fosamax is treatment for what

Precautions

• Blurred vision or other change in vision
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• eye pain
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• sensation of spinning
• sensitivity of the eye to light
• tearing

What are the risks of taking Fosamax?

What Are Side Effects of Fosamax?

• gas,
• constipation,
• heartburn,
• diarrhea,
• bloating,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach pain,
• joint pain or swelling,
• swelling in your hands or feet,

More items...

What are the long term side effects of Fosamax?

Upsides

• Fosamax is used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men.
• Fosamax may also be used to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone.
• Fosamax may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers.

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What should I be taking instead of Fosamax, etc?

How long should you stay on Fosamax? They advise that women whose risk is still high should continue to take oral bisphosphonates for up to 10 years or IV therapy for up to six years. However, fracture risk should be reassessed every two to three years during extended therapy.

How long should you stay on Fosamax?

When should you take Fosamax?

Take alendronate first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. If you take alendronate only once per week, take it on the same day each week and always first thing in the morning. Take with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water.

How long can you stay on Fosamax?

It's not known exactly how long treatment with Fosamax should last. In clinical trials, the drug was only studied in people for up to 4 years. Your doctor may have you stop taking Fosamax after 3 to 5 years.

What are the long term side effects of Fosamax?

Though rare, severe health problems associated with Fosamax can be crippling. These include femur fractures, Dead Jaw Syndrome, esophagus problems and musculoskeletal pain.

What are the side effects of Fosamax for osteoporosis?

What Are Side Effects of Fosamax?gas,constipation,heartburn,diarrhea,bloating,vomiting,stomach pain,joint pain or swelling,More items...

What is the best and safest treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.

Does Fosamax improve bone density?

Fosamax and other drugs such as Actonel, Boniva, and Reclast increase bone density and help prevent and treat osteoporosis and/or reduce the risk of fractures.

Who should not take Fosamax?

People with the following condition should not use Fosamax: People with abnormalities or problems related to the esophagus. People who cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. People with hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood) People allergic to ingredients in Fosamax or Fosamax Plus D.

What foods to avoid if you have osteoporosis?

7 Foods to Avoid When You Have OsteoporosisSalt. ... Caffeine. ... Soda. ... Red Meat. ... Alcohol. ... Wheat Bran. ... Liver and Fish Liver Oil.

Does Fosamax cause hair loss?

Dr. Roach: I found many case reports of hair loss after the use of alendronate (Fosamax) and similar drugs (a class called bisphosphonates).

Why was Fosamax recalled?

Sun Pharma announced a recall of Alendronate Sodium Tablets 70mg, the generic version of Merck's Fosamax due to stability results. Alendronate Sodium is a bisphosphonate indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Should you take calcium when taking Fosamax?

Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D to help prevent low calcium levels in your blood, while you take FOSAMAX PLUS D. Take calcium and vitamin D as your doctor tells you to.

How quickly does Fosamax work?

Alendronate controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone but does not cure these conditions. It may take 3 months or longer before your bone density begins to increase. Alendronate helps to treat and prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take alendronate even if you feel well.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not take Fosamax if you are allergic to alendronate, or if you have: 1. low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or 2. proble...

How Should I Take Fosamax?

Take Fosamax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Fosamax is taken either once daily or once per week. Follow all directions on your prescription...

Fosamax Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women; To Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis:-10 mg orally o...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Once-daily dosing: If you forget to take Fosamax first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning and...

What Happens If I Overdose?

Drink a full glass of milk and seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Do not make yourself vomit and do n...

What Should I Avoid While Taking Fosamax?

Avoid taking any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. This includes vitamins, calcium, and antacids. Some medicines ca...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Fosamax?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: 1. aspirin; or 2. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflamma...

How many milligrams is Fosamax?

Fosamax comes as 70-milligram (mg) tablets that you take by mouth. This drug should be taken first thing in the morning, before you take other medications or consume any foods or drinks.

