Alendronic acid is used to treat osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) in men and postmenopausal women. It increases bone mass and reduces the risk of spine and hip fractures (broken bones).
This medicine is also used to treat Paget's disease (a bone disorder which causes painful abnormal bone growth and deformity).
Take Alendronic acid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine first thing in the morning, upon getting up for the day. Take it with a full glass of plain water on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or other medicine of the day. Do not take Alendronic acid with mineral water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, or any other drink besides plain water. Swallow it whole. Do not suck, chew or crush it.
Take Alendronic acid in an upright (sitting or standing) position. Do not take it at bedtime or while lying down. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after swallowing this medicine.
It is important to follow these instructions carefully. Alendronic acid may cause severe irritation to the gullet (food pipe) and stomach if not taken exactly as instructed. Taking this medicine in the manner described here will help to minimise any gastric irritation that it may cause. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet, effervescent tablet, or oral solution.
If you are taking the effervescent tablet, dissolve the tablet in a half glass of plain water (at least 120 mL). Once the fizzing has subsided and the tablet has completely dissolved, drink the solution followed by at least 30 mL of plain water. You may stir the solution if the tablet has not completely dissolved until it becomes clear to slightly cloudy solution.
If you are taking the oral solution, drink a 1/4 cup of plain water after taking the full dose. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
There are 2 types of tablets available for Alendronic acid - one type is to be taken everyday, while the other type is to be taken only once a week.
If you are taking the Once Daily tablet, take it at about the same time everyday.
If you are taking the Once-a-Week tablet, take it on the same day each week.
Your doctor will advise you about which type you will take. Make sure you understand how often you need to take this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Alendronic acid must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you are taking Alendronic acid daily, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule the next morning.
If you are taking Alendronic acid only once a week, take the missed dose the next morning after you remember and return to your usual once-a-week dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- low levels of calcium in the blood
- oesophagus (food pipe) problems
- unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
- at risk of aspiration (inhalation of food or liquid into the airway or lungs instead of passing into the oesophagus caused by swallowing difficulties), particularly if you are the taking effervescent tablet or oral solution
as Alendronic acid may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- stomach problems e.g. gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), stomach ulcers
- Barrett's oesophagus (a condition associated with changes in the cells that line the lower food pipe)
- cancer
- history of dental disease
- poor dental health
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are undergoing treatment for cancer or having an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, always inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene while being treated with Alendronic acid. Your doctor may recommend that you have a dental check-up before starting you on this medicine. Inform your doctor and dentist if you experience any problems with your mouth or teeth such as loose teeth, swelling, or pain.
Ensure that you take enough calcium and vitamin D while being treated with Alendronic acid. Your doctor will advise you about how much of these supplements to take.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. bone mineral density [a test that measures the amount of calcium and other minerals in the bone], blood calcium and vitamin D levels, urine test) and dental check-ups may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Monitor for persistent back pain and digestion problems.
Alendronic acid may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach wind, constipation, hair loss, itching, dizziness with spinning sensation, and swelling of the joints, ankles, feet, or legs.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- muscle cramps or spasms, numbness, and tingling in the fingers, toes, or around the mouth
- severe bone, joint and/or muscle pain
- chest pain, new or worsening heartburn (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth), trouble or pain when swallowing
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood, or ground coffee-like material
- pain in the mouth and/or jaw, loosening of a tooth, feeling of heaviness or numbness in the jaw
- new or unusual pain in the hip, groin, or thigh
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac.
You should wait for at least 30 minutes after taking Alendronic acid before taking any other medicines (e.g. antacids) or supplements (e.g. calcium supplements).
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect the effervescent tablet from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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