General Information on Fosamax Plus D
Fosamax Plus D is used for treating certain types of osteoporosis and increasing bone mass. Your bones may become thinner and brittle as you age, especially if you take corticosteroids for a long period or are experiencing menopause.
Fosamax Plus D is a combination of two drugs, Cholecalciferol and Alendronate. Cholecalciferol is a Vitamin D3 supplement and Alendronate is a bisphosphonate. Cholecalciferol helps the body absorb calcium and is needed for the maintenance of healthy bones, while Alendronate slows down bone loss.
Fosamax Plus D is available in the form of oral tablets.
Side effects of Fosamax Plus D
Before you buy Fosamax Plus D, inform your doctor if you have a disorder of the esophagus (e.g. achalasia or esophageal stricture), trouble swallowing, an intestinal or stomach disorder (e.g. ulcer), low calcium levels, or if you have any trouble sitting upright or standing for 30 minutes.
In some cases, bisphosphonates may lead to serious jawbone problems in patients (termed as osteonecrosis), especially if they have poor dental hygiene, have undergone a dental surgery or tooth removal, wear ill-fitting dentures, or are suffering from cancer, gum disease or infection, or anemia. As such, inform your doctor immediately if you experience jaw pain.
Constipation, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, or gas may commonly surface as side effects of Fosamax Plus D. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms become too troublesome.
Some serious side effects associated with Fosamax Plus D include muscle, joint or bone pain, jaw pain, swelling of the ankles, feet, hands or joints, black or tarry stools, or dark colored vomit.
In rare cases, Fosamax Plus D may lead to serious irritation or ulcers in the esophagus. Notify your doctor at once if you experience worsening or new heartburn, difficulty or pain while swallowing, or chest pain.
Some patients may develop an allergic reaction to Fosamax Plus D. Discontinue using the drug if you experience severe dizziness, facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing after taking Fosamax Plus D. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms persist even after discontinuing the drug.
Dosage of Fosamax Plus D
Usually, your doctor will recommend you to take one Fosamax Plus D 70mg Alendronate/2800IU vitamin D3 tablet once a week. In some cases, he or she may advise you to take one Fosamax Plus D 70mg Alendronate/5600IU vitamin D3 tablet per week. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Take the tablet first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking a dose.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, break or dissolve it. Take Fosamax Plus D with plain water (not mineral water). Do not bend over, recline, or lie down for at least half an hour after taking the tablet.
Drug Interactions of Fosamax Plus D
Do not buy Fosamax Plus D and use it along with supplements, antacids, or drugs that contain calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or any other mineral, as they may affect the way Fosamax Plus D is absorbed by your body. If taking these is inevitable, maintain a gap of at least 30 minutes before taking Fosamax Plus D.
Also do not take Fosamax Plus D along with NSAIDs such as celecoxib, diclofenac or meloxicam, as they may interact with one other.
