Fosamax (Alendronate) for Osteoporosis

Overview
Fosamax is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Fosamax is also indicated to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis and to treat people with osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoid steroids such as prednisone. Fosamax is also referred to by its drug name, Alendronate, or Alendronic acid.

Fosamax is a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates are believed to work in cases of osteoporosis by reducing the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone.

How do I take it?
Fosamax is taken on differing schedules, either once a day or once a week, according to what type of osteoporosis you have. Ask your doctor whether you need to take daily calcium and vitamin D supplements while on Fosamax.

Fosamax comes in tablet and oral solution forms.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Fosamax lists common side effects including musculoskeletal pain, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and acid reflux.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Fosamax include severe gastrointestinal problems, osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue) in the jaw, atypical femoral (upper leg) fractures, and severe bone, muscle, or joint pain.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Fosamax prescribing information - Merck
https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/...

Bisphosphonates - International Osteoporosis Foundation
https://www.iofbonehealth.org/bisphosphonates