Alendronate (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate. It is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It may also be used to treat paget's disease, steroid-induced osteoporosis and other conditions as determined by your doctor. To know more about the uses of Fosamax, you will need to speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Alendronate may be taken in form of a tablet. It is taken by mouth once a day, everyday for effective treatment. The tablet needs to be swallowed intact with 6-8 ounces of plain water. Do not break, crush, suck, or chew the tablet before or while swallowing. Take Alendronate in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking any other medicine. If you take it 60 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medicine then it works even better. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine and until after your first food of the day. Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Follow it carefully. Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum may interfere with the absorption of this medicine. Hence, take these products or any other medicines at least 30 minutes after taking Alendronate. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Consult your doctor about the possible side effects of using this drug for your condition. Your doctor may need to monitor you carefully for side effects and alter the doses if necessary.

Symptoms of overdose may induce stomach upset or pain, heartburn, and pain upon swallowing. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Do not lie down.

It is very important to know as how this medication affects you. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Fosamax. You need to keep all appointments with your doctor. Continue your normal diet, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. It is important to have enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions about your diet or about taking dietary supplements such as calcium or vitamin D. Take care to see that no one should take your medication. Always consult your pharmacist if you have any questions about refilling your prescription.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Fosamax should be stored in the container it came in. Make sure that the container remains tightly closed and out of reach of children when not in use. Fosamax should be stored at room temperature and away from places where it could experience excess heat and light. When the medicine is not in use or outdated, it should be discarded. Take help of your pharmacist in disposing this medicine properly.

Make sure that if you are allergic to Fosamax or to any ingredient in the product. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. If you are taking non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen, additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed. In addition, while you are taking Fosamax, before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, inform your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen.

If you are having or had and history of any medical conditions including kidney problems, stomach problems such as ulcers, throat problems such as trouble swallowing or gastroesophageal reflux disease, pregnancy, or breast-feeding then inform your doctor

if you have trouble swallowing, a narrow or blocked esophagus, low levels of calcium in your blood, severe kidney problems, or if you cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes then Use of Fosamax is not recommended.

If you are planning pregnancy then discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy with your doctor. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Hence, if you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, discuss the risks to your baby check with your doctor or pharmacist.