(alendronate sodium)

IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO READ THE SECTION ‘HOW SHOULD YOU TAKE FOSAMAX?’ BEFORE TAKING THIS MEDICINE.

The active ingredient in Fosamax Tablets is alendronate sodium. Fosamax is available as round white tablets each containing alendronate sodium, equivalent to 10 mg alendronic acid.

Microcrystalline cellulose EP, anhydrous lactose USNF, croscarmellose sodium USNF, and magnesium stearate E P.

Fosamax Tablets are supplied in blister packs of 28 tablets.

Fosamax belongs to a group of non-hormonal medicines called aminobisphosphonates. Fosamax stops the loss of bone that occurs in women after they have been through the menopause, and helps to rebuild bone.

Your tablets are made by Merck Sharp & Dohme (Italia)SpA, Via Emilia 21, 27100 Pavia, ltaly, for Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, Hertford Road, Hoddesdon Hertfordshire, UK, who hold the Product Licence in the UK and the Product Authorisation in Ireland.

Your doctor has prescribed Fosamax because you have a disease called osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a thinning and weakening of the bones that is common in post-menopausal women. Following the menopause, the ovaries stop producing the female hormone, oestrogen. At this time, bone loss occurs and bones become weaker. The earlier a woman reaches the menopause, the greater the risk of osteoporosis.

Early on, osteoporosis usually has no symptoms. If left untreated, however, it can result in fractures (broken bones). Although fractures usually cause pain, fractures of the bones of the spine may go unnoticed until they cause height loss. Fractures may occur during normal, everyday activity, such as lifting, or from minor injury that would not be sufficient to fracture normal bone. Fractures usually occur at the hip, spine, or wrist and can lead not only to pain but also to considerable deformity and disability (such as stooped posture, or 'dowager's hump', and loss of mobility).

It is important to remember that osteoporosis can be treated and that it is never too late to begin. Your doctor has prescribed Fosamax to treat your osteoporosis. Fosamax not only prevents the loss of bone but actually helps to rebuild bone.

In addition to your treatment with Fosamax, your doctor may recommend that you make some changes to your lifestyle which should help your condition. These are:

Stopping smoking. Smoking appears to increase the rate at which you lose bone and, therefore, may increase your risk of fracture.

Exercise. Like muscles, bones need exercise to stay strong and healthy. Consult your doctor before you begin any exercise programme.

about your diet or whether you should take any dietary supplements.

Fosamax should not be given to children.

If you think any of these apply to you, do not take the tablets. Talk to your doctor first and follow his advice .

You should always tell your doctor about all drugs you are taking or plan to take, including any obtained without a prescription.

4. After swallowing your Fosamax Tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before taking your first food beverage, or other medication of the day including antacids, calcium supplements and vitamins. Fosamax is effective only if taken when your stomach is empty.
5. If you develop difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn, stop taking Fosamax and contact your doctor.
6. Take one Fosamax Tablet once a day, every day.
7. It is important that you continue taking Fosamax for as long as your doctor prescribes the medicine. Fosamax can treat your osteoporosis only if you continue to take the tablets.

If you take too many tablets by mistake, drink a full glass of milk and contact your doctor immediately. Do not make yourself vomit, and do not lie down.