Alendronate Sodium is a medication indicated for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and easily breaks
It’s also used to treat osteoporosis in men and women who are having a long-term treatment with corticosteroid, a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis in some patients such as Prednisolone. Alendronate can also treat Paget’s disease of bone, a condition in which the bones become soft, weak and may be painful, deformed or easily broken.
Alendronate is a type of bisphosphonate medication that prevents the breakdown of the bone. It works by preventing the breakdown of the bone and by increasing its thickness to make it strong and keep it from breaking including those of the spine and hip. Alendronate binds very tightly to the bone thus preventing the calcium from being removed by the osteoclasts. This stops the osteoclasts from breaking the bones, making it strong and less likely to break.
Alendronate is mostly prescribed medications for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. It was approved for medical use in the US since 1995. It’s one of the most prescribed medications in the US with more than 10 million prescriptions. Alendronate is available as generic and brand names in the market. The generic version is cheaper than the brand names but both versions contain the same active ingredient and the same mechanism of action.
Alendronate sodium comes in tablet form for you to take by mouth. It comes in 5mg and 10 mg tablet that you can take once a week or a 35 mg and 70 mg tablet taken once a week. The 40 mg tablet is usually taken once a day for 6 months to treat Paget’s disease of bone.
Alendronate may cause ulcer of the esophagus or may not work properly if not taken accordingly. Take this medicine in the morning on an empty stomach or just after you get out of the bed in the morning. Do not take it before bedtime. Swallow the tablet whole with plenty of water, at least 2 cups. Never take it with coffee, juice, tea or other liquid other than plain water. Do not chew or crush the tablet. After taking it, do not drink, eat or take other medications. Wait for at least 30 minutes. Do not also lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Alendronate.
Alendronate sodium can only control Paget’s disease and osteoporosis but it will not cure them. Continue taking it even if you feel well for it may take 3 months or longer for your bone density starts to increase. It will only treat and prevent osteoporosis as long as you are taking it regularly.
Alendronate may cause unwanted side effects aside from its intended effects. Common side effects include:
These effects are mild and may go away within a few days. If they become more severe or won’t go away, call your doctor.
Serious side effects include:
In case of serious side effects contact your physician immediately.