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Home > Drug Category > Osteoporosis Medications > Fosamax and Equivalent

Fosamax Information

Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium) is an aminobisphosphonate used to treat and prevent several specific bone conditions. It is primarily used for treating and preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, a condition where hormonal shifts cause bones to thin and break easily. It is also used to treat osteoporosis in men, increasing bone mass and reducing the risk of fractures. Furthermore, it is used to treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, which occurs when individuals take steroid medications like prednisone for long periods, as these drugs suppress the natural bone-building process. Also, it may be used to treat Paget's disease of the bone, a condition in which the normal cycle of bone renewal becomes accelerated and disordered, resulting in fragile, enlarged, or deformed bones.

Fosamax works by directly inhibiting the body's bone-dissolving cells, tipping the balance toward bone growth. Once ingested, its active ingredient, alendronate, binds tightly to the calcium minerals on the surface of the skeleton, concentrating precisely where bone breakdown is occurring. When the bone-dissolving cells arrive at these sites to clear away old tissue, they absorb the medication along with the bone minerals. Inside these cells, alendronate blocks a vital internal chemical pathway, preventing the production of essential proteins that the cells require to maintain their structure and grip the bone surface. Without these structural proteins, the bone-dissolving cells lose their physical shape, cease their destructive activity, and die off prematurely. This targeted reduction in bone loss allows the body's bone-building cells to work uninterrupted, leading to a steady increase in overall bone density and structural strength.

Fosamax Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated when taken correctly, alendronate carries several notable side effects and long-term risks that require vigilant clinical monitoring. Possible mild side effects of this medication include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, mild stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, feeling unwell, hair loss, joint swelling or swelling in your hands or legs, and muscle cramps and/or aches. Please contact your doctor if any of these mild side effects do not resolve or worsen.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any severe side effects such as:
• New or unusual pain in the hip or thigh;
• New or unusual pain in locations other than the thigh bone;
• Persistent ear pain;
• Severe or persistent bone, joint, and/or muscle pain;

Also, please stop using this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
• Allergic/hypersensitivity reactions such as breathing difficulties, body rash, itching, hives, skin blistering, skin peeling, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Eye problems such as eye pain, redness or swelling, sensitivity to light, and decreased vision;
• Jaw problems such as numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, poor healing of gums, loose teeth, exposed bone in the mouth, sores in the mouth, dry mouth, swollen gums; infections, bad breath, and pain in the mouth, teeth, or jaw;
• Low blood calcium levels such as numbness, tingling in the extremities, or muscle spasms;
• Symptoms of inflamed esophagus and stomach, such as abdominal pain, chest pain, pain or trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, and heartburn;

Kindly inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Fosamax Precautions

Do not use this medication if you have:
• An allergy to alendronate, other ingredients in Fosamax, or other bisphosphonates;
• Certain esophageal problems, or difficulty swallowing;
• Inability to sit upright for at least 30 minutes;
• Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);
• Severe renal impairment (severe kidney disease);

Before using this medication, it is essential to inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Anemia (low blood count);
• Diabetes;
• Dental or jaw problems, including a planned dental extraction;
• Difficulty with absorption of minerals in the gut (malabsorption);
• Gastrointestinal conditions such as peptic ulcers or GERD;
• An active or ongoing infection;
• Cancer, especially if you are currently undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy;
• Kidney disease;
• Other conditions that require being on a salt-restricted diet;

Calcium supplements, antacids, and any oral medications containing minerals will bind directly to alendronate in the stomach, preventing it from entering the bloodstream. Therefore, you must wait at least 30 minutes after taking this medication before swallowing any other oral medication. Concomitant use of alendronate with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin may increase the risk of gastric mucosal irritation and gastrointestinal bleeding. So, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with alendronate.

Fosamax is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Because alendronate binds permanently to bone minerals and is released slowly over many years, there is a potential risk of abnormal bone development in a developing fetus or a breastfed infant if taken during these times. Ensure you take this medication with a plain glass of plain water, at least 30 minutes before your first meal, beverage, or other medication of the day. Also, be sure to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after using this medication, as lying down immediately after taking this medication can cause serious esophageal irritation. Check out the leaflet in the medication pack for usage instructions. Store this medication in its original pack at controlled room temperature and keep away from children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Fosamax?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Fosamax.