General Information on Fosamax
Fosamax is used to curb calcium loss in the bones. As a result, the drug prevents further bone loss in patients affected by osteoporosis.
The active ingredient in the drug is Alendronate, and it belongs to the category of bisphosphonates.
Fosamax slows down bone loss so that stronger bones can be maintained and chances of fractures are decreased. It is available in an oral liquid form as well as tablets.
Fosamax can also be used to prevent bone loss in post-menopausal women and patients who have been using corticosteroids for a long time.
Side effects of Fosamax
Before you buy Fosamax, inform your doctor if you are suffering from a kidney disease, dental disease, low blood calcium levels, stomach, esophageal or intestinal problem (such as GERD and acid-reflux), difficulty swallowing, or a vitamin D deficiency.
You will need to receive sufficient concentrations of calcium and vitamin D during Fosamax treatment. Therefore, talk to your doctor about the dietary adjustments you may have to make during treatment.
Fosamax may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Therefore, avoid getting exposed to the sun for as long time as is possible. Avoid being exposed to other sources of UV light too, including tanning beds and UV lamps. If going out is inevitable, you must wear appropriate clothes that protect your skin from the sun and apply a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.
Symptoms like difficulty or pain while swallowing, heartburn, or stomach pain are commonly experienced by most Fosamax patients. Other common side effects of the drug include stomach gas or fullness, constipation, diarrhea, headache, bone, muscle or joint pain, changes in taste, nausea, or skin rash. Although these are mild side effects of the drug, you should inform your doctor immediately any of these become intolerable.
Some serious side effects of Fosamax include eye pain, eye inflammation, skin rash, constant jaw pain, swelling of the throat or tongue, burning or cramping of the jaw, tarry or black stools, vision changes, excessive vomiting, or swelling of the face, lips, arms, or legs.
Some hypersensitive patients may develop an allergic reaction to Fosamax. Symptoms of such a condition include hives, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, or swelling or itching of the face, tongue, throat, or lips. Discontinue Fosamax and seek medical attention immediately if you suffer from any of these symptoms.
Dosage of Fosamax
Your doctor will ask you to take Fosamax once a day on an empty stomach. The time of dosage would usually be in morning just after you wake up. If you take the drug at bedtime, your body may not absorb it properly and your symptoms may worsen as a result.
After taking Fosamax oral liquid, you must avoid any solid or liquid food for at least 30 minutes.
Avoid lying down after taking the drug, as Fosamax can lead to throat irritation in some patients. Stay upright so that the drug pass through your throat.
Drug Interactions of Fosamax
If you are also taking any antacid or mineral supplement along with Fosamax, you should maintain a gap of 2 hours between the doses. Also do not buy Fosamax and use it along with NSAIDs, as they may interact with Fosamax and cause stomach irritation or ulcers.
