How to Take Fosamax

Fosamax is prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women or in men. It is also used in the treatment of Paget's disease. Fosamax helps increase bone mass and decrease the likelihood of fractures. Here is how to take Fosamax.

Instructions

1. Know the dosage. For treatment of osteoporosis in men and women Fosamax can either be taken in a 70 mg tablet once a week or in a 10 mg tablet daily. For the treatment of Paget's disease, the recommended dosage is 40 mg a day for six months. Fosamax can also be taken in a solution form.

2. Know when to take your medication. Fosamax should be taken in the morning at least a half hour before any foods, beverages or medications are consumed. These substances may decrease the ability of your stomach to absorb Fosamax.

3. Understand how to take your medication. The medications should be taken with a full eight ounce glass of water and you should avoid lying down until you have had your first food of the day. Also, Fosamax should not be taken before you go to sleep or early in the morning before waking. This reduces the risk of esophagus irritation.

4. Know the side effects. Side effects may include: stomach pain, constipation, gas or nausea. Notify physician if these side effects worsen.

5. Manage missed doses. If a dose is missed, skip it and resume the next day with a regular dose. Do not double the following dose.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a doctor before taking Fosamax while pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Children should not take Fosamax.

• Make sure Fosamax is accompanied by a diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.

• Tell your doctor if you have or have had in the past low blood calcium, vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease or an ulcer.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It isn't known if Fosamax has an effect on infants.

• Bone density should be checked regularly to ensure Fosamax is working.

• If you take Fosamax once a day or once a week and you miss a dose you should wait until the following morning to take the dose.

• Rare but possible side effects are jaw pain, an increase in muscle or bone pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds and a physician should be contacted immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

• Do not take Fosamax if you cannot stand or sit upright for at least thirty minutes.

• Do not lie down or recline for thirty minutes after taking Fosamax.

• Some people may develop bone-loss in the jaw from taking Fosamax, especially if they have been treated with steroids, radiation or chemotherapy.

• Do not use Fosamax in large amounts or any longer than it is prescribed.

• Don not crush or chew Fosamax. Fosamax needs to be swallowed whole.

• Do not take any vitamins, calcium or antacids for thirty minutes after taking Fosamax.

• Go to the emergency room immediately if you suffer from hives, have trouble breathing or have swelling in your face, tongue, throat, face or lips while taking Fosamax.

• Other side effects include mild heartburn, gas constipation, diarrhea, mild joint pain and headache. If you have any of these symptoms you should continue taking Fosamax and talk to your doctor.

• Do not take Fosamax without consulting with your doctor if you take aspirin celecoxib, diclofenac, diflunisal, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, naproxen or piroxicam.