Product Details: Fosamax Plus D (Alendronate/Cholecalciferol)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND FOSAMAX PLUS D IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME FOSAMAX PLUS.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Merck

Description

This medicine is a bisphosphonate and vitamin D combination used to prevent or treat osteoporosis (weak bones) in certain patients

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine is taken once a week. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, suck, or chew the tablet before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. Take it with 6-8 ounces of PLAIN WATER ONLY the first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medicine. Do not take this medicine at bedtime or before you get out of bed in the morning. Do not take this medicine with mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice. DO NOT LIE DOWN for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine and until after your first food of the day. Be sure you understand how to take this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in the original blister packaging, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each week will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it on the morning after you remember and then return to your normal schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in the product. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR before you drink alcohol, smoke, or use other tobacco products while taking this medicine. PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN OLESTRA may decrease the absorption of vitamin D. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about eating foods that contain olestra while you take this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE JAW BONE PROBLEMS IN SOME PATIENTS. Your risk may be greater if you have cancer, poor dental hygiene, or certain other conditions (eg, anemia, blood clotting problems, infection, dental problems). Your risk may also be greater if you use certain medicines or therapies (eg, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation). Talk to your doctor about having a dental exam before you start to use this medicine. Ask your doctor any questions you may have about dental treatment while you use this medicine. Proper dental care is important while you are taking this medicine. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including bone density tests, blood calcium levels, and blood vitamin D levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. It is important to have enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions about your diet or about taking dietary supplements such as calcium or vitamin D. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines which contain aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or vitamin D. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. AT LEAST ONE OF THE INGREDIENTS IN THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur during treatment include bone, muscle, or joint pain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; feeling bloated or full; gas; headache; flu-like symptoms at the start of treatment; mild stomach pain; nausea; taste changes; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience mouth sores. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience black tarry or bloody stools; chest pain; coughing or vomiting blood; difficult or painful swallowing; new, worsening, or severe heartburn; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe bone, muscle, or joint pain; severe or persistent sore throat or stomach pain; swelling of the hands, legs, or joints; or swelling or pain in your jaw. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Alendronate/Cholecalciferol