This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Fosamax is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease, in postmenopausal women. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and is prescribed for both men and women who have developed a form of osteoporosis sometimes caused by steroid medications such as prednisone. This drug can also be used to relieve Paget's disease of bone, a painful condition that weakens and deforms the bones.

How to Take

Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: The usual dose is one 10-milligram tablet once a day, or one 70-milligram tablet or bottle of oral solution once a week. Treatment continues for years.

Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis: The usual dose is one 5-milligram tablet once a day or one 35-milligram tablet once a week.

Osteoporosis in men: The usual dose is one 10-milligram tablet once a day, or one 70-milligram tablet or bottle of oral solution once a week.

Steroid-induced osteoporosis: The usual dose is one 5-milligram tablet once a day, except for postmenopausal women not taking estrogen, who should take one 10-milligram tablet once daily.

Paget’s disease: The usual dose is 40 milligrams once a day for 6 months.

Warning and Precautions

Fosamax may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Fosamax with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol, smoke, or use other tobacco products while taking Fosamax.

Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a calcium and vitamin D supplement while you use Fosamax.

Talk to your doctor about the use of weight-bearing exercises to help prevent weak bones.

Fosamax may cause jaw bone problems in some patients. Your risk may be greater if you have cancer, poor dental hygiene, or certain other conditions (eg, anemia, blood clotting problems, infection, dental problems). You risk may also be greater if you use certain medicines or therapies (eg, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation). Talk to your doctor about having a dental exam before you start to use Fosamax. Ask your doctor any questions you may have about dental treatment while you use Fosamax.

Proper dental care is important while you are taking Fosamax. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.

Fosamax may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Fosamax. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Fosamax before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Lab tests, including bone density and blood calcium levels, may be performed while you use Fosamax. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Symptoms of Fosamax overdose may include: heartburn, inflammation of the esophagus or stomach, ulcer, upset stomach. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Storage

Store Fosamax at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Fosamax out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects: bone, muscle, or joint pain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; feeling bloated or full; flu-like symptoms at the start of treatment; gas; headache; mild stomach pain; nausea; taste changes; vomiting. Seek medical attention right away if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Fosamax. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.