Fosamax generic
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Fosamax (generic name: alendronate) is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease, in postmenopausal women. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and is prescribed for both men and women who have developed a form of osteoporosis sometimes caused by steroid medications such as prednisone. This drug can also be used to relieve Paget's disease of bone, a painful condition that weakens and deforms the bones.
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Medications and Prescriptions
Generic name: Alendronate
Product Brand Name: Fosamax ®
1. Description:
Fosamax is in a class of medications used to strengthen bone. Bone is in a constant state of remodeling, whereby old bone is removed by cells called osteoclasts, and new bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts. Fosamax inhibits bone removal by the osteoclasts. Fosamax was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in 1999.
2. Fosamax is Prescribed for:
To prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Fosamax also treats glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in those receiving corticosteroids in a daily dosage equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone and who have low bone mineral density. Also used to treat Paget's disease, a disorder characterized by rapid breakdown and reformation of bone, which can lead to fragility and malformation of bones.
3. Drug Mechanism:
Fosamax contains the active ingredient alendronate sodium, which is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. These agents are used in a variety of metabolic bone disorders.
The bone cells continuously deposit and remove calcium and phosphorous, stored in a protein network that makes up the structure of the bone.
Biphosphonates work by binding very tightly to bone, preventing the removal of calcium from the bone cells. This decreases breakdown and turnover of bone in the body and the increased calcium content leads to stronger bones.
In osteoporosis, bone turnover is increased, causing the bones to become weak and prone to breaking. This medicine slows done the process of bone breakdown, so keeping bones stronger and helping to prevent fractures. It is used to treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures in people with the disease, and also to prevent bone loss in people at risk of developing osteoporosis. Risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis, early menopause, thin body build, smoking and long-term corticosteroid treatment, eg with prednisolone.
4. Dosage Form:
For prevention of osteoporosis: 5 mg once a day. For treatment of osteoporosis: 10 mg once a day. For glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women: 5 mg once a day; postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen should take 10 mg once a day. For Paget's disease: 40 mg once a day. The dose is taken in the morning. Swallow tablets whole; do not suck or chew them. For 30 minutes after taking this drug, do not lie down. Staying upright will help the alendronate reach your stomach faster, and will help prevent irritation in your throat.
5. Drug Interactions:
Calcium supplements, antacids and possibly other some medicines taken by mouth may interfere with the absorption of this medicine from the gut. For this reason you should wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax, before taking any other medicines by mouth.
6. Pregnancy:
Fosamax is normally not used in premenopausal women. The drug should not be given to pregnant women because animal studies have shown adverse effects in the fetus.
7. Nursing Mothers:
The manufacturer states not to use Fosamax during breastfeeding as there is insufficient safety information available. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
8. Dietary and Alcohol Considerations:
Take Fosamax at least 30 minutes before your first food or beverage of the day, with a full glass of water. Some patients may be advised to take calcium or vitamin C supplements to aid in the formation of new bone tissue. Alcohol should be restricted in high-risk women because it is a risk factor for osteoporosis.
9. Possible Side Effects:
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with Fosamax. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using Fosamax will experience that or any side effect.
Headache
Rash
Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)
Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Swelling of abdomen (abdominal distension)
Indigestion (dyspepsia)
Low blood calcium level (hypocalcaemia)
Pain in muscles or bones (musculoskeletal pain)
Flushing of the skin due to widening of the small blood vessels (erythema)
Dark colored, tarry stools, due to the presence of blood altered by the intestinal juices (melaena)
Inflammation of the food pipe (oesophagitis)
Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
Ulceration of the food pipe (oesophagus)
Acid regurgitation
Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)
Inflammation of the front parts of the eye (uveitis)
10. Storage:
Keep Fosamax in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Fosamax should be stored at room temperature (77°F (25°C)) and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). It is okay for brief periods in temperatures between 59-86°F (15-30°C). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
11. Package Size and Type: Tablets: 70 mg.
12. Where can I get more information?
a) U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health
b) WebMD Corporation
Caution! Before starting to take this medicine, it is vital that you should consult your doctor! Do not use it on your own initiative, without medical advice.
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