Fosamax
Generic Name:
Alendronate, Alendronate sodium
Brand Names:
Fosamax, Fosamax+D
Fosamax Description:
Fosamax is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which change the cycle of breakdown and bone formation in the body. The bone loss of humans is slowed while taking Fosamax and the bone mass is increased. This may help prevent fractures of the bone. Fosamax treats osteoporosis that is either steroid-induced or postmenopausal in nature and can also be prescribed for Pagets disease of the bone.
Fosamax Uses:
Osteoporosis is the most common problem that Fosamax is designed to treat. The condition may result from steroids or genetics and commonly develops in postmenopausal women. For those with this condition there are few medications that actually help. It can be difficult for a person to rebuild bone, and most of the medications available for osteoporosis do not actually rebuild bone. Instead, they only stop a person from losing further bone density. With Fosamax, bone loss is slowed and bone mass is increased.
When bones are brittle there is a lot of opportunity for breaks and fractures, and these ailments may not heal well and can be very debilitating. Having a bone density test and taking bone-building medication are often good options to prevent breaks and fractures, especially in the elderly. Fosamax is not for people who have brittle bone disease, as this condition is not treated in the same way.
There are risk factors associated with osteoporosis, some of which can be avoided and some of which are genetic. Risk factors include being of Asian or Caucasian descent, being female, having a small build, having family members with the disease, and smoking. Anyone with risk factors for osteoporosis should be tested for the condition on a regular basis and if development of the disease occurs, they may begin prompt treatment in the form of Fosamax or another drug that may help.
Fosamax Interactions:
Possible drug interactions with Fosamax may exist if you are taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), including:
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren)
- Diflunisal (Dolobid)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen (Orudis)
- Ketorolac (Toradol)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
- Piroxicam (Feldene).
Fosamax Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Fosamax comes in different strengths, including 10mg, 35mg, 40mg, 70mg, and a clear, raspberry-flavored Oral Solutions of 70mg. One tablet is taken first thing in the morning, 30 minutes before eating or drinking or taking any other medication. Doses should be taken with an 8-ounce glass of water. Some prescriptions may have the patient take one dose weekly.
Missing a Dose:
If you take Fosamax daily and miss your dose in the morning, do not take it later on that day. Wait until the next morning to take your next pill, and do not double up the dose. Never take two tablets in one day. If you take Fosamax weekly and miss your scheduled day, take it first thing the next morning and then return to your regular schedule of taking it on the same day each week.
Overdosing:
Seek emergency medical attention if you believe you have overdosed. Symptoms include nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, muscle cramps, diarrhea, tight muscles in the face, seizures, numbness, tingling, irritability, or unusual thoughts or behavior.
Fosamax FDA Approval:
September 29, 1995
Fosamax Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
In 2004, the FDA ordered Fosamax to include a warning to alert patients of the risk of osteonecrosis (ONJ) of the jaw that is irreversible, as studies have shown a possible link between using Fosamax and developing ONJ. ONJ is a destruction of bone tissue and can lead to infection, jawbone breakdown, ulcerations in the mouth, or osteomyelitis (inflammation of bone marrow).
On January 7, 2008, the FDA released an alert to inform consumers of the possibility of severe or incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain in patients taking bisphosphonates, including Fosamax and Fosamax+D. The pain may occur within days, months, or years of taking the drugs.
According to studies in April of 2008, Fosamax may be linked to an increased risk of serious atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) in women.
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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July 28, 2010, 3:58 pm
