IIMPORTANT NOTE: What should my health care professional know before I take alendronate? They need to know if you have any of these conditions:; kidney disease; low level of blood calcium; stomach, intestinal, or esophageal problems, like acid-reflux or GERD; problems swallowing; vitamin D deficiency; an unusual or allergic reaction to alendronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding

ALENDRONATE - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fosamax®

USES: This medication reduces calcium loss from bones.

HOW TO USE: How should I take this medicine?
Follow the directions on the prescription label. Some patients take alendronate every day. Other patients may only take a dose of alendronate once a week. If you take alendronate only once a week, take the medicine on the same day every week.

SIDE EFFECTS: What side effects might I notice from taking alendronate? Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: More common; stomach pain; heartburn; pain or difficulty swallowing Rare or uncommon:; black or tarry stools; skin rash, itching (hives); swelling of the lips, arms, legs, face, tongue, or throat; vomiting; allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):; diarrhea or constipation; headache; stomach gas or fullness; nausea; changes in taste; bone, muscle or joint pain; rash, which may be made worse by prolonged exposure to sunlight

PRECAUTIONS: What should I watch for while taking alendronate? Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you have Paget's disease it may be some time before you see the benefit from alendronate. Do not stop taking alendronate except on your prescriber's advice. Low blood levels of phosphorus and calcium can occur but usually do not cause serious problems. Your prescriber or health care professional may order regular blood tests to check for these problems.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: What drug(s) may interact with alendronate?; aluminum hydroxide; antacids; anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and others; aspirin; calcium supplements; iron supplements; magnesium supplements; vitamins with minerals

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, fever, fast breathing, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, panic or paranoid, drowsiness, convulsions, unconsciousness, unusually fast or slow heart beat, headache, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, pale or flushing, chest pain, sweating, muscle weakness, agitation, large pupils, or delusions.

NOTES: It is very important to take alendronate with a full glass of water (6-8 ounces). Do not take with orange juice, coffee or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take alendronate with food. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer after taking alendronate before you eat, drink or take other medicines. Because alendronate may irritate your throat, remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate; do not lie down. If you begin to have pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, heartburn or stomach pain, call your prescriber or health care professional right away. You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet while you are taking alendronate, unless directed otherwise by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your health care professional or nutritionist.

MISSED DOSE: If you take a daily dose of alendronate: If you miss a dose, do not take it later in the day. Continue your normal schedule starting the next morning, before you have eaten. Do not take double or extra doses.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.