How can I stop taking Fosamax?

If your doctor recommends that you stop taking Fosamax, be sure to follow their instructions for stopping. Sometimes your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Fosamax if you have side effects from the drug. Or they may recommend that you stop treatment if you’ve been taking Fosamax for a certain amount of time.

How long do side effects from Fosamax last?

It depends. Certain side effects, such as heartburn or nausea, may go away after you’ve taken a few doses of Fosamax. However other side effects, such as bone pain or a low blood calcium level, may not go away after a few doses of the drug.

Will Fosamax cure my condition?

No, Fosamax doesn’t cure osteoporosis or Paget’s disease of bone. In fact, there’s currently no cure for either of these conditions. However, treatments such as Fosamax may help relieve symptoms and keep these conditions from getting worse.

Does Fosamax cause cancer?

It’s not known if Fosamax increases your risk of cancer. Cancer wasn’ t reported as a side effect in clinical trials of Fosamax. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been reviewing clinical studies to see if there’s a link between medications such as Fosamax and cancer of the esophagus. (The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.)

Can I use the supplement strontium instead of Fosamax?

While strontium may sometimes be used as an alternative to Fosamax, there’s very little evidence in the United States that strontium is safe and effective for osteoporosis treatment. This is because very few clinical trials have been done to determine if strontium can be used for osteoporosis.

Can I use Fosamax if I’m taking thyroid medication?

Yes, if your doctor recommends, you can take Fosamax while you’re taking thyroid medication. There aren’t any known interactions between Fosamax and thyroid medications, such as Synthroid ( levothyroxine ). This means that Fosamax doesn’t affect how thyroid medications work in your body, and vice versa.

What is Fosamax used for?

Fosamax is indicated for the treatment of Paget's disease of bone in men and women. Treatment is indicated in patients with Paget 's disease of bone who have alkaline phosphatase at least two times the upper limit of normal, or those who are symptomatic, or those at risk for future complications from their disease.

How long does Fosamax last?

The safety and effectiveness of Fosamax for the treatment of osteoporosis are based on clinical data of four years duration. All patients on bisphosphonate therapy should have the need for continued therapy re-evaluated on a periodic basis.

How long after taking Fosamax can you take other medications?

Therefore, instruct patients to wait at least one-half hour after taking Fosamax before taking any other oral medications.

How long before taking Fosamax before food?

Take Fosamax at least one-half hour before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day with plain water only [see Patient Counseling Information (17.2) ]. Other beverages (including mineral water), food, and some medications are likely to reduce the absorption of Fosamax [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ].

How long does it take to get bone density measured with Fosamax?

A bone mineral density measurement should be made at the initiation of therapy and repeated after 6 to 12 months of combined Fosamax and glucocorticoid treatment.

What is the code for Fosamax?

Fosamax Tablets, 70 mg, are white, oval, uncoated tablets with code 31 on one side and an outline of a bone image on the other:

Can fosamax cause mucosal irritation?

Fosamax, like other bisphosphonates administered orally, may cause local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa. Because of these possible irritant effects and a potential for worsening of the underlying disease, caution should be used when Fosamax is given to patients with active upper gastrointestinal problems (such as known Barrett's esophagus, dysphagia, other esophageal diseases, gastritis, duodenitis, or ulcers).

What is Fosamax used for?

Fosamax is used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. Fosamax may also be used to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone. Fosamax may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers.

How does Fosamax work?

Fosamax is a brand (trade) name for alendronate. Alendronate strengthens bones and may be used for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis. Alendronate works by inhibiting osteoclasts which are responsible for breaking down and reabsorbing bone (by a process known as bone resorption).

How long does Fosamax last?

Periodically re-evaluate the need for therapy. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered by doctors after 3 to 5 years in patients at low risk of fracture. Fosamax may interact with antacids or supplements containing calcium or magnesium.

