Fosamax Once Weekly

What is it?

A preparation affecting bone metabolism and a biphosphonate, available as oval white tablets with bone symbol on one side and 31 on the other, containing alendronate sodium equivalent to 70mg of alendronic acid. Also, FOSAMAX, available as white tablets in two strengths, with bone symbol on one side; white tablets contain alendronate sodium equivalent to 5mg of alendronic acid, marked MSD 925.White, oval tablets contain alendronate sodium equivalent to 10mg of alendronic acid, marked 936.

Medical Uses

Fosamax Once Weekly, osteoporosis after the menopause to reduce the risk of fractures of the hip and spine. Fosamax, treatment of osteoporosis in men and in postmenopausal women, to lessen risk of fractures, treatment of osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy, prevention of osteoporosis after the menopause and of bone loss, in both men and women.

Dosage

All tablets should be taken immediately upon getting up in the morning and swallowed whole with a full glass of water, allowing 30 minutes before eating or taking other medicines. Patients should Also, stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking tablets. Fosamax Once Weekly, adults, 1 tablet once each week. Fosamax, adults, for osteoporosis, 1 tablet once each day; for osteoporosis caused by glucocorticoids, 1 x 5mg tablet once each day; women who are not taking oestrogen-containing HRT after the menopause should take 1 x 10mg tablet once each day. Prevention of osteoporosis and bone loss, 1 x 5mg tablet once each day.

Special Care

Patient should ensure adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium and any deficiencies should be corrected before treatment begins. Risk of problems with oesophagus if tablets are not taken in manner prescribed - stop treatment in event of swallowing difficulties, heartburn that is new or gets worse, pain in upper sternum. Special care in patients with disorders of upper gastrointestinal tract.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, abnormalities of oesophagus, achalasia (abnormality in which gut muscles are not able to relax), stricture, certain kidney conditions, patients who are not able to remain upright after taking tablets, low blood calcium levels that are not able to be corrected.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Antacids, calcium supplements.

Known Side Effects

Pain and distention in abdomen, gastrointestinal disturbance, headache, swallowing difficulties, black stools, pain in muscles and bones, acid reflux. Rarely, ulceration of oesophagus or stricture, angioedema (a form of diffuse retention of fluid affecting many areas), rash and sensitivity to light, uveitis (inflammation of part of the eye). All adverse side effects with Fosamax once weekly should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).