Fosamax is composed of an active component, Alendronate sodium and other inactive ingredients, available in a form of tablets and oral solution for oral administration. Tablets are available in different strengths of Alendronate sodium; 5mg, 10mg, 35mg, 40mg and 70mg. In oral solution the strength of Alendronate sodium is 70mg. Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) is used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women who have passed the menopause; treatment of osteoporosis in men; and prevention and treatment of osteoporosis caused by long-term treatment with corticosteroids.

Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) tablets of 35mg and 70mg are once-weekly tablets. Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) oral solution of 70mg is also once-weekly oral solution.
Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) once-weekly tablets should be taken with a full glass of plain drinking water only (not mineral water) or drink 1 entire bottle of Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) once-weekly oral solution followed by at least a quarter cup of plain drinking water to avoid esophageal irritation and at least half an hour earlier than the first food, beverage or any medication. Late intake of Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) may lessen the effect of Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) by reducing the absorption of it.
One should not lie down after the administration of Fosamax (Alendronate sodium).
The recommended dose for the treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis and for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is one once-weekly 70mg tablet or one entire bottle of 70mg of once-weekly oral solution; or one 10mg tablet once daily.
The recommended dose for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women is one once-weekly 35mg tablet or 5mg tablet, once daily.
The recommended dose for the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women is one 5mg tablet, once daily.
The recommended dose for the treatment of Paget’s disease of bone in men and women is 40mg, once daily for 6 months.

The Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) side effects are indicated in different types:
Gastrointestinal tract: ulceration of esophagus, gastric and duodenal ulceration. These may carry an increased risk for esophageal cancer.
Neurological: rare instances of auditory hallucinations and visual disturbances.
Osteonecrosis of jaw: deterioration of temporomandibular joint.
Bone: osteoclast numbers, cellular morphology and nuclear morphology.
General: skin rash, stevens-johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, eye problems like uveitis and scleritis; and generalized muscle, joint and bone pain

Any antacid medicine or any calcium supplements may interfere with the absorption of Alendronate sodium from the gut and could therefore make Fosamax less effective.
There may be an increased risk of irritation to the oesophagitis or alimentary canal if non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are taken in combination with Fosamax (Alendronate sodium).
Highly active vitamin D fluorides should not be taken in combination with Fosamax (Alendronate sodium), as it may have negative interaction.

Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) medication is used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women; and increase the bone mass in men with osteoporosis. It is used for the treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women and treatment of Paget’s disease of bone in men and women.

Store Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) tablets at a temperature between 15o-30oC (59o-86oF) and Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) oral solution at a temperature of 25oC (77oF), excursion permitted to 15o-30oC (59o-86oF). Protect from light and moisture. Keep away from children and pets.

Patients with low level of calcium in blood should not take Fosamax (Alendronate sodium).
Patients with narrowing and obstruction of food pipe should be cautious as it may cause ulceration of esophagus.
During pregnancy or those who are breast-feeding should not take this medication.
Patients who cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes should not take this medication.