How long after taking Fosamax can you eat?

Avoid eating, drinking (other than water), or taking other medications for 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. You may need to take supplementary calcium or vitamin D if your dietary intake is inadequate. Your doctor will advise you about this.

What medications interact with Fosamax?

oral steroids, such as dexamethasone, prednisone, and methylprednisone. sirolimus and tacrolimus. zinc salts. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Fosamax. You should refer to the prescribing information for Fosamax for a complete list of interactions.

How long should you stay upright after taking Fosamax?

Take exactly as directed. Fosamax should be taken with a full glass of water and the person taking Fosamax should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it.

Is Fosamax a generic?

Fosamax is available as a generic under the name alendronate. Alendronate tablets are available in a wider range of strengths (Fosamax is only available as a 70mg tablet).

How long does it take for alendronate to work?

Alendronate works only if taken on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking the medication before you eat or drink anything other than plain water. Do not take this medication at bedtime or before rising for the day. It may not be absorbed and you may have side effects.

What to do if you miss a dose of a sulfate supplement?

Consult your doctor for more details. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time the following day.

How long does alendronate stay in your system?

Caution is advised if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future. Alendronate may stay in your body for many years. Its effects on an unborn baby are unknown.

What is Fosamax used for?

What is Fosamax and how is it used? Fosamax is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, liver, skin, joints, brain and respiratory tract. Fosamax may be used alone or with other medications. Fosamax is a nitroimidazoles, CYP3A4 Inhibitor, moderate.

What is the dosage of fosamax?

FOSAMAX is indicated for the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women receiving glucocorticoids in a daily dosage equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone and who have low bone mineral density [see Clinical Studies ].

How long does bisphosphonate therapy last?

All patients on bisphosphonate therapy should have the need for continued therapy re-evaluated on a periodic basis. Patients at low-risk for fracture should be considered for drug discontinuation after 3 to 5 years of use. Patients who discontinue therapy should have their risk for fracture re-evaluated periodically.

How much did Fosamax reduce fracture risk?

In the Three-Year Study of FIT, FOSAMAX reduced the percentage of women experiencing at least one new radiographic vertebral fracture from 15.0% to 7.9% (47% relative risk reduction, p<0.001); in the Four-Year Study of FIT, the percentage was reduced from 3.8% to 2.1% (44% relative risk reduction, p=0.001); and in the combined U.S./Multinational studies, from 6.2% to 3.2% (48% relative risk reduction, p=0.034).

What temperature should fosamax be stored at?

Store FOSAMAX at room temperature, 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).

How long after taking fosamax can you take other medications?

Therefore, instruct patients to wait at least one-half hour after taking FOSAMAX before taking any other oral medications.

Is Fosamax a tablet?

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Although alendronate tablets 5 mg, 10 mg, 35 mg, and 40 mg are available in the marketplace, FOSAMAX is no longer marketed in the 5 mg, 10 mg, 35 mg, and 40 mg strengths. Although an oral solution of alendronate may be available in the marketplace, FOSAMAX oral solution is no longer marketed.

What is Fosamax used for?

Fosamax is used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in females* after menopause. There are two options for the dosage frequency of the drug. Many people find that the weekly dosage is more convenient. You and your doctor can discuss the dosage instructions and decide what works best for you.

Why do doctors prescribe Fosamax?

The main reason that doctors prescribe Fosamax is to treat osteoporosis. The most commonly prescribed dosage of Fosamax for osteoporosis is 70 mg once weekly. Many people find once-weekly dosing more convenient than once-daily dosing.

What are the typical dosages of Fosamax?

Your doctor may adjust your dosage over time to find the amount that’s best for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

How does the 70-mg Fosamax tablet differ from the generic form of the drug?

There’s no difference between the 70-milligram (mg) Fosamax tablet and its generic form, the 70-mg alendronate tablet.

What to do if you miss a dose of Fosamax?

