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What is Fosamax? |
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Drug Uses
Fosamax influences the cycle of bone tissue formation and breakdown within a patient’s body; it hampers the process of bone tissue loss, and promotes the increase of bone mass, consequently reducing the risks for fractures. Fosamax is a bisphosphonate medication which is administered as treatment for steroid-induced and postmenopausal osteoporosis; it may also be used for dealing with Paget’s illness of the bones.
How to Take Fosamax
Fosamax tablets are administered in single doses on a daily or weekly basis. If it is taken once a day, take the tablet as soon as you wake up, or thirty minutes before you take meals and other medications. If you take it on a weekly basis, use it on the same day every week, and always as soon as you wake up. If you need to down the pill, use only plain or tap water. Do not tamper or suck on the tablet prior to ingestion; swallow the pill as it is.
Drug Precautions
After a dose of Fosamax, make sure that you follow these directions: do not sit back or lie down for at least thirty minutes following an intake; do not take anything during the same period, including meals and beverages (you may drink tap water if necessary); and do not take other medications, such as antacids and vitamin or mineral supplementation during the same thirty minutes. It is recommended that you work out a different dosing schedule for your other medications.
Drug Interactions
Antacids, dietary supplements, and medications with mineral components may hamper your body’s normal absorption of Fosamax. If you are taking these drugs, make sure that you ingest them at least thirty minutes after you take Fosamax. Let your doctor know if you are taking aspirin, or non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen, celecoxib, ketoprofen, diflunisal, ketorolac, and diclofenac. You may also be using other medications which can interact with Fosamax; these include OTC and prescription drugs, as well as dietary and herbal supplements.
Side Effects
You may experience the presence of these conditions following an intake of Fosamax; get immediate help before they develop: a painful sensation while swallowing, or difficulty when doing the same; a recent or developing heartburn; chest pains; pain, inflammation, and a loss of sensation on the jaw; a painful or burning sensation beneath the rib area, or on your back; and extreme pain in the joints, bones, or muscles.
Missed Dose
If you take Fosamax daily, do not take a missed dose if you forget to take it as scheduled. Skip over it and take the next scheduled dose on the following morning. If you take the medication weekly, take it on the morning of the day after you miss the dose, then resume your usual schedule the following week.
Overdose
Drink a tall glass of milk and call a poison center if you incur an overdose, as indicated by severe forms of the side effects previously mentioned.
Storage
Store Fosamax in tight containers, at room temperatures of 15-30C.
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