Alendronic Acid (Alendronate)

Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) is used to treat or prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) caused by menopause or use of steroids. Using this medicine can reduce your risk of breaking bones. Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) is best taken without food. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. Do not stop taking it until you have finished, even when you feel better. It may take several days to get the full benefit of this drug. Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) is only part of a programme of treatment that may also include changes to your diet and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. The most common side effects include headache, musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, indigestion, heartburn and diarrhea. These are usually mild and will disappear after a short time. If they do not go away, tell your doctor. Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) can cause serious kidney problems, especially if you are dehydrated, if you take diuretic medicine (water pills), or if you already have kidney disease. It can also cause low levels of calcium in the blood and pain in the mouth or jaw. These are serious side effects and need urgent medical attention. Tell your doctor straight away. You should not be given this medicine if you are breastfeeding. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or low calcium levels. Also let your doctor know what other drugs you are taking. Some of them may affect or be affected by, this medicine, especially medicines used to treat severe infections and osteoporosis. You may need frequent medical tests to check your kidney function and mineral levels. Avoid smoking or try to quit as smoking can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can also cause bone loss and should be avoided. Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) is a bisphosphonate. It works by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause destruction of bone. This strengthens the bones and minimizes the risk of fractures.

Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (reduces risk of spine and hip fractures) Treatment of osteoporosis in men Treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis Paget's disease of bone – 40 mg daily for 6 months Osteogenesis imperfecta (over 22 years)

বিসফসফোনেট (Bisphosphonate) – হাড়ের পুনর্শোষণ প্রতিরোধকারী ওষুধ

Alendronic Acid inhibits bone resorption by suppressing osteoclast activity . It binds to bone mineral matrix and inhibits osteoclast enzymatic activity, preventing bone breakdown. At therapeutic doses, it does not affect bone mineralization . It normalizes bone turnover and significantly increases bone density in the spine, hip, and other sites .

Administration Take only in morning, not at bedtime or before arising Take tablet with full glass of water (6-8 oz) at least 30 minutes before first food or drink of day, in upright position Administer oral solution with at least 2 ounces of water Swallow with plain water only; mineral water, coffee, juice or other beverages severely reduces bioavailability Swallow tablet whole; do not suck or chew Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking drug; sit or stand upright

Adult Dose: Upper GI disorders (discontinue if symptoms worsen); history of ulcers, active GI bleeding. Correct vitamin D and calcium deficiency before starting therapy. To be taken half an hr before breakfast and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after admin. Not recommended for use in patients with CrCl <35 ml/min. Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk; use with caution. Renal Dose: Alendronic acid reduces bone resorption by inhibiting the action of osteoclasts.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) is to be taken empty stomach.

If you miss a dose of Alendronic Acid (Alendronate), skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common: • Diarrhea • Headache • Heartburn • Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain

[UNSAFE] Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) is not expected to have any effects but in rare cases, it may cause dizziness, severe muscle, joint and bone pain and eye pain or inflammation. This may affect your ability to drive. Your doctor has prescribed Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) to make your bones stronger and lower the risk of fractures. Take it in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything. Maintain an upright posture for 30 minutes after taking the medication so the medicine does not irritate your food pipe. It may cause the amount of calcium in your blood to fall. Take calcium-rich food in your diet and have regular blood tests to monitor the level of calcium in your blood. It is important to look after your mouth and teeth while you are taking this medicine. Have regular dental check-ups and inform your dentist about taking Alendronic Acid (Alendronate).

• Hypersensitivity to alendronic acid or any of its components. • Esophageal abnormalities that delay esophageal emptying. • Inability to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. • Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels). • Pregnancy and breastfeeding. • Severe renal impairment (CrCl <35 mL/min).

Hypocalcaemia; oesophageal abnormalities and factors which delay oesophageal emptying; severe renal impairment; hypersensitivity; inability to stand or sit upright for ?30 min. Pregnancy, lactation.

Consuming alcohol with Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) does not cause any harmful side effects.

Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. If you are taking Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) during breastfeeding, monitor baby's blood calcium levels during the first two months.

Alendronic Acid is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age .

No dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients .

Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Dose adjustment is not recommended in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease. [SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

In case of overdose, drink a full glass of milk. Do not make yourself vomit. Stay upright for 30 minutes and seek medical advice .

Store below 30°C, in a dry place, and out of reach of children .