Precautions
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?
How long you will take alendronate (Fosamax) depends on how your body responds to the medication. For people with a lower risk of fractures, the manufacturer recommends stopping it after 3 to 5 years. Should I take calcium with alendronate (Fosamax)? Most people taking alendronate (Fosamax) should also take calcium supplements.
How long to stay on 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,
What are the long term side effects of Fosamax?
It now looks like it's safe to take Fosamx for 10 years but that's not really the "long haul." If a woman starts taking the drug at menopause , she going to have hopefully a lot more than 10 years left to live.
How long can you take Fosamax?
How long should you be on Fosamax?
Bisphosphonates, the most common type of osteoporosis medications, are typically taken for at least 3 to 5 years. After that, your doctor will consider your risk factors in determining whether you should continue to take these or other osteoporosis medications.
Do you have to take Fosamax forever?
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 does it take for Fosamax to strengthen bones?
Response and effectiveness. Fosamax starts to affect markers that reflect bone resorption within one month of treatment and reaches a plateau by three to six months.
Can you take Fosamax for 10 years?
The study showed that the drug Fosamax was effective in maintaining bone mineral density at the spine for 10 years, regardless of the age of the patients or the extent of bone loss at the start of treatment.
What happens when you stop taking Fosamax?
If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don't take it at all: If you don't take this drug, you may have a higher risk for bone breaks. If you miss doses or don't take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely.
What are the worst side effects of Fosamax?
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: jaw/ear pain, increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain, new or unusual hip/thigh/groin pain, swelling of joints/hands/ankles/feet, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Does Fosamax make your hair fall out?
Less common side effects of alendronate include: Hair loss.
Can Fosamax reverse osteoporosis?
"You can slow down the bone loss, [but] it's not the same as reversing it," says Nieves, who also works at New York's Helen Hayes Hospital. There are several types of osteoporosis drugs, which are available by prescription only: Bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, and Reclast.
Can you have dental work while taking Fosamax?
Nevertheless, Sedghizadeh notes that USC now warns all dental patients taking Fosamax and other bisphosphonates that "you may be at risk of developing osteonecrosis (bone death) of the jaw, and certain dental treatments may increase that risk."
How long can you stay on alendronate?
1 The beneficial effect of alendronate remains for three to five years after ceasing treatment. In a patient who has taken alendronate for five years and whose bone density is no longer in the osteoporotic range, discontinuing alendronate is a reasonable approach.
What can I take instead of Fosamax?
Which osteoporosis medications are usually tried first?Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill.Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion.Zoledronic acid (Reclast), an annual IV infusion.
Does Fosamax make you gain weight?
Weight gain isn't a side effect that you should have while taking Fosamax. In clinical trials, weight gain didn't occur in people taking Fosamax. However, peripheral edema (swelling in your arms or legs) has been reported by some people since Fosamax was approved by the FDA and released onto the market.
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 It Works
Alendronate is used to treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults.
May Treat: Paget's disease of bone · Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis · Osteoporosis in male patient · Post-menopausal osteoporosis · Postmenopausal osteoporosis and more
Drug Class: Bone Resorption Inhibitors - Bisphosphonates
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Paget's disease of bone · Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis · Osteoporosis in male patient · Post-menopausal osteoporosis · Postmenopausal osteoporosis and more
Drug Class: Bone Resorption Inhibitors - Bisphosphonates
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Manufacturer: MERCK SHARP & D · ORGANON LLC
- Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
- Take at least 30 minutes before breakfast/beverage
- Call Dr if heartburn, or swallowing/stomach pain
- Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
- Take at least 30 minutes before breakfast/beverage
- Call Dr if heartburn, or swallowing/stomach pain
- Tell dentist you are on this medication.
- May need calcium & vit D supplements
- Ask doctor
- For solution, oral products : Avoid lying down for 30 minutes after taking. Follow taking this drug with 2 ounces of water.
- For tablet products : Do not use more or less often than doctor said. Take once daily unless otherwise instructed. Take once weekly unless otherwise directed. Swallow whole with water. Do not lie down for 30min. Wait 30 minutes before taking other medicines.
Upsides
Downsides
Bottom Line
Tips
Response and Effectiveness
Interactions
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Abdominal pain, bone muscle or joint pain, dyspepsia, hair loss, itch, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, dizziness, headache, vertigo, and swelling of the ankles or feet are the most common side effects. 2. Fosamax, like ot…
References
- Fosamax helps to reduce the risk of fracture in people with osteoporosis and some other bone conditions. Dosage instructions, including remaining upright for at least 30 minutes and taking with a f...
Further Information
- Take Fosamax at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking any food or beverages (other than water), or taking any other medication, including calcium, antacids, or vitamins.
- Take Fosamax with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down. Do not substitute water with mineral water, coffee, soda, juice, or tea. Never take Fosamax at b...
- Take Fosamax at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking any food or beverages (other than water), or taking any other medication, including calcium, antacids, or vitamins.
- Take Fosamax with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down. Do not substitute water with mineral water, coffee, soda, juice, or tea. Never take Fosamax at b...
- 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. If you are taking supplemental calcium, iron, magnesium, or ant...