INDICATIONS
Fosamax is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown within the body. Fosamax slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which can prevent bone fractures.
INSTRUCTIONS
Take Fosamax exactly as prescribed from your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for more than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Fosamax tablets are taken either once daily or once each week.
Take the Fosamax tablet very first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you decide to eat or drink anything or take some other medicine. If you're taking a Fosamax tablet just once every week, go on it on the same day every week and constantly right off the bat each day.
Take each Fosamax tablet having a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when having a tablet. Do not crush, chew, or suck the Fosamax tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
After choosing a Fosamax tablet, carefully follow these instructions:
Do not lay down or recline for no less than half an hour after taking Fosamax.
Do not eat or drink anything besides plain water.
Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for a minimum of half an hour after taking Fosamax. It may be best to look at your other medicines with a different period of the afternoon. Talk with your medical professional concerning the best dosing agenda for your other medicines.
To make certain Fosamax helps your trouble, your bone mineral density will have to be tested frequently. Visit a medical expert regularly.
If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist beforehand you are by using this medicine. You may need to stop while using the medicine to get a short period of time.
Fosamax is section of an entire program of treatment that may have diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and use routines very closely.
If you take Fosamax tablets once daily: If you forget to adopt this medicine first thing each day, do not take it later in your day. Wait until the subsequent morning to look at the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.
If you adopt Fosamax tablets once weekly: If you forget to take Fosamax on your own scheduled day, go on it right off the bat each day on the afternoon as soon as you remember the missed dose. Then go back to your regular weekly schedule in your chosen dose day. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.
DOSAGE
Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
The recommended dosage is:
one 70 mg tablet once weekly
one bottle of 70 mg oral solution once weekly
one 10 mg tablet once daily
Prevention of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
The recommended dosage is:
one 35 mg tablet once weekly
one 5 mg tablet once daily
Treatment to Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis
The recommended dosage is:
one 70 mg tablet once weekly
one bottle of 70 mg oral solution once weekly
one 10 mg tablet once daily
Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
The recommended dosage is one 5 mg tablet once daily, with the exception of postmenopausal women failing to get estrogen, for whom the recommended dosage is one 10 mg tablet once daily.
Treatment of Paget's Disease of Bone
The recommended treatment regimen is 40 mg once a day for six months.
STORAGE
Store at room temperature far from moisture and warmth.
Get emergency medical help for those who have any of these signs of a hypersensitivity to Fosamax: hives; breathlessness; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Fosamax and call your medical professional simultaneously when you have these serious unwanted side effects:
Less serious Fosamax negative effects might include:
This is not a total list of unwanted side effects and others may occur. Call your medical professional for medical health advice about unwanted side effects.
Do not take a Fosamax tablet if you cannot sit upright or are a symbol of at least a half-hour. Fosamax could cause serious problems inside the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for a minimum of 30 minutes after using this medication.
You must not take Fosamax if you're allergic to alendronate, or if you have 'abnormal' amounts of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or perhaps a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.
To ensure you can safely take Fosamax, tell your medical professional if you have any of these other concerns:
Some people using medicines much like Fosamax have developed bone loss inside jaw, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Symptoms can sometimes include jaw pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, or slow healing after injury or surgery relating to the gums.
You may be prone to develop osteonecrosis with the jaw if you have cancer or happen to be given 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.
Talk with your medical professional concerning the risks and benefits of using Fosamax.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Fosamax will harm an baby. Tell your medical professional if you're pregnant or want to conceive while applying this medication. It is not known whether alendronate passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Fosamax without telling a medical expert if you are breast-feeding your baby.
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