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Alendronate |
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What is Alendronate and why is it prescribed? Alendronate is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease, in postmenopausal women. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and is prescribed for both men and women who have developed a form of osteoporosis sometimes caused by steroid medications such as prednisone. Alendronate can also be used to relieve Paget's disease of bone, a painful condition that weakens and deforms the bones. For Alendronate to be effective, you must take the tablets without food or other medications, exactly as directed. How should you take Alendronate? Follow your doctors directions for taking Alendronate. Alendronate is effective only when each tablet is taken with a full glass of plain water first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or other medication. If you can wait longer before eating or drinking, the medication will be absorbed better. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Alendronate and avoid chewing or sucking on the tablet; it can cause mouth sores. You should take calcium and vitamin D supplements if you don't get enough in your diet. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Weight-bearing exercise can also strengthen bones. If you miss a dose and you are taking Alendronate on a daily basis, do not take a missed dose later in the day. Instead, skip it and go back to your regular schedule the next morning. If you are taking Alendronate once a week, take 1 tablet the morning after you remember, then return to your original once-weekly schedule on the chosen day. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Keep the container tightly closed and store at room temperature. Are there any Alendronate side effects? Alendronate side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Alendronate side effects may include abdominal pain, bone and joint pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, muscle pain, and nausea. Less common Alendronate side effects may include abdominal distention, acid backup, difficulty in swallowing, esophageal ulcers, gas, headache, stomach ulcers, and vomiting. Rare Alendronate side effects may include changes in taste, esophageal blockage or perforation, eye pain, hives, inflammation of the stomach, mouth sores, muscle cramps, rash, skin redness, and swollen face and throat. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Alendronate? If Alendronate is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Combining aspirin with a Alendronate dose of more than 10 milligrams per day will increase the likelihood of upset stomach. Calcium supplements such as Caltrate, antacids such as Riopan, and some other oral medications will interfere with the absorption of Alendronate, so wait at least 30 minutes after taking Alendronate before you take anything else. Are there any special warnings about Alendronate? Alendronate is not recommended for women on hormone replacement therapy, or for women with kidney problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing or have any digestive disease. Alendronate may cause problems in your esophagus such as inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, and in rare cases, blockage or perforation. |
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