Generic Fosamax

Fosamax, which is generically prescribed as alendronate, is commonly used to treat osteoporosis in post menopausal women. Fosamax is a member of the family of drugs known as biophosphonates, which breaks the cycle of bone mass break down and loss in the body.

Fosamax is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes kidney disease, low blood calcium, vitamin D deficiency, or a stomach or esophagus ulcer may not be able to take Fosamax or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Fosamax as a pregnancy risk category C. Fosamax may cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. It has yet to be determined whether or not this medication passes through the mother’s breast milk and affects a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing Fosamax to a woman who is nursing and should thoroughly discuss whether the benefits outweigh the risks before prescribing this medication to a woman who is pregnant or has a high likelihood of becoming pregnant. There is a risk of side effects associated with Fosamax, some of which are severe. A patient who is experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with side effects such as facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require immediate emergency medical attention include symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, new or worsening heartburn, severe pain of the joints, severe bone or muscle pain, jaw pain or numbness or swelling of the jaw, and pain or burning under the ribcage.

Less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as back pain, dizziness, weakness, headaches, diarrhea, gas, constipation, mild heartburn or stomach discomfort, joint pain, swelling of the joints, or swelling of the hands and feet. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Fosamax.

Fosamax should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms such as tightness of the facial muscles, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling, irritability, unusual thoughts, unusual behavior, muscle cramps, stomach pain, diarrhea, or heart burn. There is a potential risk of negative drug interactions associated with Fosamax. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications with a known negative drug interactions with Fosamax include celecoxib, ibuprofen, Naproxen, piroxicam, ketorolac, or other NSAID pain relievers. Patients should not take any additional medication for thirty minutes after taking Fosamax, including over the counter vitamins and herbal remedies.