Fosamax (generic name: alendronate sodium) is a medication that prevents and treats osteoporosis. It belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates. There are other bisphosphonates that are also used to treat osteoporosis, while some medications in the same class are used to treat pain and reduce the danger of fractures in patients with bone cancer, or cancer that has spread to the bones. Fosamax is prescribed for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and the treatment of osteoporosis in men and women, including the treatment of osteoporosis resulting from long-term use of steroid medications.
What does Fosamax do?
Fosamax slows down the action of cells called osteoclasts, which break down bone material in the body. In addition, Fosamax seems to serve as a foundation for new bone material that forms on top of it. Thus, Fosamax not only slows down the breakdown of bones, it actually helps renew them.
Side Effects of Fosamax
If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Fosamax and call your doctor:
chest pain, heartburn or worsening of existing heartburn or trouble swallowing. Call your doctor if you experience bone or joint pain while taking Fosamax. Other possible side effects of Fosamax include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache, constipation and sour stomach.
Interactions with Other Drugs
People who take more than 10 mg/day of Fosamax have a higher risk of problems with the esophagus if they also take aspirin-containing medications.
Who should not take Fosamax
You should not take Fosamax if you are not able to sit or stand for 30 minutes--the medicine requires that you sit, stand or walk for 30 minutes after taking it. You should also not take this medicine if you have severe kidney disease or problems in your esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Bisphosphonates can cause severe irritation of the esophagus if they don't pass through it smoothly. That is also the reason you should not lie down after taking Fosamax. You should not take Fosamax if the calcium levels in your body are too low. Do not take Fosamax if you have had a severe reaction to it in the past.
Fosamax and ONJ
ONJ is an acronym that stands for osteonecrosis of the jaw, meaning death of the jaw bone. It is a disfiguring, debilitating condition and is usually irreversible. ONJ is a proven complication of some bisphosphonates, but Fosamax is not one of them. Cancer patients treated with intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates and receiving invasive dental treatment (such as a root canal) are at high risk for ONJ. However, to date, there has been no proven risk of ONJ with Fosamax, which is taken by mouth. There have been some reports of ONJ in patients receiving Fosamax, but they are few. There are other risk factors for ONJ, such as infection, certain medical conditions, smoking and trauma. Talk to your doctor and dentist about the risk of ONJ if you've been prescribed Fosamax and have one of these risk factors.
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