Is alendronate taken for life?

Is alendronate taken for life?

Alendronate has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and decrease fracture risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, but the need for long-term treatment is unclear, especially because alendronate is incorporated in bone matrix and has a biological half-life of more than 10 years.

Can you take alendronate for more than 5 years?

These results suggest that for many women, discontinuation of alendronate for up to 5 years does not appear to significantly increase fracture risk. However, women at very high risk of clinical vertebral fractures may benefit by continuing beyond 5 years.

When should alendronate be prescribed?

Treatment is indicated in patients with Paget’s disease of bone who have alkaline phosphatase at least two times the upper limit of normal, or those who are symptomatic, or those at risk for future complications from their disease. [See Clinical Studies (14.5).]

How long can you stay on alendronate?

Fracture risk reduction may also persist for years after treatment has stopped. The optimal duration of therapy with alendronate has not been established. Periodically re-evaluate the need for therapy. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered by doctors after 3 to 5 years in patients at low risk of fracture.

Will osteoporosis shorten my life?

“Osteoporosis that leads to compression fractures will shorten your lifespan. Research clearly shows that people who fall and collapse a vertebra die sooner than people of the same age who do not have compression fractures,” says Isador H.

What are side effects of alendronate?

Alendronate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea.
• stomach pain.
• constipation.
• diarrhea.
• gas.
• bloating or fullness in the stomach.
• change in ability to taste food.
• headache.

Can you take vitamin D with Alendronic acid?

Vitamin D is needed to help your body absorb calcium. Take the calcium and vitamin D at the same time every day, but not within 4 hours of taking the alendronic acid. If you have been advised to take it twice a day then this should be at lunchtime and dinnertime.

What is the half life of Fosamax?

Unlike with most drugs, the strong negative charge on the two phosphonate moieties limits oral bioavailability, and, in turn, the exposure to tissues other than bone is very low. After absorption in the bone, alendronate has an estimated terminal elimination half-life of 10 years.

How to take alendronate?

Take Alendronate sodium tablets upon arising for the day. To facilitate delivery to the stomach and thus reduce the potential for esophageal irritation, an Alendronate sodium tablet should be swallowed with a full glass of water (6 to 8 ounces). Patients should not lie down for at least 30 minutes and until after their first food of the day.

Can Alendronic acid cause heartburn?

Some people may have serious side effects when taking alendronic acid. These include heartburn (or heartburn that gets worse), problems or pain when swallowing, or chest pain. These may be signs of ulcers in your food pipe. If this happens, stop taking alendronic acid and speak to a doctor.