Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Take this medicine with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water on an empty stomach. It should be taken as soon as you get out of bed in the morning and at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages (eg, mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice) will decrease the amount of alendronate and cholecalciferol combination absorbed by the body. Waiting longer than 30 minutes will allow more of the drug to be absorbed. Medicines such as antacids, calcium, or vitamin supplements will also decrease the absorption of alendronate and cholecalciferol combination.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not suck or chew on the tablet because it may cause throat irritation.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine and before having your first food for the day. This will help the medicine reach your stomach faster. It will also help prevent irritation to your esophagus.
It is important that you eat a well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products). However, do not take any foods, beverages, or calcium supplements within 30 minutes or longer after taking this medicine. To do so may keep this medicine from working properly.
Follow your dosing instructions given to you by your doctor closely. It may affect the way this medicine works if you do not. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you do weight-bearing exercises, smoke or drink excessively. Your doctor will need to take these into consideration in deciding your dose.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For oral dosage form (tablets):
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For treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis:
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Adults—One tablet once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day other than water. Each tablet contains 70 milligrams (mg) of alendronate and 2800 international units of vitamin D3, or 70 milligrams (mg) of alendronate and 5600 international units of vitamin D3.
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Children—Use is not recommended.
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For treatment of osteoporosis in men:
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Adults—One tablet once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day other than water. One tablet contains 70 milligrams (mg) of alendronate and 2800 international units of vitamin D3, or 70 milligrams (mg) of alendronate and 5600 international units of vitamin D3.
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Children—Use is not recommended.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you miss your regularly scheduled dose or you forget to take your medicine, take it the next morning after you remember. Resume your usual schedule taking the medicine on your chosen day the next week.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.