Binosto

Generic name: Alendronate
Drug class: Bisphosphonates

Usage of Binosto

Binosto 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.

Binosto is used in women to treat osteoporosis caused by menopause.

Binosto is also used to increase bone mass in men who have osteoporosis

Binosto side effects

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

Stop using Binosto 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;

severe heartburn, burning pain in your upper stomach, or coughing up blood;

new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip;

jaw pain, numbness, or swelling;

severe joint, bone, or muscle pain; or

low calcium levels - muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes).

Common Binosto side effects may include:

heartburn, upset stomach;

stomach pain, nausea;

diarrhea, constipation; or

bone pain, muscle or joint pain.

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 Binosto

You should not take Binosto if you are allergic to alendronate, or if you have:

low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or

problems with the muscles in your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach).

Do not take Binosto if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. You must stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

trouble swallowing;

problems with your stomach or digestion;

hypocalcemia;

a dental problem (you may need a dental exam before you begin taking Binosto);

kidney disease; or

any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

The Binosto effervescent tablet contains a lot of sodium. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet before using this form of alendronate.

Binosto may cause jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis). The risk is highest in people with cancer, blood cell disorders, pre-existing dental problems, or people treated with steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation. Ask your doctor about your own risk.

It is not known whether alendronate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Stop using Binosto and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Relate drugs

How to use Binosto

Usual Adult Dose of Binosto for Osteoporosis:

Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women; To Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis: -70 mg orally once a week Uses: -Treatment to increase bone mass and reduce the incidence of fractures including hip and spine (vertebral compression fractures) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis -Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis

Warnings

You should not take Binosto if you have problems with your esophagus, or low levels of calcium in your blood.

Do not take Binosto if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.

Binosto can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or pain when swallowing.

Also call your doctor if you have muscle spasms, numbness or tingling (in hands and feet or around the mouth), new or unusual hip pain, or severe pain in your joints, bones, or muscles.

What other drugs will affect Binosto

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

aspirin; or

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, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines.

Disclaimer

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