If you miss a dose of Fosamax, you should take it first thing the next morning. Don’t take your missed dose later in the day. Then, continue taking Fosamax once weekly (or alendronate once daily) as prescribed by your doctor.

What is the strength of Fosamax?

Alendronate tablets come in the following strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, and 70 mg.

Why do people opt for generic drugs?

People often opt for generic drugs because they’re less expensive than their brand-name versions. The other strengths of the drug aren’t as commonly prescribed as the 70-mg tablet. It’s likely that the manufacturer of Fosamax stopped producing other strengths for business reasons.

What are some ways to reduce the risk of bone fracture?

So I advise my patients to take some simple, common-sense precautionsat home to reduce their risk of a bone-fracturing incident: things like getting rid of throw rugs, adding some motion-activated lighting (especially in and around the bathrooms and stairs) and so forth.

Can doctors prescribe bisphosphonate?

Plus, neither the doctors who prescribe bisphosphonate drugs nor the companies that manufacturer them are able to say how long patients should be taking them. As the American College of Physicians puts it, "Evidence is insufficient to determine the appropriate duration of therapy.".

Does bisphosphonate help with hip fractures?

Clinical trials for bisphosphonate drugs have shown that they're only marginally effective at preventing hip fractures — even in high-risk postmenopausal women. For instance, when Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax, says that the drug can reduce such fractures by more than 50 percent, it's referring to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Associationin 1998that showed a small reduction in absolute risk among those taking Fosamax.

Does Fosamax reduce fractures?

For instance, when Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax, says that the drug can reduce such fractures by more than 50 percent, it's referring to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 that showed a small reduction in absolute risk among those taking Fosamax.

What is the name of the drug that is used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis?

15. Beauchesne MF, Miller PF "Etidronate and alendronate in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis." Ann Pharmacother 33 (1999): 587-99

Does Fosamax cause side effects?

Along with its needed effects, alendronate (the active ingredient contained in Fosamax) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Does alendronate need medical attention?

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of alendronate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Does alendronate increase bone mass?

35. Devogelaer JP "Oral alendronate induces progressive increases in bone mass of the spine, hip, and total body over 3 years in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (vol 18, pg 141, 1996)." Bone 19 (1996): 78

How often is romosozumab given?

Romosozumab is given as a monthly injection at your doctor's office. It is a new drug and less is known about long-term side effects, but it is not given to people who have recently had a stroke or heart attack. Treatment stops after 12 monthly doses.

How often does Denosumab need to be given?

Denosumab is delivered by shallow injections, just under the skin, every six months. If you take denosumab, you might have to do so indefinitely unless your doctor transitions you to another medication. Recent research indicates that there could be a high risk of spinal fractures after stopping the drug, so it's important that you take it consistently.

What are common side effects of bisphosphonate pills?

The main side effects of bisphosphonate pills are stomach upset and heartburn. Don't lie down or bend over for 30 to 60 minutes to avoid the medicine washing back up into the esophagus. Most people who follow these tips don't have these side effects.

Do intravenous bisphosphonates have advantages over the pill form?

Intravenous forms of bisphosphonates, such as ibandronate and zoledronic acid, don't cause stomach upset. And it may be easier for some people to schedule a quarterly or yearly infusion than to remember to take a weekly or monthly pill.

Should I take a drug holiday from bisphosphonates?

So your doctor might suggest that you temporarily stop taking this type of drug. This practice is known as a drug holiday.

What is the best treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: 1 Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill 2 Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill 3 Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion 4 Zoledronic acid (Reclast), an annual IV infusion

What is the condition of bisphosphonates and denosumab?

A very rare complication of bisphosphonates and denosumab is a break or crack in the middle of the thighbone. This injury, known as atypical femoral fracture, can cause pain in the thigh or groin that begins subtly and may gradually worsen.

How It Works

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

Tips

Response and Effectiveness

Interactions

References

Further Information