Alendronate prescribing information |
|
 |
|
We offer 10% discount!
Alendronate description
Alendronate also known as Fosamax is a biphosphonate which is often given as a daily or weekly medication. It is used in the prevention as well as treatment of osteoporosis which is the increase in the brittleness of the bone and this is more common in post-menopausal females but also occurs in males. It can also be used to ease the pain which occurs in Paget’s disease of the bone.
About the drug
Osteoporosis is the weakening of the bone which may occur as a side effect of steroid medications like prednisone and is more common in elderly females and males. The bone tissue is constantly being replenished as old bone tissues are replaced with new ones. Cells called osteoclasts are responsible for the removal of old bone tissue while cells called osteoblasts are responsible for producing new ones. Alendronate improves bone strength by inhibiting the action of the osteoclasts. The active ingredient in alendronate is called alendronate sodium which like other biphosphonates is used to treat various bone metabolism disorders. Such drugs prevent the breakdown of the bones by binding tightly to the bone tissue preventing calcium from being removed from the bone cells.
How to take
Other than people who already have osteoporosis, alendronate can be recommended for people at high risk of developing the disease such as people with a family history of osteoporosis, very thin individuals, smokers and people on a long term treatment of steroid drugs. 5mg daily dose is recommended for preventative medication and also for osteoporosis caused by medication. A 10mg dose is recommended for treatment of osteoporosis and for women on estrogen medication. Patients suffering from Paget’s disease are usually prescribed 40 mg daily dosage. Alendronate is not to be chewed or sucked on rather swallowed whole while in an upright position to ensure the drug gets to the stomach and for prevention of throat irritation. This upright position should be maintained for 30 minutes after taking the drug.
Possible Side Effects
The possible side effects includes: Headache Rash, Flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, abdominal distension, Indigestion, hypocalcaemia musculoskeletal pain, erythema, melaena, oesophagitis, dysphagia, ulceration of the oesophagus, Acid regurgitation, photosensitivity and uveitis.
Drug Interaction
The drug may interact with calcium supplements, antacids and certain oral medicines may affect absorption of alendronate. Therefore a waiting time of at least 30 minutes should be allowed after before taking any other oral medications.
Pregnant and Nursing
The drug will not usually be used in pre-menopausal women however animal test indicate possible risk to the unborn child. Alendronate should therefore not be used in pregnant women.
Storage
Keep in original container at room temperature away from excessive moisture and heat and away from children
Alendronate notes:
Alendronate or Fosomax or Fossamax is widely used for the treatment of brittle bone disease called osteoporosis that affects most of the postmenopausal women. Fosamax generic name – alendronate that is also the main component of Fosamax helps in bone formation and prevents bone breakdown in the body thus reducing bone fractures. Fosamax drug is also prescribed to both men and women to cure a type of osteporosis induced by intake of corticosteroid medications like prednisone for longer periods. Fosamax is also effective in treating Paget’s disease of bone causing breakdown and malformation of bones.
Individuals may or may not face certain Fosamax problems or side effects due to regular usage of Fosamax. One is advised to seek immediate medical attention if one faces any of the side effects:
• Abdominal distension
• Stomach aches, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation
• Headache
• Rash
• Indigestion
• Soreness of muscle, joints, or bones
• Low blood calcium level (hypocalcaemia)
• Irritation ulceration of the food pipe causing
. Difficulty in swallowing
• Swelling and pain in front parts of eye
• Passing dark coloured stools
• Irritation of skin due to exposure to light
• And others
Fosamax users also have the possibility of suffering from rare jaw disorder - osteonecrosis jaw also called “death of bone” in the jaw that involves swelling, pain and exposed bone.
You would be generally advised to swallow and not suck or chew Fosamax tablet in the morning with a full glass of water (about 6-8 ounces). Also one should remember not to lie down immediately and sit, stand or walk upright for at least 30 minutes. This would allow the medicine reach your stomach faster and prevent throat irritation. Normal Fosamax dosage includes –
• 5 mg daily for preventing osteoporosis
• 10 mg daily for treating osteoporosis.
• 5 mg daily for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
• 10 mg daily for shortage of estrogen in postmenopausal women
• 40 mg daily for treating Paget's disease
Alternatively Alendronate 70 mg can be taken once weekly for prevention and treatment of all types of osteoporosis. Please note Didrocal and Fosamax are often confused as the same drug by patients. However, you should consult your doctor and take his advice before you start taking Fosamax.
Anti-Aging news:
Balance protein intake increases life span – A research
The new research done by Wellcome Trust and Research have suggested that correct balance of proteins in diet of ageing people is more beneficial then reducing calories. Research done on mice, rats and the rhesus monkey have shown longer life when kept on food restriction while maintaining sufficient quantities of vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients. This suggests that dietary restriction can be helpful in humans also.
To analyze the health benefits of dietary restriction, researchers at the Institute of Healthy Ageing University College London conducted a study on female fruit flies. The fruit flies were given a diet of yeast, sugar and water with varying amounts of vitamins, lipids and amino acids. From this the researchers found that varying the amount of amino acids in the mixture affected lifespan and fertility of flies. The further analyses showed that levels of a particular amino acid known as methionine were crucial in maximising lifespan without decreasing fertility.
Dr Matthew Piper, one of the study authors said that by carefully manipulating the balance of amino acids in the diet it is possible to maximise both lifespan and fertility which arises the possibility of extending lifespan without wholesale dietary restrictions.
Anti-Aging News:
Supplement that offsets aging – says Scientists.
According to the latest development, scientists at McMaster University have claimed to produce dietary supplement which helps to offset declining physical activity known to be the key symptom of aging. The supplement will prove to be helpful in extending physical function and improving quality of life. Decline in physical activity is one of the most reliable expressions of aging and obesity.
Scientists combined number of dietary supplements into one compound and administered them on certain group of mice. The result showed that mice on such dietary supplement were able to maintain youth levels as the supplement increases the activity of mitochondria which energy and reduces the amount of free radicals which are the basic cause of aging.
In the group of mice that does not receive supplement, scientists observe 50 percent decline in daily physical activities, in activity of mitochondria and loss in brain chemicals associated with locomotion. The supplement consists of thiamin, vitamins C, D, and E, folic acid, garlic, ginger root, potassium, cod liver oil, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, beta-carotene, green tea extract and magnesium. Many of these substances are related to anti aging activities because of their anti oxidant properties.
Alendronate review article...
|
|
Bone resorption inhibitor
 Alendronate prescribing information
Buy here
|
|
My Basket
