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What happens if you take alendronate with food?
Take the medicine on an empty stomach. It should be taken as soon as you get out of bed in the morning and at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages (eg, mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice) will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body.
Why Cannot lie down after taking alendronate?
Do not lie down again after taking the medicine. Alendronate can cause damage to the esophagus (food pipe) and the water will wash the medication down into the stomach. If you lie down the medication might come back up into the esophagus, so that is why you should not lie down.
How long should I wait to eat after taking alendronate?
Alendronate works only if taken on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking the medication before you eat or drink anything other than plain water. Do not take this medication at bedtime or before rising for the day.
Why do you have to sit up after taking alendronate?
Alendronate, like other bisphosphonates, may irritate the esophagus and stomach. Some cases have been severe enough to warrant hospitalization. The risk is greater in people who lie down soon after taking alendronate or who don't take it with a full glass of water. Take exactly as directed.
Can you take vitamin D with alendronate?
It will also help prevent irritation to your esophagus. It is important that you eat a well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products). However, do not take any foods, beverages, or calcium supplements within 30 minutes or longer after taking this medicine.
Does alendronate make you gain weight?
Weight gain isn't a side effect that you should have while taking Fosamax. In clinical trials, weight gain didn't occur in people taking Fosamax. However, peripheral edema (swelling in your arms or legs) has been reported by some people since Fosamax was approved by the FDA and released onto the market.
Can alendronate cause stomach problems?
Upper gastrointestinal issues: This drug may cause ulcers and erosions in your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach). This can sometimes be severe. Symptoms may include heartburn, trouble swallowing or pain when swallowing, chest pain, bloody vomit, or black or bloody stool.
Can you take alendronate 2 hours after eating?
For the best results, take these pills at the same time every day. Take it on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, at least two hours after, or a full half hour before eating. Do not take it in combination with other medications or any vitamin or food supplements.
Do I need to take calcium with alendronate?
Calcium and vitamin D are very important as they are the nutrients your bone needs to make sure the alendronate will work effectively. Calcium gives your bones strength and rigidity. Vitamin D is needed to help your body absorb calcium.
How much water should you drink with alendronate?
If you are taking the alendronate tablets, swallow the tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces [180 to 240 mL]) of plain water. Never take alendronate tablets with tea, coffee, juice, milk, mineral water, sparkling water, or any liquid other than plain water.
Why is alendronate taken once a week?
Administering alendronate (70 mg) once a week effectively provides continuous inhibition of bone resorption because bone resorption by osteoclasts is a slow process that typically requires 2-3 weeks for completion and alendronate remains at active bone remodelling sites for a sustained period and (when present in ...
Can I drink water after taking Fosamax?
After taking your FOSAMAX, wait at least 30 minutes: before you take your first food or drink except for plain water. before you take other medicines, including antacids, calcium, and other supplements and vitamins.
Uses of Alendronate Tablets
1. It is used to put off or treat soft, brittle bones (osteoporosis). 2. It is used to treat Paget's disease. 3. It may be given to you for other r...
What Do I Need to Tell My Doctor Before I Take Alendronate Tablets?
1. If you have an allergy to alendronate or any other part of this medicine (alendronate tablets). 2. If you are allergic to any drugs like this on...
What Are Some Things I Need to Know Or Do While I Take Alendronate Tablets?
1. Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (alendronate tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and d...
How Is This Medicine (Alendronate Tablets) Best Taken?
Use this medicine (alendronate tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. 1. Take on a...
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need to Call My Doctor About Right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor o...
What Are Some Other Side Effects of Alendronate Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help i...
How Do I Store and/or Throw Out Alendronate Tablets?
1. Store at room temperature. 2. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. 3. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the rea...
How to take alendronate?
Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about. Have a dental exam before starting this medicine (alendronate tablets). Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist often. Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol. If you smoke, talk with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Alendronate Tablets?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (alendronate tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Alendronate Tablets?
If you have an allergy to alendronate or any other part of this medicine (alendronate tablets).
How is this medicine (Alendronate Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (alendronate tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
What to do if you think you have an overdose?
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Can alendronate cause bleeding?
Very bad swallowing tube (esophagus) problems like irritation, swelling, ulcers, and bleeding have happened with this medicine (alendronate tablets). Talk with the doctor.
How does alendronate work?
Alendronate works by inhibiting osteoclasts which are responsible for breaking down and reabsorbing bone (by a process known as bone resorption).
What is alendronate used for?
Alendronate is used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. Alendronate may also be used to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone. Alendronate may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers.
How long does alendronate last?
