PaulAmmerman103
Fosamax is a bisphosphonate drug useful for osteoporosis and several other bone disorders. It is marketed alone in addition to in conjunction with vitamin D underneath the name Fosavance.
Side-effects
GI tract: most prominent are benign negative effects such as mild vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pains, wind, diarrhea, or obstipation. A severe complication is an ulceration of the esophagus caused by alendronate, that might require extensive treatment and hospitalization. Gastric and duodenal ulceration.
General: sporadic cases of skin rash, rarely occurring as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, vision problems (uveitis, scleritis) and generalized muscle, joint, and bone pain (rarely severe) have now been seen. In laboratory tests reduced calcium and phosphate values may be obtained but reflect action of the drug and are safe.
Osteonecrosis of the chin, a side-effect of bisphosphonates.
Dose
Prophylaxis of osteoporosis in women: 5-10mg daily or 35-70mg weekly.
Therapy of osteoporosis in men and women : 10mg daily or 70mg weekly.
Osteoporosis under corticosteroids: 5mg daily or 35mg weekly in males and premenopausal females or those receiving concomitant HRT. In postmenopausal women perhaps not getting HRT the recommended dose is 10mg daily or 70mg weekly.
Paget's Disease: 40mg daily for six months.
The drug is to be taken only upon increasing for the day with a lot of water. Remain, walk or sit 30 minutes afterward to avoid esophageal injury. At least half an hour should be waited before meals and other products than water are taken in.
Communications
drugs, diet and milk containing large levels of calcium, magnesium or aluminium (antacids ): the resorption of alendronate is lowered. At the very least half an hour must pass after intake of alendronate before using the supplement or drug.
Highly active vitamin D analogues or fluorides: no information is available. Concomitant treatment should be avoided.
The additional beneficial effectation of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) with estrogens/progestins or raloxifene in postmenopausal women remains to be elucidated, but no relationships have already been seen. The combination is thus possible.
Intravenous ranitidine escalates the oral bioavailability of alendronate. No clinical effects are known.
The mixture of NSAIDS and alendroate advances the danger of gastric ulcers. Both these medications have the potential to irritate the top of gastro-intestinal mucosa.
Does Merck have a patent on this drug?
Yes, but the patent is set to expire in 2008 and Merck has lost some interests prevent a simple version of the drug from being certified by the US FDA.
You can now understand why there's a growing interest in Fosamax. When people start looking to learn more about Fosamax, you will be in a position to inform them with details.
Disclaimer
The information presented here shouldn't be interpreted as medical assistance. Please consult your physician before taking Fosamax or any other drug.
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