Alendronate (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate.

Use Alendronate (Fosamax) as directed by your doctor.

Take Alendronate (Fosamax) by mouth on an empty stomach in the morning at least 30 minutes before your first food, drink, or other medicine of the day.

Do not take Alendronate (Fosamax) at bedtime or before you get out of bed in the morning.

Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Alendronate (Fosamax) and until you eat your first food of the day.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Alendronate (Fosamax).

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

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 SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; chest pain; coughing or vomiting blood; difficult or painful swallowing; mouth sores; new, worsening, or severe heartburn; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe bone, muscle, or joint pain; severe or persistent sore throat or stomach pain; swelling of the hands, legs, or joints; swelling or pain in your jaw.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of side effects, such as esophagus or stomach irritation, may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Fosamax may interact with other medicines that you take.

Symptoms of overdose may induce stomach upset or pain, heartburn, and pain upon swallowing. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Do not lie down.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have a history of stomach or bowel problems (eg, inflammation, ulcer), esophagus problems (eg, heartburn, reflux disease, severe irritation), or kidney problems, or if you have difficult or painful swallowing

if you have low blood vitamin D levels, mental problems, cancer, anemia, blood clotting problems, an infection, or calcium metabolism problems

if you have poor dental hygiene, other dental problems, or you will be having a dental procedure

if you smoke or drink alcohol

if you take a corticosteroid (eg, prednisone), or you have had or will be having chemotherapy or radiation treatment

Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose.

Alendronate (Fosamax) works by slowing bone loss.

Alendronate (Fosamax) may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Store at room temperature away from heat and light.

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

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

Consult your health care professional for more infromation whilst starting a course with Alendronate (Fosamax).