0

Home > Drug Category > Osteoporosis Medications > Fosavance and Equivalent

Fosavance Information

Fosavance (Alendronate) is a combination medicine primarily used in postmenopausal women and in men to treat and prevent osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is used to significantly reduce the risk of spinal and hip fractures and to increase bone mineral density in men with low bone mass or a history of osteoporotic fractures. It is especially useful when they are also prone to low vitamin D levels.

Fosavance strengthens bones through a dual-action process. Its active ingredient, alendronate, binds to the bone surface and is absorbed by bone-dissolving cells, called osteoclasts. In these cells, it blocks a vital enzyme, leading to their death. This slows bone loss, which appears to give bone-building cells, called osteoblasts, a chance to fill gaps and increase the overall density and strength of the bone structure over time.

This medication also contains vitamin D3, which, when paired with alendronate, increases intestinal absorption of dietary calcium, helping maintain stable blood mineral levels. By ensuring your body has enough circulating calcium from your diet, the vitamin D3 component supports the proper mineralization of the new bone tissue being formed.

Fosavance is intended for the maintenance of bone structure and is insufficient on its own to correct severe pre-existing vitamin D deficiency or osteomalacia. However, it seems to maintain a stable daily vitamin D balance during ongoing bisphosphonate therapy.

Fosavance Side Effects

Like other medications, Fosavance may cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common mild side effects of this medication include joint swelling, abdominal pain, an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach or belching after eating, constipation, a full or bloated feeling in the stomach, diarrhea, flatulence, hair loss, itching, headache, dizziness, tiredness, and swelling in the hands or legs. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Seek urgent medical attention if you notice serious side effects such as:
• 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;

Also, contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any other severe side effects, including:
• Pain, weakness, or discomfort in your thigh, hip, or groin, as this may be indicative of a possible fracture of the thigh bone;
• Persistent ear pain;
• Severe bone, muscle, and/or joint pain;

Also, be sure to inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Fosavance Precautions

Do not take this medication if you have:
• Allergy to alendronate, colecalciferol (Vitamin D), other ingredients of Fosavance, or any other medication;
• Esophageal problems, or difficulty swallowing;
• Inability to sit upright for at least 30 minutes;
• Low blood calcium;
• Severe kidney disease;

Before using this medication, it is imperative 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;
• Having an ongoing infection;
• Having cancer and also undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy;
• Kidney disease;
• Other conditions that require being on a salt-restricted diet;

Taking Fosavance alongside an angiogenesis inhibitor (typically used in cancer treatment) severely increases the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, a condition where the jawbone fails to heal and begins to die. Medications containing polyvalent cations such as magnesium, aluminum, and calcium can impair the absorption of this medication in the gut. Also, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen) are well known to cause stomach irritation. Co-administration with alendronate increases the cumulative risk of upper gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Therefore, 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 Fosavance.

Fosavance is strictly not recommended and contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is not intended for women of childbearing potential and poses a potential risk to the fetus and breastfed infant. Animal studies show that high doses can cause difficult labor due to low maternal calcium levels, as well as fetal toxicity. Also, because it is unknown whether alendronate enters breast milk and because vitamin D passes into breast milk, the drug should be avoided during lactation to prevent infant exposure.

Avoid smoking and ensure good oral hygiene while taking this medication. Swallow this tablet with a full glass of plain water only once a week on a chosen day, at least 30 minutes before your first meal, drink, or other medication of the day. Also, be sure to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after using this medication and until after your first food of the day, as lying down immediately after taking this medication can cause serious esophageal irritation. Store this medication in its original packaging at controlled room temperature and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Fosavance?

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