Alendronate is a prescription medication available as the brand name drug Fosamax. It is useful in treating and preventing osteoporosis in women after menopause. Osteoporosis is a condition that can cause bones to become weak and brittle.
What Is Alendronate?
Alendronate is a prescription medication that can be used to treat osteoporosis after menopause. It is commonly available under the brand name Fosamax.
How Long Does Alendronate Stay In Your System?
In most cases, alendronate stays in your system for no longer than a few days. Studies show that after 72 hours, more than 50% of the alendronate content has left your body.
Alendronate Uses
The uses of alendronate include the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women after menopause. In other cases, this medication may also be used to treat osteoparosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids.
Alendronate Mechanism Of Action
The mechanism of action enables alendronate to prevent osteoclast formation. This effect helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.
Side Effects Of Alendronate
Like most medications, alendronate does come with some associated side effects.
Common Side Effects
Like most medications, alendronate does come with some associated side effects. Most of these common side effects should subside within a few days.
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn
- Muscle pain
- Irritation
- Nausea
- Gas
- Constipation
- Headache
- Diahrrea
- Change in ability to taste food
Serious Side Effects
Other side effects of alendronate are more serious and may require medical attention. Call 911 immediately if you think your side effects may be life-threatening.
- Difficulty breathing
- Heartburn
- Heavy jaw feeling
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
Disclaimer: At ManifestRX our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. Unfortunately, because drugs affect each individual differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects.
Alendronate Warnings
Before taking alendronate, it is important to consider the following warnings:
Upper Gastrointestinal Warning
Alendronate may cause ulcers and erosions in your esophagu, which can sometimes be severe. Symptoms may include heartburn, trouble swallowing or pain when swallowing, chest pain, bloody vomit, or black or bloody stool. Tell your doctor right away if you have these symptoms.
Muscle And Bone Warning
This drug may cause severe bone, joint, and muscle pain. If you have these symptoms, stop taking alendronate and call your doctor right away.
Broken Bone Warning
Alendronate may cause unusual breaks in your hip or leg bones. You may have dull, aching pain in your thigh(s) or groin weeks or months before the bone breaks. If you have this pain, talk to your doctor.
How To Take Alendronate
Take alendronate as prescribed by your doctor. When taking alendronate, it is important to consider the following:
- Don't take this medication with food. Food can reduce how much alendronate your body can absorb.
- Don't crush your alendronate tablets before ingesting them.
- Take alendronate first thing in the morning.
Alendronate Dosage
Your dosage for alendronate may vary depending on multiple factors, including the following:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Severity of your condition
Dosage For Osteoporosis In Men
Adult: 70mg once a week at least 30 min before your first meal or drink of the day.
Dosage For Paget's Bone Disease
Adult: 40mg once a day for 6 months.
Dosage For Post Menopausal Osteoporosis In Women
Adult: 70mg once a week at least 30 min before your first meal or drink of the day.
Takeaway
Alendronate is a prescription medication that can be used to treat osteoporosis after menopause and osteoporosis in men. It is commonly available under the brand name Fosamax.
