Alendronate comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. The solution is usually taken on an empty stomach once a week in the morning. The 5-mg and 10-mg tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once a day in the morning, and the 30-mg and 70-mg tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach once a week in the morning. The 40-mg tablets are usually taken once a day in the morning for six months to treat Paget's disease of bone. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take alendronate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Alendronate may not work properly and may damage the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach) or cause sores in the mouth if it is not taken according to the recommended instructions.
Alendronate has also been tried for treatment of anorexics, who often have skeletal problems due to malnutrition. However, tests have not been good and alendronate is not widely used for anorexics.
A report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2008 stated that alendronate improves bone density in men having androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. This was found through the results of a double-blind study. The study authors recommend doctors consider once-a-week alendronate for such patients.
A large study published in 2006 suggested that some women may be able to quit taking alendronate after 5 years without increasing bone fracture risk for another 5 years, but this mode of treatment is not widely used.
Side effect of Alendronate: Alendronate Linked to Heart Problems
© 2008 Alendronate.org | About Us
© 2008 Alendronate.org | About Us