Alendronate prevent osteoporosis
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate. It works by slowing bone loss.
Do not use alendronate if: you are allergic to any ingredient in alendronate
you have certain esophagus problems (eg, narrowing,
blockage)
you are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
you have low blood calcium levels or severe kidney problems
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with alendronate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of stomach or bowel problems (eg, inflammation, ulcer), esophagus problems (eg, heartburn, reflux disease, severe irritation), or kidney problems, or if you have difficult or painful swallowing
if you have low blood vitamin D levels, cancer, anemia, asthma, blood clotting problems, an infection, calcium metabolism problems, or nutrient absorption problems (eg, malabsorption syndrome), or you are unable to take calcium or vitamin D supplements
if you have poor dental hygiene or other dental
problems, or you will be having a dental procedure (eg, tooth extraction)
if you smoke or drink alcohol
if you have had or will be having chemotherapy or radiation treatment
if you have a mental disorder or other condition that may decrease your ability to follow the dosing instructions for alendronate
if you are taking any medicines that can cause jaw bone problems. There are many medicines that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Some medicines may interact with alendronate. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of side effects, such as esophagus or stomach irritation, may be increased
Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or angiogenesis inhibitors (eg, bevacizumab) because the risk of jawbone problems may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if alendronate may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take alendronate before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Alendronate may cause
dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use alendronate with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol, smoke, or use other tobacco products while taking alendronate.
Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a calcium and vitamin D supplement while you use alendronate.
Talk to your doctor about the use of weight-bearing exercises to help prevent weak bones.
Certain fractures of the thigh bone (femur) have been
reported in patients using bisphosphonates.
It is unknown if bisphosphonates contributed to the fractures. Contact your doctor right away if you experience hip, thigh, or groin pain. Discuss any
questions or concerns with your doctor.
Alendronate may cause jawbone problems in some patients. Your risk may be greater the longer you take alendronate or if you have cancer, poor dental hygiene, ill-fitting dentures, or certain other conditions (eg, anemia, blood clotting problems, dental problems, infection). Your risk may also be greater if you have certain dental procedures or you use certain medicines or therapies (eg, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation).
Talk to your doctor about having a dental exam before you start to use alendronate. Ask your doctor any questions you may have about dental treatment while you use alendronate.
Proper dental care is important while you are taking
alendronate. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
Alendronate may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to alendronate.
Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
Certain dental procedures should be avoided if possible while you are using alendronate. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take alendronate before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Worsening of asthma has been reported in patients taking medicines like this one. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
Lab tests, including bone density and blood calcium levels, may be performed while you use alendronate. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Your doctor may also want to evaluate you periodically while you take alendronate to assess the need to continue treatment. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Alendronate should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using alendronate while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use alendronate, check with your doctor.
Possible side effects of alendronate:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhoea; dizziness; feeling bloated or full; flu-like symptoms at the start of treatment; gas; headache; mild back, muscle, or joint pain; mild stomach pain or upset; nausea; taste changes; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; chest pain; coughing or vomiting blood; difficult or painful swallowing; mouth sores; new, worsening, or persistent heartburn; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe bone, muscle, or joint pain (especially in the hip, groin, or thigh); severe or persistent sore throat or stomach pain; swelling of the hands, legs, or joints; swelling or pain in the jaw; symptoms of low blood calcium (eg, spasms, twitches, or cramps in your muscles; numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Source: drugs.com
