Fosamax/Alendronate is used to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (bone weakening) or Paget's disease. Fosamax/Alendronate prevents or slows weakening of bone.

Fosamax/Alendronate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Fosamax/Alendronate should be taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach. Fosamax/Alendronate should be taken with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate before you eat, drink, or take other medications. Do not take Fosamax/alendronate with mineral water, coffee, orange juice, milk, or other dairy products. Do not suck or chew the Fosamax/Alendronate tablet; swallow the Fosamax tablet whole. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax/alendronate. Standing or sitting upright helps you get the full dose and decreases heartburn or the risk of injury to your esophagus.

Follow the Fosamax directions on your Fosamax prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Fosamax/alendronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Fosamax or take Fosamax more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking Fosamax/alendronate without talking to your doctor.

SIDE-EFFECTS FOSAMAX are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Fosamax symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

Tell your doctor and Fosamax pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, aspirin products, calcium products, and vitamins.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had abnormalities of your esophagus; upper gastrointestinal tract such as ulcers, gastritis, heartburn, chronic stomach problems, or duodenitis; a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high temperature with rigid muscles and abnormal consciousness); or below normal calcium levels in your blood.

* Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Fosamax/alendronate, tell your doctor

if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Fosamax/alendronate.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while you are taking Fosamax.

It is important that you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking Fosamax/alendronate. Your doctor may prescribe supplements if your dietary intake is not sufficient. Remember that Fosamax/alendronate should be taken with at least 6-8 ounces of water. Food, drinks, and other drugs (including vitamins, calcium, and vitamin D) should not be taken for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax/alendronate.

Take the missed Fosamax dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Fosamax dose, skip the missed Fosamax dose and continue your regular Fosamax dosing schedule. Do not take a double Fosamax dose to make up for a missed one.

Keep Fosamax in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Fosamax at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Fosamax medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Fosamax medication.