FOSAMAX

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Generic Name for FOSAMAX

Alendronate (as sodium) 5mg, 10mg, 35mg, 40mg, 70mg; tabs.

Legal Classification:

Rx

Pharmacological Class for FOSAMAX

Bisphosphonate.

Manufacturer of FOSAMAX

Merck & Co., Inc.

Indications for FOSAMAX

Treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Treatment of osteoporosis in men. Treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Paget's disease of bone.

Adult dose for FOSAMAX

Swallow whole. Take in the AM with plain (not mineral) water only, at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or medication of the day (6–8oz water after tabs or 2oz after oral solution); do not lie down for at least 30 minutes and until after the first food of the day. Reevaluate periodically. Osteoporosis treatment in men or postmenopausal women: 10mg tab once daily or 70mg once weekly or one 70mg/2800 IU or 70mg/5600 IU tab once weekly. Osteoporosis prevention in postmenopausal women: 5mg tab once daily or 35mg tab once weekly. Glucocorticoid-induced: 5mg tab once daily; glucocorticoid-induced in postmenopausal women not on estrogen: 10mg tab once daily. Paget's: 40mg once daily for 6 months; may retreat after a 6-month post-treatment evaluation period (based on serum alkaline phosphatase).

Children's dosing for FOSAMAX

Not recommended.

Also:

Contraindications for FOSAMAX

Esophageal abnormalities which delay esophageal emptying (eg, stricture). Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes. Aspiration risk (oral solution). Hypocalcemia.

Warnings/Precautions for FOSAMAX

Renal insufficiency (CrCl <35mL/min): not recommended. Upper GI disease. Treat disturbances of mineral metabolism. Ensure adequate Vit. D and calcium intake. Discontinue if esophageal reaction occurs. Monitor for hypocalcemia in disorders affecting mineral metabolism (eg, Vit. D deficiency). Not for sole treatment of Vit. D deficiency. Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers.

Interactions for FOSAMAX

Increased GI distress with aspirin and alendronate >10mg/day; caution with NSAIDs, other GI irritants. Anticonvulsants, cimetidine, thiazides, olestra, mineral oils, orlistat, bile acid sequestrants may antagonize Vit. D3.

Adverse Reactions for FOSAMAX

GI upset, abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, musculoskeletal pain (may be severe), headache, esophagitis; esophageal ulcer, stricture, or erosion; melena; rarely: gastric or duodenal ulcer.

How is FOSAMAX supplied?

Tabs 5mg—30, 100
10mg—30, 100, 1000
35mg, 70mg—4
40mg—30
Soln—4 X 75mL
Plus D—4

Related Disease:

Bone disorders
Osteoporosis~bone metabolism
Paget's disease

Related Resources

Phase 3 study of oral calcitonin for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis

July 23, 2010

Tarsa Therapeutics announced completion of patient enrollment in its Phase 3 study of oral calcitonin for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Prolia approved for postmenopausal osteoporosis

June 02, 2010

The FDA has approved Prolia (denosumab, from Amgen) for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture, defined as a history of osteoporotic fracture, or multiple risk factors for fracture; or patients who have failed or are intolerant to other available osteoporosis therapy.

FDA launches "Bad Ad Program" to detect misleading drug ads

May 11, 2010

The FDA's Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising, and Communications (DDMAC) has launched the Bad Ad Program, designed to educate healthcare providers about their role in ensuring that prescription drug advertising and promotion is truthful, and not misleading.

FDA reviews atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures risk with oral bisphosphonates

March 11, 2010

The FDA has notified healthcare professionals and patients that at this point, the data that have been reviewed have not shown a clear connection between bisphosphonate use and a risk of atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures.

Xiaflex available for Dupuytren's contracture

March 08, 2010

BioSpecifics Technologies and Auxilium Pharmaceuticals announced the availability of Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) for the treatment of adult Dupuytren's contracture patients with a palpable cord.

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