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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Alendronate is used to prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (change of life). Alendronate is also used to treat osteoporosis in men and women who have developed the disease due to natural causes or because they took corticosteroids (a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis). Alendronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone (a condition in which the body replaces healthy bones with weak bones). Alendronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness) to make bones stronger and less likely to break.
Alendronate comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. The liquid is usually taken on an empty stomach once a week in the morning. The tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once a day in the morning or once a week in the morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take alendronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Alendronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to the following instructions. Tell your doctor if you do not understand, do not think you will remember, or are unable to follow these instructions.
You must take alendronate immediately after you get out of bed in the morning, and before you eat or drink anything. Never take alendronate at bedtime or before you get up for the day.
Swallow the tablets with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water, and drink at least a quarter of a cup (2 ounces) of plain water after drinking alendronate liquid. Never take alendronate with tea, coffee, juice, mineral water, or any liquid other than plain water.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, crush, or suck on them.
After you take alendronate, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down immediately after you take alendronate. Sit or stand upright until at least 30 minutes have passed and you have eaten your first food of the day.
Alendronate controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone, but does not cure these conditions. Alendronate helps to prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take alendronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking alendronate without talking to your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking alendronate,
You should eat plenty of foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking alendronate. Your doctor will tell you which foods are good sources of these nutrients and how many servings you need each day. If you find it difficult to eat enough of these foods, tell your doctor. In that case, your doctor can prescribe or recommend a supplement.
If you miss a dose of once-daily alendronate, do not take it later in the day. Skip the missed dose and take one dose the next morning as usual. If you miss a dose of once-weekly alendronate, take one dose the morning after you remember. Then return to taking one dose once each week on your regularly scheduled day. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one, and never take more than one dose in 1 day.
Alendronate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately. It is very important to talk to your doctor right away after you develop these symptoms to be sure you do not develop a serious condition:
Some laboratory animals who were given alendronate developed a certain type of cancer. It is not known if alendronate causes this type of cancer in humans. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking this medication.
Alendronate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze alendronate solution. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to alendronate.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Last Revised - 07/01/2004
The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |