-
ALENDRONATE; CHOLECALCIFEROL (a LEN droe nate; KOL e cal SIF er ol) slows calcium loss from bones. It treats osteoporosis. It may be used in other people at risk for bone loss.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
-
Take this drug by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same day of each week. Take the dose right after waking up. Do not eat or drink anything before taking it. Do not take it with any other drink except water. Do not chew or crush the tablet. After taking it, do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other drugs or vitamins for at least 30 minutes. Sit or stand up for at least 30 minutes after you take it. Do not lie down. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
-
-antacids
-aspirin and aspirin like drugs
-calcium supplements, especially calcium with vitamin D
-cholestyramine or colestipol
-cimetidine, ranitidine, or other medicines used to decrease stomach acid
-corticosteroids
-iron supplements
-magnesium supplements
-mineral oil
-NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
-orlistat
-phenobarbital
-phenytoin
-phosphorous supplements
-primidone
-steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
-thiazide diuretics
-vitamins with minerals, especially with vitamin D
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
-
Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this drug.
Some people who take this drug have severe bone, joint, or muscle pain. This drug may also increase your risk for jaw problems or a broken thigh bone. Tell your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your jaw, bones, joints, or muscles. Tell you health care provider if you have any pain that does not go away or that gets worse.
Tell your dentist and dental surgeon that you are taking this drug. You should not have major dental surgery while on this drug. See your dentist to have a dental exam and fix any dental problems before starting this drug. Take good care of your teeth while on this drug. Make sure you see your dentist for regular follow-up appointments.
You should make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D while you are taking this drug. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care provider.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this drug.
-
If you take your drug once a day, skip it. Take your next dose at the scheduled time the next morning. Do not take two doses on the same day.
If you take your drug once a week, take the missed dose on the morning after you remember. Do not take two doses on the same day.
-
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care provider as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
-bone pain
-heartburn (burning feeling in chest, often after eating or when lying down)
-jaw pain, especially after dental work
-joint pain
-low calcium levels (fast heartbeat; muscle cramps or pain; pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet; seizures)
-muscle pain
-painful or difficulty swallowing
-redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-stomach bleeding (bloody or black, tarry stools; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care provider if they continue or are bothersome):
-constipation
-diarrhea
-nausea
-stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
-
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep this drug in the original packaging until you are ready to take it. Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
En Español
