• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What is alendronate?
Alendronate is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Alendronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures. Alendronate is used to treat or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and steroid-induced osteoporosis. Alendronate is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone. Alendronate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of alendronate?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using alendronate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain;

• difficulty or pain when swallowing;

• pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;

• new or worsening heartburn;

• severe joint, bone, or muscle pain; or

• jaw pain, numbness, or swelling.

Continue using alendronate and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• mild heartburn or stomach upset;

• diarrhea, gas, or constipation;

• joint pain or swelling;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• back pain; or

• dizziness, weakness, or headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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How should I take alendronate?
Take alendronate exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Alendronate tablets are taken either once each day or once each week. Take the alendronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. If you take an alendronate tablet only once a week, take it on the same day each week and always first thing in the morning. Take each alendronate tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking an alendronate tablet.

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What is the most important information I should know about alendronate?
Do not take an alendronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication. Take the alendronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. Take each dose with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking an alendronate tablet.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
If you take alendronate tablets once daily: If you forget to take this medicine first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take take two (2) tablets in one day. If you take alendronate tablets once a week: If you forget to take alendronate on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular weekly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take take two (2) tablets in one day.

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What other drugs will affect alendronate?
Antacids, supplements, or medicines that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or other minerals can interfere with how your body absorbs alendronate. If you use these other medicines, do not that take them for at least 30 minutes after taking an alendronate tablet. Before using alendronate, tell your doctor if you also use aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Alendronate has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies in rats have revealed evidence of incomplete fetal ossification, protracted parturition, and maternal toxicity at alendronate doses 1 to 9 times the 10 mg human dose (based on mg/m2). No similar effects were noted in rabbits treated at doses 50 times the human 10 mg dose (based on mg/m2). There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Alendronate is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and benefit outweighs risk.

There are no data on the excretion of alendronate into human milk. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering alendronate nursing women.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Esophageal abnormalities that delay esophageal emptying (e.g., stricture, achalasia).
• Patients at increased risk of aspiration should not receive alendronate oral solution.
• Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
• Hypocalcemia.
• Known hypersensitivity to alendronate or any ingredient in the formulation.

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What does my medication look like?
Alendronate is available with a prescription under the brand name Fosamax. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Fosamax 10 mg--white, round tablets with a bone image Fosamax 35 mg-white, oval tablets Fosamax 40 mg--white, triangular tablets Fosamax 70 mg-white, oval tablets Fosamax Oral Solution 70 mg-clear, colorless, raspberry-flavored solution

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Drink a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center or emergency room right away. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down. Symptoms of an alendronate overdose may include nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in your face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or behavior.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking alendronate?
Do not take an alendronate tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication. Before using alendronate, tell your doctor if you have: low blood calcium (hypocalcemia); a vitamin D deficiency; kidney disease; or an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use alendronate, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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