It should be taken as soon as you get out of bed in the morning and at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages (eg, mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice) will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body.

What time of day should alendronate be taken?

It should be taken as soon as you get out of bed in the morning and at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages (eg, mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice) will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body.

What drugs should not be taken with alendronate?

Interactions that can make your drugs less effective Examples of these drugs include: Calcium supplements, magnesium, iron, and antacids. These drugs may reduce how much alendronate your body absorbs. You should wait at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate before taking any other oral medications.

Why should you not lay down after taking alendronate?

Do not lie down again after taking the medicine. Alendronate can cause damage to the esophagus (food pipe) and the water will wash the medication down into the stomach. If you lie down the medication might come back up into the esophagus, so that is why you should not lie down.

Why must alendronate be taken in the morning?

You must take this medicine exactly as directed or you will lower the amount of medicine you absorb into your body or you may cause yourself harm. Take your dose by mouth first thing in the morning, after you are up for the day.

Do I need to take calcium with alendronate?

Calcium and vitamin D are very important as they are the nutrients your bone needs to make sure the alendronate will work effectively. Calcium gives your bones strength and rigidity. Vitamin D is needed to help your body absorb calcium.

Does alendronate cause weight gain?

Weight gain isn’t a side effect that you should have while taking Fosamax. In clinical trials, weight gain didn’t occur in people taking Fosamax. However, peripheral edema (swelling in your arms or legs) has been reported by some people since Fosamax was approved by the FDA and released onto the market.

What is the safest medication to take for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.

Does alendronate cause hair loss?

Less common side effects of alendronate include: Hair loss.

Can alendronate cause hair loss?

Can alendronate cause teeth problems?

It is important that you tell all of your health care providers that you are taking alendronate. If you are having a dental procedure while taking alendronate, you may have an increased chance of having a severe problem with your jaw.

Do you gain weight with alendronate?

Can you drink coffee with alendronate?

Never take alendronate tablets with tea, coffee, juice, milk, mineral water, sparkling water, or any liquid other than plain water.

What vitamins should I take with alendronate?

Alendronate with either 2,800 IU or 5,600 IU of vitamin D3 provides another option for a source of vitamin D. Weekly alendronate with 2,800 IU of vitamin D3 is the equivalent of taking 400 IU daily, while weekly alendronate with 5,600 IU of vitamin D3 is the equivalent of taking 800 IU daily.

How long do you have to wait to drink coffee after taking alendronate?

Taking Fosamax with food Take it with water, and don’t eat or drink anything else for at least 30 minutes afterward. This includes drinking coffee, orange juice, and carbonated water. You should also wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before you take any other medications or supplements.