Alendronate and cholecalciferol

Generic name: Alendronate And Cholecalciferol
Brand names: Fosamax Plus D
Dosage form: oral tablet (70 mg-2800 intl units; 70 mg-5600 intl units)
Drug class: Bisphosphonates

Usage of Alendronate and cholecalciferol

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate (bis FOS fo nayt) medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures.

Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D, and is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Alendronate and cholecalciferol is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis.

Alendronate and cholecalciferol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Alendronate and cholecalciferol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Alendronate and cholecalciferol may cause serious side effects. Stop using alendronate and cholecalciferol and call your doctor at once if you have:

chest pain, new or worsening heartburn;

difficulty or pain when swallowing;

pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;

new or worsening heartburn;

severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;

new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip; or

jaw pain, numbness, or swelling.

Common side effects of alendronate and cholecalciferol may include:

mild heartburn, stomach upset;

diarrhea, gas, constipation;

mild joint or back pain; or

headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Alendronate and cholecalciferol

You should not take this medicine if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.

Do not take this medicine tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.

To make sure alendronate and cholecalciferol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);

a cancer such as sarcoidosis, leukemia, lymphoma;

a vitamin D deficiency;

kidney disease; or

an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.

In rare cases, this medicine may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work. The longer you use alendronate and cholecalciferol, the more likely you are to develop this condition.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other risk factors include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre existing dental problem.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

It is not known whether alendronate and cholecalciferol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether alendronate and cholecalciferol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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How to use Alendronate and cholecalciferol

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:

-70 mg alendronate-2800 IU cholecalciferol orally once a week or-70 mg alendronate-5600 IU cholecalciferol orally once a weekComments:-Refer to administration advice for details on how to take this drug.-Reevaluate bisphosphonate therapy periodically.Uses:-Treatment to increase bone mass and reduce the incidence of fractures, including those of the hip and spine (vertebral compression fractures) in postmenopausal women-Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis

Warnings

You should not take alendronate and cholecalciferol if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.

What other drugs will affect Alendronate and cholecalciferol

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with alendronate and cholecalciferol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Disclaimer

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