Alendronic acid: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is Alendronic Acid used for?

Alendronic acid is a drug to prevent bone loss that occurs in men, women who are menopausal and in patients receiving glucocorticoids such as prednisolone and methylprednisolone.

Alendronic acid can also be used to rebuild bones and make bones less likely to fracture in postmenopausal women and osteoporotic men. Alendronic acid belongs to a group of drugs called "bisphosphonates".

What are the rules for using Alendronic Acid?

Before you start treatment, first read the product information leaflet that is on the box. The brochure will give you more information about Alendronic acid and you will also be able to see a complete list of the side effects you may experience when taking the drug.

If you are taking 10 mg tablets of Alendronic acid, take one tablet a day. If you forget one day to take this medicine, then you need to take your tablet the next day as usual. Don't take multiple doses.

If you are taking a tablet containing 70 mg of Alendronic Acid (branded Fosamax® Once Weekly and Fosavance®), take one tablet once a week. You must take your dose of medication on the same day each week, so choose the day that best fits your routine. If you forget to take a dose on the usual day, then take it the next morning and then continue taking it on the day you have previously chosen, when your next dose is.

If you are taking Alendronic Acid 70 mg in 100 ml of oral liquid medicine, take 100 ml (one unit) once a week. Drink it on the same day every week. If you forget to take a dose on a normal day, take it the next morning and then continue taking it on the day you chose when the next dose occurs.

How do I store Alendronic Acid?

Store at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using Alendronic Acid drugs?

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to alendronate sodium trihydrate or any of the other ingredients.
• If you have certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach) such as constriction or difficulty swallowing
• If you are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
• If your doctor has told you that you have low blood calcium

Is Alendronic Acid drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This medicine is included in the pregnancy risk category C. (A = No risk, B = No risk in some studies, C = Possible risk, D = There is positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = unknown)

Side effects

What are the possible side-effects of Alendronic Acid?

Like all other medicines, Alendronic Acid can cause side effects, although not everyone can experience side effects.

The following terms are used to describe any side effects that have happened to people taking Alendronic Acid:

Very common:

• Joint, bone and or muscle pain that is sometimes severe.

General:

• Heartburn; difficulty swallowing; pain when swallowing; sores in the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach) that can cause chest pain, heartburn; or difficulty or pain with swallowing
• Swollen joints
• Stomach ache; feeling of discomfort in the stomach or belching after eating; constipation; a feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach; diarrhea; bloated
• Hair loss; itchy
• Headache; dizzy
• Fatigue; swelling in the hands or feet

Not common:

• Nausea; gag,
• Irritation, or inflammation of the throat or stomach
• Black or tar-like stools
• Blurred vision pain or redness in the eye
• Rash; redness of the skin
• Flu-like symptoms: muscle ache, feeling unwell and sometimes accompanied by fever usually at the start of treatment, taste disturbance.

Rare:

• Allergic reactions such as hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue and / or throat, possibly causing difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Symptoms of a low blood calcium level include muscle cramps or spasms and / or tingling in the fingers or around the mouth

Possible side effects:

• Stomach or peptic ulcers (sometimes severe or with bleeding)
• Narrowing of the esophagus
• Rash made worse by sunlight; severe skin reactions
• Pain in the mouth, and / or jaw, swelling or sores in the mouth, numbness or a heavy feeling in the jaw, or loose teeth

Such can be a sign of bone breakdown in the jaw (osteonecrosis) commonly associated with delayed healing and infection, frequent tooth extraction. Contact your doctor and dentist if you experience symptoms such as:

• There was a fracture of the thigh bone in a patient with long-term treatment with Alendronic Acid. Thigh pain, thigh weakness and discomfort around the thigh area may be an early indication of a fracture in the femur
• Sores in the mouth when the tablet is chewed or swallowed

In addition there are also side effects that occur as follows (rare frequency):

Unusual fractures of the femur especially in patients with long-term treatment for osteoporosis can occur but with rare frequency.

Call your doctor if you experience pain, weakness or discomfort in your thighs, hips or groin as these can be an early indication of a fracture of the femur.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What drugs can interfere with the action of Alendronic Acid drugs?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

• Antacids
• Calcium Salt
• Glucocorticosteroid
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the work of Alendronic Acid drugs?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of Alendronic Acid drugs?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Kidney problems
• Difficulty swallowing food or digestive problems
• Low blood calcium
• Barrett's esophagus (a condition associated with changes in the cells lining the lower esophagus)
• Dental health problems, gum disease, planned tooth extraction or not performing routine dental work
• Cancer
• Are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Alendronic Acid for adults?

Oral

Osteopetrosis

Adults: 10 mg daily or 70 mg once a week.

Oral

Paget's Disease of bone

Adults: 40 mg daily for 6 months; can be repeated if needed after the 6 month post-treatment evaluation period.

Oral

Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Adults: 5 mg once a day or 35 mg once a week.

Oral

Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis

Adults: Treatment and prevention: 5 mg daily; may be increased to 10 mg daily in women who are not receiving hormone replacement therapy.

What is the dosage of Alendronic Acid for children?

The dosage for children has not been determined. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosages and preparations is Alendronic Acid available?

Tablet, Oral: 10mg, 70mg

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.