Fosamax vs. Reclast, Zometa

• Are Fosamax and Reclast, Zometa the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Fosamax?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Reclast, Zometa?
• What Is Fosamax?
• What Is Reclast, Zometa?
• What Drugs Interact with Fosamax?
• What Drugs Interact with Reclast, Zometa?
• How Should Fosamax Be Taken?
• How Should Reclast, Zometa Be Taken?

Fosamax (alendronate sodium) and Reclast, Zometa (zoledronic acid) are bisphosphonates used to treat and prevent osteoporosis, and to treat Paget's disease.

Reclast, Zometa is also used to treat high blood levels of calcium caused by cancer such as hypercalcemia of malignancy, multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer), or cancer that has spread from elsewhere in the body to the bone.

Common side effects of Fosamax include:

• gas,
• constipation,
• heartburn,
• diarrhea,
• bloating,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach pain,
• joint pain or swelling,
• swelling in your hands or feet,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• eye pain,
• back pain, or
• weakness.

Serious side effects of Fosamax include:

• severe pain (joints, bone, muscle, jaw, back or heartburn),
• chest pain,
• difficulty swallowing,
• bloody stools,
• eye pain,
• skin blisters, and
• swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of Reclast, Zometa include:

• nausea,
• tiredness,
• flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, muscle/joint aches),
• cough,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• vision problems,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• joint or muscle pain, or
• injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling).

Fosamax (alendronate sodium) is a bisphosphonate that is a specific inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption used to both treat and prevent osteoporosis, and to treat Paget's disease.

Reclast, Zometa is a prescription medicine used to:

• Treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. Reclast, Zometa helps reduce the chance of having a hip or spinal fracture (break).
• Increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
• Treat or prevent osteoporosis in either men or women who will be taking corticosteroid medicines for at least one year.
• Treat certain men and women who have Paget's disease of the bone.

It is not known how long Reclast, Zometa works for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. You should see your doctor regularly to determine if Reclast, Zometa is still right for you.

Reclast, Zometa is not for use in children.

Fosamax may interact with aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Reclast, Zometa may interact with different drugs. Reclast, Zometa may interact with diuretics (water pills), antibiotics, other medicines that can harm your kidneys, cancer medicines, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Fosamax is available in a tablet or oral liquid form. Each bottle of the oral solution contains 91.35 mg of alendronate monosodium salt trihydrate, which is the molar equivalent to 70 mg of the drug. The recommended initial dosage is one 70 mg molar equivalent tablet or oral liquid bottle once weekly or one 10 mg molar equivalent tablet per day. Fosamax must be taken at least one-half hour before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day with plain water only to avoid any reduction in gastrointestinal adsorption.

• Your doctor will tell you how often you will receive Reclast, Zometa.
• Reclast, Zometa is given by infusion into your vein (intravenously). Your infusion should last at least 15 minutes.
• Before you receive Reclast, Zometa, drink at least 2 glasses of fluid (such as water) within a few hours as directed by your doctor.
• You may eat before your treatment with Reclast, Zometa.
• If you miss a dose of Reclast, Zometa, call your doctor or healthcare provider to schedule your next dose.