Described Fosamax
Fosamax’s generic name is alendronate. Fosamax is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Fosamax decreases the rate at which bone cells are absorbed. This reduced absorption allows the body to increase bone density, reducing the risk of fracture.
Related treatments
Aseptic necrosis
Prevention of osteoporosis
Paget’s disease
Uses of Fosamax
Read the medication guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Fosamax and each time you get a refill. Follow the instructions very closely to ensure your body absorbs as many drugs as possible and reduces the risk of injury to your esophagus. Take this medication by mouth once a day, after getting up for the day before taking your first food. If you have any questions ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects of Fosamax
Everything has positive and negative facets. fosa max side effects may include:
Mouth ulcers
Itching or eye pain
Sunlight sensitive rash
Skin blisters
Swelling in the face, tongue or throat
Severe musculoskeletal pain (joints muscles, bones, or jaw)
Chest pain
Chills
Heartburn
Heavy jaw feeling
The FDA found that Fosamax patients can also develop intense bone, muscle, and joint pains within days, months, or years after starting the drug. For some people, this pain stops almost immediately after discontinuing the medication, for others, the side effects persist. Some side effects have led people to file Fosamax lawsuits against Merck. Fosamax was introduced in 1995 to prevent age-related bone damage and other bone-damaging diseases. However, people who are more susceptible to side effects from Alendronate are the elderly especially, women who are more prone to developing osteoporosis.
Common side effects
fosamax side effects common include:
Heartburn, upset stomach
Stomach pain, diarrhea
Nausea, constipation
New or unusual pain in your thigh, or hip
Full or bloated feeling
gas
Incidence not known
Eye pain
Dizziness or lightheaded
Hair loss or thinning of the hair
The feeling of constant movement of self or surrounding
Sensation of spinning
Tearing
A general feeling of discomfort or illness
Important information about Fosamax
You should not take Fosamax if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- Low level of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or
- Problems with the muscles in your esophagus(the tube that connects your mouth and stomach).
Do not take Fosamax if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Fosamax can cause serious problems in the stomach and esophagus. You must stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects.
Dosage of Fosamax
Use Fosamax (Alendronate) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Fosamax is taken either once daily. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Take with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water. Do not use coffee, soda, tea, juice, or mineral water. Do not crush, chew, or suck on an Alendronate regular tablet. Swallow it whole.
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Overdose
If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Fosamax (Alendronate), call your doctor or the poison control center. If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Fosamax (Alendronate), call 911.
Amount
Dissolve the effervescent tablet in at least 4 ounces of water (at room temperature, not hot or cold). Let the tablet dissolve for five minutes. Stir this mixture for 10 seconds and drink all of it right away. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently, and drink right away.
For at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax:
Do not lie down or recline.
Do not take any other medicine including, vitamins, calcium, or antacids.
Temperature
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep unused effervescent tablets in the foil blister pack. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine. Alendronate is often given for 3 to 5 years.
Can Fosamax be used during pregnancy?
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
Esophagus problems
Some people develop irritation, inflammation, and bleeding ulcers in the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. In some people, Fosamax leads to esophageal erosion with bleeding and esophageal perforation. Because of these potentially dangerous side effects, Merck recommends sitting upright or standing for 30 minutes after taking the drug with a full glass of water.
Femur fracture
Research shows a connection between the long-term use of Fosamax and femur fractures. Some people reported unexplained aching in their thigh bones for weeks and months before experiencing unexplained breaks. One meta-analysis of multiple studies concluded that people undergoing long-term treatment may be at an increase of an atypical Femur fracture.
1 August 2022 study in diabetes, endocrinology & metabolism case reports found that the risk of developing fractures persists long after stopping treatment with bisphosphonates such as Fosamax.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to personal circumstances. Some side effects may not be reported you may report them to the FDA.
I am a medical student I read about this drug and I guess that it is useful for treating osteoporosis and some other treatments.
Writer name:
Ifrah Khalid
