asthma exacerbations

    Editorial References and Review

    Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/1/2020.

    Source: Drugs.com Alendronate Sodium (www.drugs.com/alendronate.html).

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