What are the side effects of alendronate?
Alendronate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea.
- stomach pain.
- constipation.
- diarrhea.
- gas.
- bloating or fullness in the stomach.
- change in ability to taste food.
- headache.
How long is it safe to take alendronate?
How long is too long with alendronate? Recent guidelines suggest that 4 years may be the magic number when it comes to alendronate. Four years of Alendronate has been shown to decrease the risk of hip and spine fractures without considerable risk of side effects that could lead to brittle bones.
What is alendronate sodium 70 mg used for?
Alendronate is used to treat a certain type of bone disease called Paget’s disease. This disease weakens and deforms bones. Alendronate works by slowing bone loss, helping to keep your bones strong and less likely to break. It also helps reduce bone pain from this disease.
How safe is alendronate?
CONCLUSION: This evidence shows alendronate to be safe and effective; it should be considered the nonhormonal therapy of choice for treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at risk for hip and vertebral fractures.
What drugs should not be taken with alendronate?
Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water, calcium-enriched juices, and food can decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take these for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking alendronate.
Who should not take alendronate?
You should not take alendronate if you have problems with your esophagus, or low levels of calcium in your blood. Do not take alendronate if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus.
Why can you not lay down after taking alendronate?
Alendronate, like other bisphosphonates, may cause irritation of the esophagus and stomach. Some cases have been severe enough to warrant hospitalization. The risk is greater in people who lie down soon after taking alendronate or who don’t take it with a full glass of water.
Is hair loss a side effect of alendronate?
Less common side effects of alendronate include: Hair loss. Diaphyseal femur fracture.
How is alendronate used in the United States?
US Brand Name. Descriptions. Alendronate is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) in women after menopause. This medicine may also be used to increase bone mass in men who have osteoporosis, and in men and women to prevent and treat osteoporosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicine).
Are there any side effects to taking alendronate?
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately before you take any more alendronate: new or worsening heartburn. difficulty swallowing. pain on swallowing. chest pain. bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
What is the effect of alendronate on bones?
This medication works by slowing bone loss. This effect helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones ( fractures ). Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking alendronate and each time you get a refill.
When do you take alendronate for menopause?
Alendronate is used to treat osteoporosis caused by menopause, steroid use, or gonadal failure. alendronate is for use when you have a high risk of bone fracture due to osteoporosis.