Fosamax

• Medication used for:
•         the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis in women after menopause
•         the treatment of osteoporosis in men
•         the treatment of osteoporosis in men or women receiving corticosteroids, as in daily dose of 5mg prednisone or greater and who have low bone mass
• Not a hormone, acts only on bone
• Increases bone mass and reduces the risk of spine and hip fractures

• Fosamax can be taken at a dose of 10mg/day or 70mg once a week for treatment; 2,800 IV Vit D3 and 5,600 IV Vit D3; liquid form 70mg in 75ml to be followed by at least 2 oz water.
• For prevention 5mg/day, or 35mg once a week, is recommended.
• Fosamax plus D is also now available and provides 70mg of Fosamax with 2,800 IU Vit D3 and is given weekly.
• After getting up for the day, and before food, drink or other medications,  swallow Fosamax with a 6 to 8 oz glass of plain water (no other liquid).
• After swallowing the Fosamax, do not lie back down, but stay upright (sitting, standing, for walking) for at least 30 minutes.
• After swallowing the Fosamax, wait at least 30 minutes before your first food, drink or other medications.
• Do not take at bedtime or before getting up for the day.

• If you miss a dose, do not take it later in the day.
• If you are on a daily dose, skip the missed dose and take at the usual time the next day.
• If you are on a weekly dose, take the missed dose the next morning and resume your regular weekly dose as previously scheduled.

• Side effects with Fosamax are not common but may include:
• Irritation, inflammation or ulcers of the esophagus
• Heartburn
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Abdominal pain at times associated with gastric ulceration
• Bone, joint or muscle pain (rare)
• Transient flu-like symptoms, usually at the start of treatment
• Localized problem with impaired bone healing in the jaw, often following removal of a tooth or with infection (rare)

• Remember your doctor will prescribe this medication for you if the benefits to you are greater than the risk of side effects.
• This medication is not recommended:
• If you have problems with your esophagus [tube that connects your mouth to your stomach]
• If you cannot sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes
• If you have low levels of calcium in your blood
• If you have severe kidney disease
• If you are allergic to Fosamax or any of its ingredients
• If you are pregnant or could become pregnant
• If you are breast feeding