Alendronate
Brand names: ALENDRONATE SODIUM, Alendronate Sodium, Binosto, FOSAMAX, FOSAMAX PLUS D, Fosamax, alendronate sodium
Warnings
No boxed warning. Key warnings: "Upper gastrointestinal adverse reactions can occur" - patients must follow strict dosing instructions (full glass of water, remain upright at least 30 minutes); "hypocalcemia" must be corrected before starting therapy; "severe bone, joint, or muscle pain" may occur, with discontinuation considered if severe; "osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported," generally in cancer patients or those with risk factors; and "atypical fractures, including femoral fractures," have been reported with long-term bisphosphonate use.
Uses
Indicated for "treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women," to "increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis," for "treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis," and for "treatment of Paget's disease of bone." The label notes that for patients at low risk of fracture, clinicians should "consider drug discontinuation after 3 to 5 years of use."
Dosage forms & strengths
All identified pills
10
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
270
WHITE RECTANGLE · Alendronate
31
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
5
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
637
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
4 manufacturers
638
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
4 manufacturers
710
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
77
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
93 5141
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
3 manufacturers
93 5140
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
3 manufacturers
93 5142
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
93 5172
WHITE SQUARE · Alendronate
7 manufacturers
93 5171
WHITE SQUARE · Alendronate
9 manufacturers
A 5
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
AN35
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
4 manufacturers
AN70
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
10 manufacturers
AP205
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
11 manufacturers
AP207
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
10 manufacturers
APO A10
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
APO ALE35
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
APO ALE70
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
C223
WHITE CAPSULE · Alendronate
4 manufacturers
C224
WHITE CAPSULE · Alendronate
7 manufacturers
F 18
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
3 manufacturers
F 19
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
3 manufacturers
F 21
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
7 manufacturers
J 242
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
J 244
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
M A7
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
M A6
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
M
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
M A11
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
M A12
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
MRK 925
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
MRK 936
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
WPI 3171
WHITE CAPSULE · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
WPI 3173
WHITE CAPSULE · Alendronate
2 manufacturers
WPI 3172
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
WPI 3169
WHITE ROUND · Alendronate
WPI 3170
WHITE OVAL · Alendronate
Side effects
Most common adverse reactions (≥3%) are "abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, musculoskeletal pain, nausea." More serious but less common reactions include esophagitis and esophageal ulcers/erosions, osteonecrosis of the jaw, and atypical (including subtrochanteric and diaphyseal) femoral fractures.