Generic Fosamax ® : ALENDRONATE
Alendronate is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Fosamax ®
Fosamax ® is the registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.

Other Popular Brand Names
Alend; Bifosa; Eucalen; Fosalan; Indrol; Mavil; NeoBon; Osteovan

Medication information about generic Fosamax
Important information about usage, risks and possible side-effects.

Tablets Chemical Name: ALENDRONATE ( a-LEN-droe-nate)

Possible Uses of This Medication This medicine is a bisphosphonate used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It may also be used to treat Paget's disease, steroid-induced osteoporosis, and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking aspirin and NSAIDs ( e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions or allergies. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have trouble swallowing, or low levels of calcium. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

How to take this medication Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. In order for this medicine to work, it is important to take it once a day, every day. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with 6-8 ounces of PLAIN WATER ONLY the first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medicine. This medicine works even better if you take it 60 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medicine. This medicine is effective only if taken on an empty stomach. DO NOT LIE DOWN for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine and until after your first food of the day. Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum may interfere with the absorption of this medicine. Take these products or any other medicines at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate.

Cautions It is important to have enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions about your diet or about taking dietary supplements such as calcium or vitamin D. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines which contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include stomach pain, muscle pain, headache, constipation, stomach gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience worsening severe heartburn, or pain upon swallowing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and without a prescription.

Missed Dose IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. do not double the next dose

Storage Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Other Information DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.