The optimal duration of therapy with alendronate has not been established. Periodically re-evaluate the need for therapy. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered by doctors after 3 to 5 years in patients at low risk of fracture.
How long does it take for alendronate to cause pain?
Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain, necessitating discontinuation of alendronate in some people, has been reported, occurring from one day to several months after starting the drug. Rarely may cause other side effects including uveitis (eye inflammation).
How long to wait to drink alendronate?
Dissolve alendronate effervescent tablets in 4oz of room temperature tap water. Wait 5 minutes after effervescence stops before stirring for 10 seconds then drinking . You may need to take supplementary calcium or vitamin D if your dietary intake is inadequate. Your doctor will advise you about this.
How long should you stay upright after taking Alendronate?
Take exactly as directed. Alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water and the person taking alendronate should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
What medications interact with Alendronate?
oral steroids, such as dexamethasone, prednisone, and methylprednisone. sirolimus and tacrolimus. zinc salts. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with alendronate.
How to take alendronate?
Alendronate comes as a tablet, an effervescent tablet, and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. The solution is usually taken on an empty stomach once a week in the morning. The 5-mg and 10-mg tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once a day in the morning, and the 35-mg and 70-mg tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once a week in the morning. The 40-mg tablets are usually taken once a day in the morning for six months to treat Paget's disease of bone. The effervescent tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once weekly in the morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take alendronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Why is alendronate prescribed?
Why is this medication prescribed? Alendronate is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (''change of life,'' end of menstrual periods) and to treat osteoporosis in men.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze alendronate solution.
What to tell your doctor before taking Alendronate?
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
How long after taking Alendronate can you eat?
After you take alendronate, do not eat, drink, or take any other medications (including vitamins or antacids) for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you take alendronate. Sit upright or stand upright until at least 30 minutes have passed and you have eaten your first food of the day.
What to do if you overdose on milk?
In case of overdose, give the victim a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Do not allow the victim to lie down and do not try to make the victim vomit.
Can you take Alendronate with water?
Never take alendronate tablets with tea, coffee, juice, milk, mineral water, sparkling water, or any liquid other than plain water. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew or crush them. Do not suck on the tablets.
What is Alendronate used for?
Alendronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. With this condition, your bones become thin and weak, and break easily. This drug is also used to treat Paget’s disease. With this condition, your bones are soft and weak, and may be deformed or painful, or may break easily.
How long after taking alendronate can you take antacids?
Calcium supplements, magnesium, iron, and antacids. These drugs may reduce how much alendronate your body absorbs. You should wait at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate before taking any other oral medications.
How to avoid interactions with medications?
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What happens if you stop taking a drug?
If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: If you don’t take this drug, you may have a higher risk for bone breaks.
Can Alendronate interact with other medications?
Alendronate oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking . An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
Does Alendronate make you drowsy?
Alendronate oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness but it can cause other side effects.
Can Alendronate cause muscle pain?
Muscle and bone pain: This drug may cause severe bone, joint, and muscle pain. If you have these symptoms, stop taking alendronate and call your doctor right away.
Why is alendronic acid good for an empty stomach?
Alendronic acid works best on an empty stomach because your body can absorb it properly.
How long can you sit up after taking alendronic acid?
have digestive problems, problems swallowing or any problems with your food pipe. can't sit up or stand for at least 30 minutes.
How long does it take for alendronic acid to work?
Alendronic acid usually starts to work after 1 month. However, it may take 6 to 12 months for the medicine to fully protect your bones.
What is alendronic acid?
About alendronic acid. Alendronic acid is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. It helps your bones stay as strong as possible. It can help if you have or are at risk of getting a health problem called osteoporosis. This is where your bones get weaker and more likely to break.
Can alendronic acid break bones?
But the benefits of alendronic acid usually far outweigh the risks. By not having treatment, you're more likely to break a bone. Broken bones are painful and can have serious consequences. In older people, for example, a broken hip can mean they're no longer able to live independently.
Can medicine affect alendronic acid?
Some medicines can affect the way alendronic acid works.
Is alendronic acid safe during pregnancy?
Alendronic acid is not recommended during pregnancy. This is because there has not been enough research into its safety.
How can I stop taking Fosamax?
If your doctor recommends that you stop taking Fosamax, be sure to follow their instructions for stopping. Sometimes your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Fosamax if you have side effects from the drug. Or they may recommend that you stop treatment if you’ve been taking Fosamax for a certain amount of time.
How long do side effects from Fosamax last?
It depends. Certain side effects, such as heartburn or nausea, may go away after you’ve taken a few doses of Fosamax. However other side effects, such as bone pain or a low blood calcium level, may not go away after a few doses of the drug.
