Alendronate Sodium
Alendronate Sodium 4 Tablets
What is Alendronate Sodium?
Alendronate Sodium (Fosamax) is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat osteoporosis and increase bone strength. It belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates, which help slow bone loss, improve bone density, and reduce the risk of fractures.
Side Effects
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Muscle spasms or twitching, tingling or numbness in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth
Warnings
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heartburn, anemia, blood clotting problems, ulcers or other stomach or bowel problems, a vitamin D deficiency, or a history of cancer. Tell your doctor if you have dental problems or if you wear dentures. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
- This medicine may cause the following problems: Damage to your esophagusIncreased risk for a thigh bone fractureLow calcium levels
- Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause jaw problems, especially if you have a tooth pulled or other dental work.
- The effervescent tablet contains sodium. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet.
- Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Prescription savings · · · ·
What is Alendronate Sodium ?
Alendronate Sodium (Fosamax) is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat osteoporosis and increase bone strength. It belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates, which help slow bone loss, improve bone density, and reduce the risk of fractures.
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Muscle spasms or twitching, tingling or numbness in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth
- Chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or a burning feeling in your throat
- Pain, swelling, numbness, or a heavy feeling in your mouth or jaw, loose teeth, or other tooth problems
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing
- Unusual pain in your thigh, groin, or hip
- Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heartburn, anemia, blood clotting problems, ulcers or other stomach or bowel problems, a vitamin D deficiency, or a history of cancer. Tell your doctor if you have dental problems or if you wear dentures. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
- This medicine may cause the following problems: Damage to your esophagusIncreased risk for a thigh bone fractureLow calcium levels
- Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause jaw problems, especially if you have a tooth pulled or other dental work.
- The effervescent tablet contains sodium. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet.
- Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Unusual pain in your thigh, groin, or hip
Alendronate Sodium Coupons & Prices
Alendronate Sodium 4 Tablets
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Looking for an alendronate sodium coupon? Alendronate sodium is the low-cost generic version of Fosamax, a once-weekly bisphosphonate used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Because it is a widely available generic, cash prices are already modest, but they can vary a lot from one pharmacy to the next, so comparing matters. Rx.com checks prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies so you can find the lowest cost near you. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price and print or show a free coupon at the counter.
What is alendronate sodium and how does it work?
Alendronate sodium is a bisphosphonate, a class of medicine that slows the breakdown of bone. It is FDA-approved to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women taking corticosteroids, and to treat Paget's disease of bone. By slowing how quickly your body removes old bone, it helps increase bone mineral density and lower the risk of fractures.
It is sold under the brand names Fosamax, Binosto (an effervescent tablet), and Fosamax Plus D (a combination of alendronate and vitamin D3). The generic is available in tablet form and is therapeutically equivalent to the brand.
How much does alendronate cost without insurance?
Alendronate sodium is a generic, so it is generally one of the more affordable osteoporosis medicines even if you pay cash. That said, the price for the very same tablet can differ widely depending on which pharmacy you use and how many tablets you fill, which is exactly why comparing before you fill is worth the few seconds it takes.
Rx.com compares live cash prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies and gives you a free coupon you can use at the register. There is no membership fee. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price near you. If your insurance copay is higher than the cash price, you can choose whichever is lower.
Alendronate alternatives and related medicines
Alendronate is one of several medicines used to protect bone. Your provider decides which is the best fit based on your history, how you tolerate the medicine, and how you prefer to take it (daily, weekly, monthly, or by infusion).
- Fosamax is the brand-name version of alendronate.
- Risedronate and ibandronate are other oral bisphosphonates.
- Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate given as a once-yearly infusion.
- Raloxifene is a non-bisphosphonate option for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
You can compare prices on each of these on Rx.com. Talk with your provider before switching medicines.
Safety and how to take it correctly
How you take alendronate matters as much as the dose. Take it first thing in the morning with a full glass of plain water on an empty stomach, and then stay upright (sitting or standing) and do not eat, drink other liquids, or lie down for at least 30 minutes. This lowers the risk of irritation, inflammation, or ulcers in the esophagus. It should not be used by people who cannot stay upright for 30 minutes or who have certain esophagus problems, low blood calcium, or severe kidney impairment. Your provider will usually correct any calcium or vitamin D deficiency before you start.
Other important but uncommon risks include osteonecrosis of the jaw (higher with invasive dental work, cancer, chemotherapy, or corticosteroids), unusual thigh or femur fractures with long-term use, and severe bone, joint, or muscle pain. Tell your provider about any dental procedures or new pain. This information is educational and is not medical advice, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether alendronate is right for you.
This Alendronate Sodium information was written and reviewed against authoritative U.S. medical sources — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), DailyMed, and FDA prescribing information — and checked for accuracy. It is provided for education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Verify the official label: Alendronate Sodium on DailyMed (FDA)
Reviewed against FDA labeling · Last reviewed July 2026
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Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.