Fosamax

Fosamax or Fosavance (alendronic acid or alendronic sodium) is a biphosphonate medicine used to prevent and treat thinning of the bones (called osteoporosis), a condition called Paget’s disesase, and other diseases where loss of bone mass is a concern.

Biphosphonates are a class of medicines that all work in a similar way to help the bones.

Taking Fosamax | Fosavance

Fosamax is available in oral tablet form in a variety of different dosages. 5mg or 10mg tablets are taken once a day. 35mg or 70mg tablets are taken once a week.

Fosamax should be taken first thing in the morning. Patients should not lie down after taking this medicine.

Fosamax should be taken on an empty stomach. Patients should wait at least 1 hour before taking any other medication, or eating or drinking anything other than clean water (no coffee, juice, or tea). It is recommended that patients drink a full glass of water while taking their tablet.

To help build the bones, patients should take calcium and vitamin D supplements while taking Fosamax. Doctors will tell their patients the right amount of calcium and vitamin D to take. Patients should take this medicine and any supplements exactly as prescribed by their doctor.

Important Tests and Risks

Doctors need to monitor the response of patients taking Didrocal. This is done with a Bone Mineral Density test, usually once every 1 to 3 years.

Biphosphonate medicines like Fosamax have been associated with a very rare problem with the jaw called osteonecrosis. This problem is sometimes seen after dental work. Patients should let their doctor know if they develop sudden pain in the jaw.

Alcohol is known to increase fracture risk by decreasing bone mineral density and promoting osteoperosis. Patients who are prescribed Fosamax should stop drinking alcohol, or at least reduce the amount of alcohol that they drink.