Medication Usage
Fosamax is indicated for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. For the treatment of osteoporosis, Fosamax increases bone mass and reduces the incidence of fractures, including those of the hip and spine. It is also indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis, treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, treatment of glucocorticoid. It is used to treat induced osteoporosis in men and women receiving glucocorticoids in a daily dosage equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone and who have low bone mineral density, treatment of Paget's disease of bone in men and women.
Medication Consumption
Fosamax comes as a tablet taken once a day in the morning with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water, on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before you eat, drink, or take other medications and do not take Fosamax with mineral water, coffee, orange juice, milk, or other dairy products. Do not suck or chew the tablet; swallow the tablet whole. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. Standing or sitting upright helps you get the full dose and decreases heartburn or the risk of injury to your esophagus.
Warnings/Cautions
Before taking Fosamax, tell your doctor if you have a problem swallowing, such as a narrowing of the esophagus; have esophageal ulcers or an esophageal disease; have a condition that causes low levels of calcium in the body; have kidney disease; have stomach ulcers or other stomach or digestive problems; or are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
You may not be able to take Fosamax, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Fosamax is in the FDA pregnancy category C. Do not take Fosamax without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
If you take Fosamax every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose the following day.
Serious Side Effects
Stop taking Fosamax if you experience any of the following serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
Seek emergency or talk to your doctor if you have difficulty or pain when swallowing; chest pain; pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; or new or worsening heartburn.
Possible Overdose
Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and upper gastrointestinal adverse events, such as upset stomach, heartburn, esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcer, may result from oral over dosage. If you do think that an overdose has occurred, call an emergency room or poison control center.
Special Information
Follow you doctor's recommendations about drinking alcohol and smoking. These activities are related to decreased bone density.
Antacids and other medicines taken by mouth may decrease the effects of Fosamax. Do not take any other medicines within 30 minutes after a dose of Fosamax. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medicines during treatment with Fosamax.
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