Fosamax.
Monday, October 1st, 2007How does Fosamax work? What will it do for me?Alendronate belongs to a family of medications known as bisphosphonates. Â
Alendronate is used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis for postmenopausal women. It is also used for the treatment of osteoporosis for men. As well, it may be used to treat and prevent steroid-induced osteoporosis for men and women (osteoporosis caused by taking corticosteroids, such as prednisone, for long periods of time). It may also be used to treat Paget’s disease of the bone for both men and women. It works by increasing the density of bones, making them less likely to break. Â
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Â
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Â
How should I use Fosamax?When used to treat osteoporosis for postmenopausal women, the recommended dose of alendronate is one 10Â mg tablet daily or 70Â mg once weekly.
When used to prevent osteoporosis for postmenopausal women, the recommended dose is 5Â mg once a day.Â
  To treat osteoporosis for men, the recommended dose of alendronate is one 10 mg tablet daily or 70 mg once weekly.Â
  For the treatment and prevention of steroid-induced osteoporosis for men and women, the recommended dose is 5 mg daily, except for postmenopausal women not taking estrogen. For those women, the recommended dose is 10 mg once a day.
When used to treat Paget’s disease of the bone for men and women, the recommended dose is 40 mg once a day for 6 months. Â
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as the severity of the condition, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.Â
  The tablet should be taken upon rising for the day, at least one-half hour before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day. To reduce the risk of irritating the throat or esophagus, take the tablet with a full glass (250 mL) of plain water only. After swallowing, do not lie down for until 30 minutes have passed and you have eaten your first food of the day. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew or suck on the tablets.
Do not take this medication at bedtime or before getting up in the morning. If you have trouble swallowing, pain upon swallowing, pain around the sternum (breastbone), or new or worsening heartburn, stop taking alendronate and contact your doctor at once. Â
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