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Drug information for alendronate (alendronic acid)
Medication Information: Osteoporosis is a disease that predisposes your bones to fragility. Over a lifetime, old bone tissue is constantly destroyed and replaced with new bone. After the age of 30-35, our bones lose their density because old bones die faster than they can be replaced by new ones. Women are at greater risk for osteoporosis because their old bones are destroyed more quickly after menopause. Alendronite belongs to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates.These drugs slow down the loss of old bone and at the same time, your body continues to build new bone and bone density increases. Alendronic acid reduces the risk of bone fractures. Your doctor may prescribe one tablet of alendronate (10 mg) daily or may prescribe the drug weekly (70 mg per week).
The drug is called Fosavance, a combination pill of alendronate and a vitamin called colecalciferol (the same vitamin D3). Vitamin colecalciferol helps your bones absorb calcium. The body naturally makes this vitamin when exposed to sunlight, and it also gets to the body by eating foods such as fish oil. However, in older people, the absorption of this vitamin may be reduced. This brand of medicine (Fosavance) is very suitable for people because it is a supplement of alendronate and vitamin colecalciferol or D3.
Contraindications to alendronate
Be aware of drug interactions with alendronate, and be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, as alendronic acid may not work for you when taking another medication.
Pay attention to the expiration date of alendronate and do not take it if your medicine has expired.
Drug interaction of alendronate
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Tips to consider before taking alendronate
Some medications are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking alendronate:
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- If you have difficulty swallowing.
- If you have any kidney problems.
- If you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, or if you have had surgery on your upper gastrointestinal tract.
- If you are undergoing dental treatment, or in the near future, your tooth needs treatment or you have not recently gone to the dentist.
- If you have a lack of calcium in your blood.
- If you are currently taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor’s prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Possible side effects of alendronate
All medications can cause side effects; But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. In case of persistent side effects, the doctor should be informed:
Indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating, bloating, acid deficiency, feeling sick, diarrhea, headache, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, constipation and itching
Very rare but dangerous side effects: heartburn, pain when swallowing, difficulty swallowing, thigh or groin pain, loose teeth, swollen or numb jaw pain, black or bloody stools
Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel are due to the use of alendronate.
How to store alendronate (alendronic acid)
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.