Side Effects of Alendronate 70 mg Tablets

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate medication prescribed to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It is available in generic form and under the brand name Fosamax, both in 70 milligram tablets and a 70 mg solution, both for once-weekly dosage. Alendronate does not cause side effects in most people.

Most Common Effects

The most common side effects associated with alendronate include gas and bloating, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Most of these symptoms disappear over time.

Less Common Effects

Less common alendronate side effects include heartburn, throat irritation, and bone, joint or muscle pain.

Osteonecrosis

Rarely, a severe condition called osteonecrosis has occurred in people taking alendronate or other bisphosphonates. This disorder causes destruction of bone tissue. When people taking bisphosphonates develop osteonecrosis, it affects the jawbone.

Considerations

Most people experiencing osteonecrosis of the jaw related to bisphosphonate use already had dental disease or had recently undergone a dental procedure.

Other Severe Effects

Many other severe side effects are possible with alendronate use, although rare. These include tarry stools, blistered or peeling skin, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, mouth sores, and vomiting or coughing up blood.

References

• Information on alenddronate from the Mayo Clinic
• A report on bisphosphonates and ONJ
• Warnings concerning alendronate

Resources

• Furher information on alendronate