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Fosamax® Side Effects

What side effects can occur from Fosamax®?

Common Side effects of Fosamax® may include:bone and joint pain, diarrhea, indigestion, muscle pain, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation

Less common side effects of Fosamax® include: Abdominal distention, acid backup, difficulty swallowing, esophageal ulcers, excessive gas, headache, stomach ulcers, and vomiting

Very rare side effects of Fosamax® may include: Changes in taste, esophageal blockage or perforation, eye pain, mouth sores, muscle cramps, rash, redness of the skin, swollen face and throat, hives, and inflammation of the stomach

Side effects are difficult to predict. Some side effects are normal, while other side effects are not. Always discuss any side effects you are experiencing while taking any prescription medication, including Fosamax®, with your doctor.

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Alternative to Fosamax® - Actonel®

Actonel® is can be used as an alternative to Merck®'s Fosamax®. This alternative, Actonel® can be used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in men and women, and Paget's disease.

The most common side effects of include: flu syndrome, chest pain, diarrhea, abdominal, pain,   nausea, constipation, swelling, joint pain, headache, dizziness, and rash. These are just some of the side effects you may experience while taking Actonel®. Discuss these side effects along with any other side effects you may experience while taking Actonel®.

Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication, including Fosamax® and Actonel®.

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Why is Fosamax® prescribed?

Fosamax® is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease, in postmenopausal women. It is also used to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and is prescribed for both men and women who have developed a form of osteoporosis sometimes caused by steroid medications such as prednisone. This drug can also be used to relieve Paget's disease of bone, a painful condition that weakens and deforms the bones.

Who should avoid Fosamax®?

Patients with Certain disorders of the esophagus, who have inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30, low levels of calcium in their blood, severe kidney disease, or patients who are allergic to Fosamax®, should all avoid taking Fosamax®.

You should always talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including Fosamax®.

What is ONJ or Osteonecrosis of the jaw?

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a condition where the bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal after a minor trauma. This can cause the bone to be exposed. This exposure can eventually lead to an infection and fracture. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) can later require surgery to correct this problem. Prevention and treatment is essential in protecting the jawbone from Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Individuals using Fosamax® or other bisphosphonates might consider avoiding tooth extractions and other dental work while on the drugs, since a minor trauma could cause Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).

The risk of a “healthy” person developing Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is remote; the estimate from the maker of Fosamax®, Merck®, is less than one out of 100,000 patients per year.

Recommended dosage of Fosamax®

Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

The normal dosage is one 10-milligram tablet once a day or one 70-milligram tablet once a week. Treatment can continue for years.

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Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

The usual dose is one 5-milligram tablet once a day or one 35-milligram tablet once a week.

Normal dosage is one 35-milligram tablet once a week, or one 5-milligram tablet once a day.

Osteoporosis in Men

Normal dosage for men is one 70-miligram tablet once a week, or one 10-miligram tablet once a day.

Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis

Normal dosage is one 5-milligram tablet once a day, except for postmenopausal women not taking estrogen, who should take one 10-milligram tablet once daily.

Paget's Disease

Normal dosage is 40 milligrams once a day, for 6 months.

Symptoms of Fosamax® overdose may include: Heartburn, inflammation of the esophagus or stomach, ulcer, upset stomach

If you believe you have overdosed on Fosamax®, you should immediately contact you doctor.

NOTICE: www.fosamax-information.com is solely to be used as an informational resource and should never be used to replace contact with your licensed healthcare provider. Always consult you physician before taking any medication, including Fosamax®.

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