Alendronate sodium (Fosamax)

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should always include a well-balanced diet, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, safety precautions for fall prevention, avoidance of tobacco products and limited consumption of alcohol. If osteoporosis is diagnosed, you still must continue to make bone healthy lifestyle choices. However, lifestyle modifications alone are often not enough. Your medical professional may tell you that you need an osteoporosis medication to help stop further bone loss and to reduce your risk for broken bones.

What are the medication options for osteoporosis?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for osteoporosis prevention and/or treatment including: four bisphosphonate medications: [alendronate sodium [Fosamax], risedronate sodium [Actonel]),  ibandronate sodium [Boniva]), and zoledronic acid (Reclast)], calcitonin-salmon (Miacalcin), estrogen therapy or hormone therapy, raloxifene hydrochloride (Evista), teriparatide (Forteo), Speak to your doctor or medical professional about the medication option that is right for you.

What is alendronate sodium (Fosamax)?

Alendronate sodium is the generic name for Fosamax (brand name). Fosamax is chemically known as a bisphosphonate medication. It is not a hormone. Fosamax works only on the bone and does not affect the heart, breast, uterus or other parts of the body.

What is the use for alendronate sodium (Fosamax)?

Alendronate sodium (Fosamax) is FDA-approved for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. In addition, Fosamax is approved for the treatment of women and men with osteoporosis resulting from the long-term use of steroid medications such as prednisone or cortisone.

How is Fosamax usually prescribed?

For osteoporosis prevention, Fosamax is available as a 5mg tablet taken daily or a 35mg tablet taken once a week. For osteoporosis treatment, Fosamax is approved as a 10mg tablet taken daily or a 70mg tablet taken once a week. In addition, for osteoporosis treatment, the FDA recently approved alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol (Fosamax Plus D) a single, once-weekly tablet containing both 70mg alendronate sodium (Fosamax) and 2800IU of vitamin D3 (representing 7 days worth of 400IU of vitamin D3). When taking Fosamax, it is recommended to get adequate calcium and vitamin D each day. It also important to follow the universal strategies for promotion of healthy bones.

What are the benefits of Fosamax?

Clinical studies show alendronate sodium increases the bone mineral density of the existing skeleton and reduces the risk of all osteoporosis-related fractures (fractures of the spine and other non-spine areas including the hips) in patients with osteoporosis.

What are the side effects of taking Fosamax?

The side effects of Fosamax may include heartburn and irritation of the esophagus but can usually be avoided by taking the medication properly. Fosamax must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of tap water. Do not take Fosamax with any other beverages such as mineral water, juice, milk, coffee or tea. After taking this medication, you must remain upright (in a sitting or standing position) and avoid bending over or lying down for at least 30 minutes.

Fosamax has the potential adverse effect of flu-like symptoms. These symptoms tend to be mild and may last for a few days after taking the medication. Rarely, dental complications occur when taking bisphosphonate medications,mostly in high-risk patients. It is important to see your dentist for a complete oral examination before starting treatment with any bisphosphonate medication including Fosamax. During treatment with a bisphosphonate medication, it is vital to practice good oral hygiene and to continue to see your dentist for regular checkups.

Like all medications, it is important to discuss all of the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication with your medical professional. For more information about alendronate sodium (Fosamax) visit the Merck & Co. Inc. website.