Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Osteoporosis is a condition of increased susceptibility to fracture due to fragile bone.
Osteoporosis weakens bone and increases risk of bone fracture.
Bone mass (bone density) decreases after 35 years of age and decreases more rapidly in women after menopause.
Key risk factors for osteoporosis include genetics, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamin D, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.
Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be suggested by X-rays and confirmed by tests to measure bone density.
Treatments for osteoporosis, in addition to prescription osteoporosis medications, include stopping use of alcohol and cigarettes, and assur...

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Fosamax Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Fosamax)?

If you take alendronate tablets once daily: If you forget to take this medicine first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.

If you take alendronate tablets once a week: If you forget to take alendronate on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular weekly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take take two (2) tablets in one day.

What happens if I overdose (Fosamax)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Drink a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center or emergency room right away. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in your face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or behavior.

What should I avoid while taking alendronate (Fosamax)?

Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking an alendronate tablet.

Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you take an alendronate tablet.

What other drugs will affect alendronate (Fosamax)?

Antacids, supplements, or medicines that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or other minerals can interfere with how your body absorbs alendronate. If you use these other medicines, do not that take them for at least 30 minutes after taking an alendronate tablet.

Before using alendronate, tell your doctor if you also use aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with alendronate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about alendronate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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