Introduction
Alendon is used to treat or prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) caused by menopause or use of steroids. Using this medicine can reduce your risk of breaking bones.
Alendon is best taken without food. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. Do not stop taking it until you have finished, even when you feel better. It may take several days to get the full benefit of this drug. Alendon is only part of a programme of treatment that may also include changes to your diet and taking calcium and vitamin supplements.
The most common side effects include headache, musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, indigestion, heartburn and diarrhea. These are usually mild and will disappear after a short time. If they do not go away, tell your doctor. Alendon can cause serious kidney problems, especially if you are dehydrated, if you take diuretic medicine (water pills), or if you already have kidney disease. It can also cause low levels of calcium in the blood and pain in the mouth or jaw. These are serious side effects and need urgent medical attention. Tell your doctor straight away.
You should not be given this medicine if you are breastfeeding. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or low calcium levels. Also let your doctor know what other drugs you are taking. Some of them may affect or be affected by, this medicine, especially medicines used to treat severe infections and osteoporosis. You may need frequent medical tests to check your kidney function and mineral levels. Avoid smoking or try to quit as smoking can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can also cause bone loss and should be avoided.
Side effects of Alendon
Common
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
How to use Alendon
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alendon is to be taken empty stomach.
How Alendon works
Alendon is a bisphosphonate. It works by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause destruction of bone. This strengthens the bones and minimizes the risk of fractures.
What if you forget to take Alendon?
If you miss a dose of Alendon, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Adult: PO Osteoporosis 10 mg/day or 70 mg once wkly.
Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis 5 mg/day or 35 mg once wkly.
Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis 5 mg/day; up to 10 mg/day in women not on HRT treatment.
Paget's disease of bone 40 mg/day for 6 mth. May repeat after an interval of 6 mth if needed.
Administration
Concomitant iron, calcium supplements and antacids hinder alendronate absorption. Concomitant aspirin or NSAIDs may increase the incidence of adverse GI effects.
Adult Dose
Upper GI disorders (discontinue if symptoms worsen); history of ulcers, active GI bleeding. Correct vitamin D and calcium deficiency before starting therapy. To be taken half an hr before breakfast and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after admin. Not recommended for use in patients with CrCl <35 ml/min.
Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk; use with caution.
Renal Dose
Alendronic acid reduces bone resorption by inhibiting the action of osteoclasts.
Mode of Action
Administration
Take only in morning, not at bedtime or before arising
Take tablet with full glass of water (6-8 oz) at least 30 minutes before first food or drink of day, in upright position
Administer oral solution with at least 2 ounces of water
Swallow with plain water only; mineral water, coffee, juice or other beverages severely reduces bioavailability
Swallow tablet whole; do not suck or chew
Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking drug; sit or stand upright
Precaution
Osteopetrosis, postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone.
Side Effect
Renal impairment:
CrCl (ml/min)
<35 Not recommended.
Pregnancy Category Note
>10%
Hypocalcemia, transient and mild (18%)
1-10%
Hypophosphatemia, transient and mild (10%),Abdominal pain (7%),Musculoskeletal pain (4.1%),Dyspepsia (3.6%),Nausea (3.6%),Constipation (3.1%),Diarrhea (3.1%),Flatulence (2.6%),Headache (2.6%),Acid regurgitation (2%),Esophagitis (1.5%),Abdominal distention (1%)
<1%
Alopecia,Diaphyseal femur fracture,Esophageal cancer,Flu like syndrome,Gastritis,Myalgia,Oropharyngeal ulceration,Pruritus,Rash,Taste perversion,Toxic epidermal necrolysis,Uveitis,Vertigo,Weakness
Interaction
Hypocalcaemia; oesophageal abnormalities and factors which delay oesophageal emptying; severe renal impairment; hypersensitivity; inability to stand or sit upright for ?30 min. Pregnancy, lactation.