It is common for women to experience gradual weakening of their bones as they age, especially after menopause. This is medically known as osteoporosis. Simply put, it is the thinning and brittleness of the bones. This can lead to fractures, even from a minor fall or even just standing still. So, a very useful drug that doctors often recommend to treat this condition is Alendronate. Today, we will talk about this drug, how to use it, and what precautions to take.
What exactly is Alendronate?
Alendronate is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. Its main function is to strengthen your bones. Imagine that our bones are constantly being broken down and resorbed. In osteoporosis, the rate of bone loss exceeds the rate of new bone formation. So, what this Alendronate drug does is to control bone loss, increase their density, and strengthen them. Therefore, the risk of bone fractures is greatly reduced.
Things to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. This is because some conditions require special care when using this medicine. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor .
| Illness or condition | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Digestive system problems | If you have stomach ulcers, gastritis, or difficulty swallowing food. |
| Kidney disease | If kidney function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed or a different medication may need to be given. |
| Decreased blood calcium levels | Before starting this medication, you need to check your blood calcium levels. |
| Dental diseases | If you have dental or gum problems or are considering surgery to remove teeth. |
| Cancer, bleeding disorders, or steroid use | If you are taking steroid medications like Prednisone, have cancer, or have a blood clotting disorder. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Allergies to medications | If you have an allergy to alendronate or any other medicine or food. |
What is the correct way to take the medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, there is a correct way to take it. It is very important to follow these steps exactly.
1. Upon waking up in the morning: Take this medicine as soon as you wake up in the morning, before eating or drinking anything else during the day.
2. Water only: The medicine should be taken with a full glass of water (at least 200 ml) . Do not take this medicine with anything like tea, coffee, milk, or fruit drinks. These will reduce the absorption of the medicine into the body.
3. Wait 30 minutes: After taking the medicine, do not eat anything, drink anything (except water), or take any other medications or vitamins for at least 30 minutes .
4. Don't lie down: This is the most important thing . After taking the medicine , sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes . You can also walk. Never lie down . Because if you do, the medicine can come back up into your throat and cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus. You can eat breakfast only after these 30 minutes have passed.
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic. If this happens, drink a glass of milk or some water immediately and go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
The medicine you are given may be taken once a day, or it may be taken once a week.
- If you miss a dose today, skip it. Never take two doses in one day. Take one dose the next morning as usual.
- For once-a-week dosing: As soon as you remember, take the missed dose the next morning. Then go back to your usual day (e.g. every Sunday). But don't take two doses in the same day.
Other things that may interact with Alendronate
Some medications and supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of Alendronate when taken together. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Calcium and iron supplements: These can stop the body from absorbing Alendronate, so they should be taken a few hours after taking Alendronate.
- Antacids: Liquid medications used to treat gastritis (e.g. Digene, Mylanta). These also interfere with the absorption of Alendronate.
- Painkillers: Taking it with painkillers (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen may increase stomach discomfort.
- Vitamins: Do not take vitamins containing minerals at the same time as this medicine.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Dental health: This is very important . Rarely, some people may develop a problem with their jaw (Osteonecrosis of the jaw) due to this medication. Therefore, it is best to see a dentist before starting the medication to have your teeth checked and any problems corrected. Your doctor may advise you to avoid major dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, while taking the medication. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth well.
- Bone, joint, or muscle pain: Some people may experience severe body pain from this medication. If you experience unbearable pain, tell your doctor immediately.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: For this medicine to work, you need to have enough calcium and vitamin D in your body. Eat foods rich in calcium like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Also, get vitamin D from exposure to the morning sun. If necessary, your doctor can also give you these as supplements.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Alendronate can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Decreased calcium in the blood | Muscle twitching, numbness in the limbs, confusion. |
| Jaw bone problems (Osteonecrosis of the jaw) | Pain, swelling, numbness in the mouth or jaw, or failure to heal where a tooth was extracted. |
| Difficulty swallowing or chest pain | Pain when swallowing food, severe burning in the chest. |
| Stomach bleeding | Black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. |
| If it persists, you should tell your doctor. Common side effects | |
| Stomach pain | Mild stomach ache or discomfort. |
| Constipation or diarrhea | Change in toileting pattern. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
How to store the medicine?
Store this medicine at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Do not refrigerate. Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Always take Alendronate first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking anything else, with a glass of plain water.
- After taking the medicine, sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes. Never lie down.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and other medical conditions you are taking.
- Take special care of your dental health while taking this medication. Consult your dentist for advice.
- If you experience severe body pain, difficulty swallowing, jaw pain, or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
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