Alendronate (Fosamax, Fosamax D)
Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis should always
include a nutrient-rich diet, the recommended intake of calcium and vitamin D,
regular physical activity, safety precautions for fall prevention, avoidance of
smoking 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 healthcare provider may prescribe an osteoporosis
medication to help stop further bone loss and 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 which fall into two classes: antiresorptive medications and anabolic medications. Antiresorptive medications are used to strengthen bone, prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fracture (broken bone).
The antiresorptive medications include a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.The four bisphosphonate medications are:
- alendronate - available as a generic medication (Brand name: Fosamax, Fosamax D)
- risedronate (Brand name: Actonel, Actonel with Calcium )
- ibandronate ( Brand name: Boniva)
- zoledronic acid (Brand name: Reclast)
Other approved antiresorptive medications include:
Anabolic medication builds new bone, increases bone density and helps reduce fracture risk. At this time the only approved anabolic medication is:
It is important to speak to your healthcare provider about the medication option that is right for you.
What is alendronate?
Alendronate (alendronate sodium) is the generic name for Fosamax or Fosamax D (brand names). Alendronate is
chemically known as a bisphosphonate medication. It is not a hormone. Alendronate works only on the bone and does not affect the heart, breast,
uterus or other parts of the body.
What is the approved use for alendronate ?
Alendronate is FDA-approved for the prevention and treatement of
osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. it is
also approved for the treatment of women and men with osteoporosis resulting
from the long-term use of glucocorticoids (steroid medications such as prednisone or
cortisone).
How is alendronate usually prescribed?
For
osteoporosis prevention, alendronate is available as a 5mg tablet taken
daily or a 35mg tablet taken once a week. For osteoporosis treatment,
alendronate is approved as a 10mg tablet taken daily, a 70mg tablet or liquid taken
once a week and as a 70mg weekly tablet with 2,800 IU or 5,600 IU of vitamin D3 added. When taking alendronate, it is important to get the recommended calcium and vitamin D each day. It also important to follow the universal strategies for promotion of strong bones.
What are the benefits of alendronate?
Clinical
studies have shown that for individuals with osteoporosis (with or without a prior vertebral fracture), alendronate increased the bone mineral density of
their existing skeletons and reduced the risk of all fractures related to osteoporosis by about 50% (fractures of the spine and other non-spine areas including
the hips) over three years.
What are the side effects of taking alendronate?
The
side effects of alendronate may include heartburn and irritation of the
esophagus but can usually be avoided by taking the medication properly. Alendronate must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach
with a full glass of tap water. Do not take alendronate 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.
Alendronate 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 have been reported 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
alendronate. 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 healthcare provider. For more information about alendronate visit www.alendronate.com or about Fosamax and Fosamax D visit the Merck & Co. Inc. website
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