Fosamax
= Prescription Required 
= Generic Equvalent
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Fosamax 10mg Tablets
Alendronate (Alendronate Sodium)
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Fosamax 70mg Tablets
Alendronate (Alendronate Sodium)
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Generic equivalents for Fosamax...
We also carry these generic equivalents of Fosamax to help save you money.
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Alendronate (Alendronate Sodium) 5mg Tablets
Manufactured by Mylan
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Alendronate (Alendronate Sodium) 10mg Tablets
Manufactured by Mylan
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Alendronate (Alendronate Sodium) 35mg Tablets
Manufactured by Watson Laboratories Inc
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Alendronate (Alendronate Sodium) 70mg Tablets
Manufactured by Mylan
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Fosamax Prescription Drug Information
Alendronate (By mouth)
Alendronate (a-LEN-droe-nate)
Prevents or treats osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) in women after menopause and treats osteoporosis in men. Fosamax is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone and osteoporosis caused by steroid treatment.
Brand Name(s):Fosamax
There may be other brand names for Fosamax.
When Fosamax Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Fosamax if you have had an allergic reaction to alendronate, or if you have esophagus (the tube that runs from your throat to your stomach) problems, trouble swallowing, low calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or severe kidney disease. You should not use Fosamax if you cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.
How to Use Fosamax:
Liquid, Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much of Fosamax to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- If any of Fosamax stays in your esophagus, it may cause serious damage. To lower the risk of this problem, use Fosamax exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Take Fosamax as soon as you get out of bed in the morning, before you eat or have anything to drink. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water only (not mineral water, coffee, juice, or any other liquid). Do not chew or suck on the tablet. If you use the oral liquid, drink at least 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of only plain water after you take the medicine. Do not take the medicine while you are still in bed, and do not take it at bedtime.
- Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after you take the medicine before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicines. This will help your body absorb the medicine.
- Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate, and do not lie down until after you have eaten some food.
- Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. It is especially important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
- Follow your dosing instructions given to you by your doctor closely. It may affect the way Fosamax works if you do not. Do not stop using Fosamax suddenly without asking your doctor.
- Fosamax comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If a dose of Fosamax is missed:
- For patients taking the medicine each day: If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine in the morning, skip the missed dose and take your medicine the next morning. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Return to your regular schedule the next day.
- For patients taking the medicine once a week: If you miss your regularly scheduled dose or you forget to take your medicine, wait until the next morning to take it. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. You should never take two tablets in one day.
How to Store and Dispose of Fosamax:
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Fosamax:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using aspirin or products that contain aspirin, or any type of pain or arthritis medicine (such as ibuprofen, Advil®, Aleve®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, or Voltaren®).
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicines or receiving treatments that weaken your immune system, such as cancer treatment, radiation treatment, or steroids (such as prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, Decadron®, or Medrol®).
- Wait at least 30 minutes after you take alendronate before taking any calcium supplements and antacids.
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. Both alcohol and smoking can make your bone problems worse.
Warnings While Using Fosamax:
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, heartburn, trouble swallowing, or any other kind of stomach or bowel problems.
- Tell your doctor if you have anemia, blood clotting problems, cancer, infection of any kind, any type of vitamin or mineral imbalance, poor oral hygiene, or dental problems.
- Fosamax can irritate your esophagus. If you think Fosamax has started to damage your esophagus, stop taking Fosamax and call your doctor. Some symptoms of damage to the esophagus are heartburn (either new or worse than usual), pain when swallowing, pain in the center of your chest, trouble swallowing, or feeling that food gets stuck on the way to your stomach.
- It is important that you tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Fosamax. If you are having dental procedures done, you may have an increased chance of getting a severe problem of your jaw.
- Make sure you tell your doctor about any new medical problems, especially with your teeth or jaws. Tell your doctor if you have severe bone, joint, or muscle pain while using Fosamax.
- Tell your doctor if you do weight-bearing exercises, or smoke and/or drink excessively. Your doctor will need to take these into consideration in deciding your dose.
- Fosamax may increase your risk of developing fractures of the thigh bone. This may be more common if you use it for a long time. Check with your doctor right away if you have a dull or aching pain in the thighs, groin, or hips.
- Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Fosamax. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Possible Side Effects While Using Fosamax:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Bloody, black, or tarry stools.
- Blurred vision, eye problems.
- Chest pain, heartburn, or burning in your throat.
- Difficult or painful swallowing.
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
- Heavy jaw feeling.
- Loosening of a tooth.
- Pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw.
- Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.
- Severe stomach pain or enlarged abdomen (stomach).
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
- Tooth problems.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Fosamax, talk with your doctor:
- Headache.
- Mild bone, muscle, or joint pain.
- Mild stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, or gas.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Fosamax, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
