How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient alendronate sodium, which is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. These agents are used in a variety of metabolic bone disorders. The bone cells continuously deposit and remove calcium and phosphorous, stored in a protein network that makes up the structure of the bone. Biphosphonates work by binding very tightly to bone, preventing the removal of calcium from the bone cells. This decreases breakdown and turnover of bone in the body and the increased calcium content leads to stronger bones. In osteoporosis, bone turnover is increased, causing the bones to become weak and prone to breaking. This medicine slows done the process of bone breakdown, so keeping bones stronger and helping to prevent fractures. It is used to treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures in people with the disease, and also to prevent bone loss in people at risk of developing osteoporosis. Risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis, early menopause, thin body build, smoking and long-term corticosteroid treatment, eg with prednisolone.

What is it used for?

Prevention and treatment of corticosteroid induced osteoporosis

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women

Treatment of osteoporosis in men

Warning!

Food, drinks (except plain water) and certain other medicines can interfere with the absorption of this medicine. For this reason it should be taken at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink or medicine of the day.

Stop taking this medicine and seek medical attention if you experience difficulty or pain on swallowing, new or worsening heartburn, or pain behind the breastbone.

It is very important that the dosing instructions for this medicine are followed completely. This is because the medicine can cause irritation and ulceration of the foodpipe (oesophagus). Following the instructions correctly minimises this risk.

The tablets must be swallowed whole with a glass of plain water (at least 200ml, not mineral water), and not sucked or chewed. You should sit or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet to aid its movement into the stomach. For this reason don't take the tablet before getting up in the morning or less than 30 minutes before going to bed at night.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Disorders of the upper part of the digestive system, eg ulcers, inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis), difficulty in swallowing

Vitamin D deficiency

Not to be used in

Abnormalities of the food pipe (oesophagus)

Breastfeeding

Children

Conditions causing delayed passage of food through the food pipe (oesophagus), eg narrowing or obstruction of the food pipe

Low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcaemia)

People who cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The manufacturer states not to use this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding as there is insufficient safety information available. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Swelling of abdomen (abdominal distension)

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Low blood calcium level (hypocalcaemia)

Pain in muscles or bones (musculoskeletal pain)

Flushing of the skin due to widening of the small blood vessels (erythema)

Dark colored, tarry stools, due to the presence of blood altered by the intestinal juices (melaena)

Inflammation of the food pipe (oesophagitis)

Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)

Ulceration of the food pipe (oesophagus)

Acid regurgitation

Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)

Inflammation of the front parts of the eye (uveitis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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