Alendronate Sodium
Alendronate Sodium
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.
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- 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
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.
Alendronate Sodium (Fosamax) is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men, as well as osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use. It is also approved to treat Paget's disease of bone. Alendronate belongs to a class of medications known as bisphosphonates, which help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures in the spine, hip, and other bones.
Alendronate works by slowing the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone. This allows the body to build and maintain stronger, denser bones over time. Although patients generally cannot feel their bones becoming stronger, regular treatment can significantly lower the risk of fractures, especially in individuals with osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.
The medication is typically taken once weekly, although some formulations are taken once daily. Alendronate must be taken first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medications. After taking the tablet, patients should remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes and avoid lying down to reduce the risk of irritation or injury to the esophagus.
Common side effects include stomach pain, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and bone, joint, or muscle pain. Rare but serious side effects include esophageal ulcers, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), and atypical femur fractures, particularly after long-term use. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any planned dental procedures and report persistent thigh, hip, or groin pain, difficulty swallowing, or severe chest pain.
Whether you're treating osteoporosis or refilling your prescription, Rx.com makes it easy to compare Alendronate Sodium pharmacy prices, find prescription savings, and use the free Rx.com Prescription Discount Card to help lower your medication costs. If you need a new prescription or medication refill, you can also connect with a licensed healthcare provider online to determine whether alendronate sodium is the right treatment for your bone health.
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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.