Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Take the medicine 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 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.
If you are using alendronate oral liquid, drink at least 2 ounces (a quarter of a cup) of water immediately after taking the medicine. This will allow the medicine to reach your intestines and be absorbed by the body more quickly.
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water. Do not suck or chew on the tablet because it may cause throat irritation.
The effervescent tablet should not be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved in the mouth to prevent the risk of mouth or throat irritation.
If you are taking alendronate effervescent tablet, dissolve it in 4 ounces of room temperature plain water only (not mineral water or flavored water). Wait at least 5 minutes after the effervescence stops and then stir the solution for 10 seconds and drink it.
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate and before having your first food for the day. This will help alendronate 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 the alendronate. 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 (effervescent tablets):
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For treatment of osteoporosis in men:
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Adults—70 milligrams (mg) once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day other than water.
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Children—Use is not recommended.
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For treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis:
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Adults—70 milligrams (mg) once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day other than water.
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Children—Use is not recommended.
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For oral dosage forms (liquid or tablets):
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For treatment of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis:
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Adults—5 milligrams (mg) once a day at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day other than water. In postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen, the dose is 10 mg once a day.
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Children—Use is not recommended.
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For treatment of Paget's disease of bone:
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Adults—40 milligrams (mg) once a day for 6 months. Your doctor may tell you to repeat this dose.
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Children—Use is not recommended.
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For treatment of osteoporosis in men:
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Adults—10 milligrams (mg) once a day or 70 mg once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day other than water.
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Children—Use is not recommended.
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For treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis:
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Adults—10 milligrams (mg) once a day or 70 mg once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day other than water.
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Children—Use is not recommended. .
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For prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis:
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Adults—5 milligrams (mg) once a day or 35 mg once a week at least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day other than water.
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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.
For patients taking the medicine each day: If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine in the morning, skip the missed dose and take your medicine the next morning. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Return to your regular schedule the next day.
If you are on a weekly schedule and miss a dose of this medicine, take it the next morning after you remember. Resume your usual schedule taking the medicine on your chosen day the next week.
Storage
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.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Protect the effervescent tablet from moisture and do not remove from the blister pack until you are ready to use it.
Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024
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