How to Use Fosamax to Treat Arthritis

Fosamax is not an arthritis drug, per se. Instead, it is used to slow down the bone loss associated with osteoporosis. However, because arthritis often results in significant bone loss over time, Fosamax is sometimes prescribed to minimize that loss. Fosamax is a powerful drug with a host of side effects. If your arthritis symptoms are causing bone loss to occur, it may be time to treat this loss through the use of Fosamax. Read on to learn how to use Fosamax to treat arthritis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Fosamax prescription

1. Get a prescription for Fosamax from your doctor.
2. Take Fosamax in the morning, after you have gotten out of bed but before you eat breakfast.
3. Swallow the Fosamax pill in one gulp. Never break or chew Fosamax.
4. Drink a full 8 oz. glass of water with your Fosamax pill.
5. Refrain from eating anything for at least 30 minutes after taking your Fosamax. Food could prevent your body from properly absorbing the Fosamax.
6. Stay in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after taking your Fosamax. Lying down will allow stomach acid to creep up into your esophagus, causing irritation and damage.
7. Take your other medications and vitamins at least a half an hour after taking your Fosamax. If you take them sooner, they could interfere with the absorption of the Fosamax into your system.

Tips & Warnings

• You should not take Fosamax to treat your arthritis-related bone loss if you have an ulcer or severe acid reflux disease. Fosamax could aggravate those conditions.
• If you have mild acid reflux disease, be sure to keep plenty of antacids on hand when taking Fosamax. You will need these if the Fosamax irritates the condition.
• Try sleeping with your head slightly elevated, even if you take your Fosamax in the morning. This will prevent any acid from seeping up into your throat during the night. Though this is unlikely if you take Fosamax properly, it could still happen, so be proactive in taking all precautions against it.
• Fosamax can cause serious damage to your esophagus by increasing stomach acid. This acid can creep up your throat, causing ulcers or painful irritation.
• Never double up on Fosamax doses, even if you miss one. This could cause serious side effects to occur. If you miss a dose, just forget about it and resume your regular dosing schedule the next day.
• Do not use Fosamax at night. Taking it before bedtime will only increase the likelihood of damage being done to your stomach or esophagus during the night.