Fosamax/Fosamax Plus

Fosamax Alendronate Na. Fosamax Plus Per 70 mg/2,800 IU Alendronate Na 70 mg, colecalciferol 2,800 IU. Per 70 mg/5,600 IU Alendronate Na 70 mg, colecalciferol 5,600 IU

Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women & in men.

1 tab once wkly.

Should be taken on an empty stomach: Take at least 30 min before the 1st food, drink or medication of the day, w/ a full glass of plain water only & remain in sitting/upright position for at least 30 min. Do not take at bedtime or before arising for the day. Swallow whole, do not chew/crush. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of oesophageal adverse experiences. Take Ca & vit D supplements if dietary intake is inadequate.

Hypersensitivity. Abnormalities of the esophagus eg, stricture or achalasia. Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 min. Hypocalcemia. Renal insufficiency w/ CrCl <0.58 mL/sec (<35 mL/min).

Discontinue use in case of symptoms of esophageal disease (eg, difficulty or pain upon swallowing, retrosternal pain or new or worsening heartburn). Risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw; osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal; severe & occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, &/or muscle pain; symptomatic hypocalcemia; ocular disturbances including conjunctivitis, uveitis, episcleritis & scleritis. Treatment interruption should be considered in patients w/ stress fractures. Hypocalcemia & other disorders affecting mineral metabolism must be corrected before initiating therapy. May cause local irritation of the upper GI mucosa. Exercise caution in patients w/ active upper GI problems eg, dysphagia, esophageal diseases, gastritis, duodenitis, or ulcers. May affect ability to drive or operate machinery. Pregnancy & lactation. Patients <18 yr. Fosamax Plus Should not be used to treat vit D deficiency.

Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, acid regurgitation, nausea, abdominal distention, constipation, flatulence, gastritis, gastric ulcer; musculoskeletal pain, muscle cramp.

Reduced absorption & effectiveness w/ food & beverages; herbal products. Alendronate Na: Interference in absorption w/ Ca supplements, antacid, other multivalent cations & other oral medications. Doubled bioavailability w/ ranitidine IV. Use w/ caution when co-administered w/ NSAIDs. Colecalciferol: Impaired absorption w/ olestra, mineral oils, orlistat, & bile acid sequestrants (eg, cholestyramine, colestipol). Increased catabolism w/ anticonvulsants, cimetidine, & thiazides.

Agents Affecting Bone Metabolism

M05BB03 - alendronic acid and colecalciferol ; Belongs to the class bisphosphonates, combinations. Used in the treatment of bone diseases.
M05BA04 - alendronic acid ; Belongs to the class of bisphosphonates. Used in the treatment of bone diseases.

P₁S₁S₃