Fosamax (generic name: alendronic acid/alendronate sodium; brand names include: Ostofos) is a bisphosphonate drug used for osteoporosis and several other bone diseases.

Fosamax is indicated:

1. In postmenopausal women for the treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures, including those of the hip and spine (vertebral compression fractures)
2. In postmenopausal women who are at risk of developing osteoporosis Fosamax is indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis to reduce the risk of future fracture
3. For the treatment of osteoporosis in men to prevent fractures
4. For the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men, premenopausal women and postmenopausal women receiving oestrogen
5. For treatment of Paget's disease of bone in men and women

Fosamax works by:

Reducing the activity of the cells that cause bone loss
Decreasing the faster rate of bone loss that occurs after menopause or with use of corticosteroid medications
Increasing the amount of bone in most patients

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Fosamax exactly as directed.

For the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, the usual dose is one 5 mg tablet each day.

For osteoporosis due to corticosteroid medicines in men, premenopausal women and postmenopausal women using oestrogen, the usual dose is one 5 mg tablet each day.

For Paget's disease of the bone, the usual dose is one 40 mg tablet each day.

Take Fosamax after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage, or other medication. Do not take it at bedtime.

Swallow Fosamax whole with a full glass of plain water only. It is important to take Fosamax with plain water only, not mineral water. Mineral water and other drinks, including fruit juices, coffee and tea, will reduce the effect of Fosamax by interfering with the absorption into the body.
Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after swallowing Fosamax. Do not lie down immediately after swallowing it. It is important to stay upright, for example, sitting, standing or walking around, for at least 30 minutes after swallowing your tablet. It is also very important to stay upright until after you have eaten your first food of the day. These actions will help make sure your tablet reaches your stomach quickly.

Wait at least 30 minutes before taking any food, other drinks or medicines. Fosamax is effective only if taken when your stomach is empty. Food, drinks other than plain water, and other medicines will lessen the effect of Fosamax by interfering with its absorption into the body.

Do not chew or suck on a tablet of Fosamax.

It is important that you continue taking Fosamax for as long as your doctor prescribes. Fosamax can only treat your osteoporosis, or help prevent you from developing osteoporosis by helping prevent further loss of bone and continuing to rebuild bone, if you take it every day.

If you forget to take Fosamax, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose the following morning. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

Keep Fosamax in a cool dry place.

Precautions

Before taking Fosamax, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have kidney disease; swallowing or digestive problems; or you have low blood calcium;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: alendronate sodium.