Alendronic acid

About alendronic acid

Osteoporosis is a bone disease which causes bones to become brittle and fragile, making them prone to breakage and fractures. Old bone is constantly being broken down and replaced by new bone. After the age of about 30-35 years, bone begins to lose density because the old bone is being lost faster than new bone can replace it.

Alendronic acid helps to treat and prevent osteoporosis by preventing loss of bone mass and by helping to rebuild lost bone. By doing this, it reduces the risk of spine and hip fractures.

Alendronic acid can be combined with colecalciferol (also known as vitamin D3) which helps the bones absorb calcium. The body's main source of colecalciferol is from exposure to sunlight although it is also present in small amounts in some foods such as oily fish. As a body ages, the colecalciferol it absorbs from sunlight sometimes needs supplementing.

Before taking alendronic acid

Before taking alendronic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from kidney problems.
• If you suffer from dysphagia (difficulty or pain on swallowing) or oesophageal disease (diseases of the gullet).
• If you have suffered from a stomach ulcer or had surgery on the stomach within the last year.
• If you have any other problems with your stomach or with swallowing.
• If you are having, or are due to have, any dental treatment.
• If you are unable to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes.
• If you know you have a low blood calcium level.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take alendronic acid

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• It is important that you take alendronic acid exactly as directed, as serious irritation of your throat and oesophagus can occur otherwise.
• Swallow alendronic acid tablets whole - do not crush or chew them.
• Take them with a full glass of water (200 ml or 7 fl. oz.)
• Take them at least 30 minutes before eating breakfast or having anything to drink other than water.
• Stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after swallowing your dose and do not lie down until after you have eaten breakfast.
• If you are taking other medicines, wait at least 30 minutes after taking alendronic acid before taking them. If you are unsure or have any questions about your other medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Never take alendronic acid tablets before getting up in the morning or at bedtime.
• If you have been given the once weekly tablet, take it on the same day of each week.
• If you forget to take a dose, don't worry, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with alendronic acid.
• If you are having any dental treatment, tell your dentist that you are taking a bisphosphonate as some dental treatments are not recommended while you are taking alendronic acid.
• Smoking can increase the loss of bone in osteoporosis. If you are a smoker, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on stopping.
• Eating a well-balanced diet and taking regular exercise can help bones stay strong. Remember to follow any lifestyle advice your doctor has given you.

Can alendronic acid cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store alendronic acid

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Fosamax®, Merck Sharp & Dohme, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2007, accessed 28 May 2008.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Fosamax® Once Weekly, Merck Sharp & Dohme, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2007, accessed 28 May 2008.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Fosavance®, Merck Sharp & Dohme, electronic medicines Compendium. Dated October 2007, accessed 28 May 2008.
• British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.