Apo-Alendronate/Vitamin D3 Dosage/Direction for Use

USUAL DOSE: These are the important things that must be done to help make sure the patient will benefit from APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃: 1. Choose the day of the week that best fits the schedule. Every week, take one APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ tablet on the chosen day.
2. After getting up for the day and before taking the first food, beverage, or other medication, swallow the APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ tablet with a full glass (200-250 mL) of plain water only.
Do NOT take APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ with: Mineral water; Coffee or tea; Juice.
Although it has not been tested, because of high mineral content, "hard water" may decrease absorption of APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃. If the normal drinking water is classified as "hard water", the patient should consider taking this medication with distilled water (i.e., not mineral water).
Do NOT chew or suck on a tablet of APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃.
3. After swallowing the APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ tablet, do not lie down - stay fully upright (sitting, standing or walking) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after the first food of the day.
4. Do NOT take APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ at bedtime or before getting up for the day.
The previous actions will help the APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ tablet reach the stomach quickly and help reduce the potential for irritation of the esophagus.
5. After swallowing the APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before taking the first food, beverage, or other medication of the day, including antacids, calcium supplements and vitamins. APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ is effective only if taken when the stomach is empty.
6. If difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn develop, stop taking APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ immediately and call the doctor.
7. It is important to continue taking APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ for as long as the doctor prescribes it. APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ can treat osteoporosis only if continuously taken.
It is important to take APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ over the long-term to continue to help rebuild bone that may have been lost. It is, therefore, important to follow the doctor's instructions for taking APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ without skipping doses or varying from the prescribed treatment schedule. It is also important to continue to follow the doctor's advice on lifestyle changes.
MISSED DOSE: If a dose is missed, just take one APO-ALENDRONATE / VITAMIN D₃ tablet in the morning after remembering. Do NOT take two tablets on the same day. Return to taking one tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on the chosen day.