Alendronate effervescent oral tablets

What is this medicine?

ALENDRONATE (a LEN droe nate) slows calcium loss from bones. It helps to make healthy bone and to slow bone loss in people with osteoporosis.

How should I use this medicine?

You must take this medicine exactly as directed or you will lower the amount of medicine you absorb into your body or you may cause yourself harm. Take your dose by mouth first thing in the morning, after you are up for the day. Do not eat or drink anything before you take this medicine. Dissolve your medicine in a glass (4 fluid ounces) of plain, room temperature water. Do not take this tablet with any other drink. Wait at least 5 minutes after the medicine has dissolved and then stir for 10 seconds and drink. After taking this medicine, do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any medicines or vitamins for at least 30 minutes. Stand or sit up for at least 30 minutes after you take this medicine; do not lie down. Take this medicine on the same day every week. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• black or tarry stools

• bone, muscle or joint pain

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• heartburn or stomach pain

• jaw pain, especially after dental work

• pain or trouble when swallowing

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste

• diarrhea or constipation

• eye pain or itching

• headache

• nausea or vomiting

• stomach gas or fullness

What may interact with this medicine?

• aluminum hydroxide

• antacids

• aspirin

• calcium supplements

• drugs for inflammation like ibuprofen, naproxen, and others

• iron supplements

• magnesium supplements

• vitamins with minerals

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take the dose on the morning after you remember. Then take your next dose on your regular day of the week. Never take 2 tablets on the same day. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• esophagus, stomach, or intestine problems, like acid-reflux or GERD

• dental disease

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• low blood calcium

• low vitamin D

• problems swallowing

• problems sitting or standing for 30 minutes

• an unusual or allergic reaction to alendronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks ups. It may be some time before you see benefit from this medicine. Do not stop taking your medication except on your doctor's advice. Your doctor or health care professional may order blood tests and other tests to see how you are doing.

You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking this medicine, unless your doctor tells you not to. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

Some people who take this medicine have severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain. This medicine may also increase your risk for a broken thigh bone. Tell your doctor right away if you have pain in your upper leg or groin. Tell your doctor if you have any pain that does not go away or that gets worse.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. If you get a rash while taking this medicine, sunlight may cause the rash to get worse. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.