Fosamax, a prescription drug is meant for the prevention of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and men. It is a compound that alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body.

Benefits

This medication helps in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

How to Use

Follow your doctor's instructions strictly. This medication comes in two forms-once a week and once a day. If you take it once a week, take it on the same day each week. Take the medicine first in the morning with a glass of water at least 30 minutes before eating any food or drink. The timing is very important for better results.

Side Effects

Seek immediate medical help if you experience breathing difficulty, pain while swallowing, chest pain, burning sensation under the ribs or in the back, or new or worsening heartburn. Consult your doctor, in case of mild side effects like abdominal discomfort, stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, muscle or joint pain.

Precautions

You should not take Fosamax incase you are suffering from certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth with the stomach), are unable to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes, have severe kidney disease, low blood calcium, or allergic to Fosamax. Follow you doctor's recommendations about drinking alcohol and smoking.

Drug Interactions

Consult your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. Antacids and other medicines taken by mouth could decrease the effect of this drug. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, oxaprozin and others may increase the risk of damage to your stomach if they are taken during treatment with this medication. Talk to your doctor before taking any anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers to get maximum benefit from this drug.

Things to be done in case of Overdose

Seek immediate medical help in case of a suspected overdose. The symptoms of this medication are not defined, but the following symptoms might be expected: nausea, heartburn, pain in the abdomen, stomach ache, muscle cramps, seizures, irritability or abnormal behavior.

Notes

Consult your doctor before taking Foamex incase you are breast-feeding, have kidney disease, suffering from any ailment related to esophagus or stomach disorder.

Missed Dose

If you are taking this medication every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose the following day. Missing one dose will not affect your treatment. Avoid taking two tablets at the same time. In case you are taking the medication once a week and you miss a dose, take the missed dose on the morning after you remember. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Return to taking one tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on your chosen day.

Storage

It should be stored at a controlled room temperature between 59 degrees and 86 degrees F (15 degrees to 30 degrees C).