Will Fosamax cure my condition?
No, Fosamax doesn’t cure osteoporosis or Paget’s disease of bone. In fact, there’s currently no cure for either of these conditions. However, treatments such as Fosamax may help relieve symptoms and keep these conditions from getting worse.
Does Fosamax cause cancer?
It’s not known if Fosamax increases your risk of cancer. Cancer wasn’ t reported as a side effect in clinical trials of Fosamax. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been reviewing clinical studies to see if there’s a link between medications such as Fosamax and cancer of the esophagus. (The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.)
Can I use the supplement strontium instead of Fosamax?
While strontium may sometimes be used as an alternative to Fosamax, there’s very little evidence in the United States that strontium is safe and effective for osteoporosis treatment. This is because very few clinical trials have been done to determine if strontium can be used for osteoporosis.
Can I use Fosamax if I’m taking thyroid medication?
Yes, if your doctor recommends, you can take Fosamax while you’re taking thyroid medication. There aren’t any known interactions between Fosamax and thyroid medications, such as Synthroid ( levothyroxine ). This means that Fosamax doesn’t affect how thyroid medications work in your body, and vice versa.
Can I stop taking Fosamax ‘cold turkey’?
It depends on your doctor’s recommendation. Always talk with your doctor before you stop taking any medications.
How It Works
- The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of...
Upsides
Downsides
Bottom Line
Tips
- Alendronate is used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men.
- Alendronate may also be used to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone.
- Alendronate may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers.
- Alendronate is used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men.
- Alendronate may also be used to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone.
- Alendronate may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers.
- Some studies have shown that alendronate may be more effective than risedronate at increasing bone mineral density and reducing bone turnover without a higher risk of side effects.
Response and Effectiveness
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Abdominal pain, bone muscle or joint pain, dyspepsia, hair loss, itch, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, dizziness, headache, vertigo, and swelling of the ankles or feet are the most common side effects. 2. Alendronate, lik…
Interactions
- Alendronate helps to reduce the risk of fracture in people with osteoporosis and some other bone conditions. Dosage instructions, including remaining upright for at least 30 minutes and taking with a full glass of water, must be strictly followed. The optimal length of therapy remains unknown.
References
- Take alendronate at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking any food or beverages (other than water), or taking any other medication, including calcium, antacids, or vitamins.
- Take alendronate with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down. Do not substitute water with mineral water, coffee, soda, juice, or tea. Never take alendron...
- Take alendronate at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking any food or beverages (other than water), or taking any other medication, including calcium, antacids, or vitamins.
- Take alendronate with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes. Do not lie down. Do not substitute water with mineral water, coffee, soda, juice, or tea. Never take alendron...
- Avoid eating, drinking (other than water), or taking other medications for 30 minutes after taking alendronate.
- Dissolve alendronate effervescent tablets in 4oz of room temperature tap water. Wait 5 minutes after effervescence stops before stirring for 10 seconds then drinking.
Further Information
- Alendronate starts to affect markers that reflect bone resorption within one month of treatment and reaches a plateau by three to six months. Effects remain stable following continued treatment for...
- Food can significantly decrease the absorption of alendronate.
Medical uses
- Medicines that interact with alendronate may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with alendronate. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions sh…
Results
- Alendronate. Revised 01/2021. Exelan Pharmaceuticals Inc. https://www.drugs.com/ppa/alendronate.html
Diet
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use alendronate only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: February 15, 2022. Medical Disc…
Risks
- Alendronate is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (''change of life,'' end of menstrual periods) and to treat osteoporosis in men. Alendronate is also used to treat osteoporosis in men and women who are taking corticosteroids (a type of medication that may …
Prevention
- Alendronate controls osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone but does not cure these conditions. It may take 3 months or longer before your bone density begins to increase. Alendronate helps to treat and prevent osteoporosis only as long as it is taken regularly. Continue to take alendronate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking alendronate wi...
Diagnosis
- You should eat and drink plenty of foods and drinks that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking alendronate. Your doctor will tell you which foods and drinks are good sources of these nutrients and how many servings you need each day. If you find it difficult to eat enough of these foods, tell your doctor. In that case, your doctor can prescribe or recommend a supplement.
Preparation
- Taking a bisphosphonate medication such as alendronate for osteoporosis may increase the risk that you will break your thigh bone(s). You may feel pain in your hips, groin, or thighs for several weeks or months before the bone(s) break, and you may find that one or both of your thigh bones have broken even though you have not fallen or experienced other trauma. It is unusual for the t…