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Can someone tell me a little bit about alendronate?
My wife's doctor called today and is prescribing alendronate. She has been watched for osteoporosis for a few years and now tests show she has it. Not surprising, she's very small, under a hundred pounds until this year when another physician insisted she gained 10 lb. So she's up to 106 to 108. Also, like me, she's old. Be 79 in less than a month. But I know this prescription is for only 12 tablets have I believe it's 70 mg, I looked it up and whatever the standard dosage is, that's it. So what she takes 12 tablets and 12 days, or one tablet a month for 12 months? We are both a little confused. I should mention, otherwise she is in excellent health.
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Sounds strange. Call your doctor for an explanation.
"Alendronate is commonly known by the brand name Fosamax®. Fosamax® is a bisphosphonate and is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Fosamax® decreases the rate bone cells are absorbed. This reduced absorption allows the body to increase bone density, which in turn reduces the risk of fracture."
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1 ReactionDW just advised me that Doc said she was to take one a week. That makes sense as we get a 90 day supply of meds for chronic ills.
Good evening @cekkk, you are correct. Your wife will take 1 tablet per week of Alendronate. There are special instructions to follow that are quite important.
1. Take the 70 mg tablet with water early in the morning before breakfast or coffee.
2. Sit up straight for 30 minutes to make sure the tablet dissolves and makes its way down the esophagus within 30 minutes.
Since June of 2022, I have been taking this medication. I have never had any side effects or other problems ........meaning no hair loss, or joint pain, I will not have a DEXA scan until June 2024. I am hoping to see that my bone density has at least remained the same.
It is good to hear that your wife will be a healthy 79. That is when I started this medication after two years of daily Tymlos injections. I am now 81.
Good luck to both of you and Happy Holidays.
Chris
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7 ReactionsCall the pharmacy where you had it filled if the directions aren't on the bottle. One a day sounds right to me but call to be sure.
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1 Reaction@cekkk As @artscaping wrote the directions are generally to take alendronate (Fosamax) weekly. I took alendronate for 4.5 years and had no side effects.
I took the medication every Sunday morning when I got up.
I drank a glass of water (about 16 oz) when I took the medication.
I sat up in a chair and read for the required 30 minutes.
After the 30 minutes, I had breakfast.
Sitting up is important because it helps to prevent gastrointestinal reflux. I did not have any side effects from Alendronate and I tolerated it well over the years that I took it.
Happy Holidays to you and your wife.
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4 ReactionsIf you develope heartburn, discuss with doctor. It can cause if you lay down after taking. Usually they order a scope, but remind them you are on Fosamax. Please. I didn’t like doctors ordering this when the cause is the meds. Happens too often. I developed heart burn because of the meds not anything else.
But it does help the bones. 🤞 get my scan today.
Yes, I read the cautions and directions. Fairly important apparently that you don't eat or drink anything for at least a half an hour subsequent to taking the pill first thing in the morning with at least the full 8 oz of water. And then you are not to lie down for at least a half an hour, so sit or stand. and no smoking or drinking. She doesn't drink except maybe a wine on a Friday night dinner so that's not a problem but she does have five or six cigarettes a day. That's her only vice.
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1 ReactionHaven't received it yet. But it's only taken weekly. Found that out.