Product Details: Fosamax (Alendronate)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Merck Frosst

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis in adult men and women. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in the product. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. 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 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, or naproxen. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF 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