How To Use Alendronate

Read the prescription label carefully and take alendronate exactly as prescribed. Do not take a higher dose or more frequent doses than your doctor tells you.

The 5-mg and 10-mg tablets are taken daily, and the 35-mg and 70-mg tablets and liquid are taken once a week. 

Alendronate tablets should be taken by mouth with at least 6-8 oz (180-240 mL, 3/4 to a full cup) of plain water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. The oral solution should be taken with at least 2 oz (60 mL, 1/4 cup) of plain water. Do not take the tablets or liquid with anything other than plain water, such as tea, coffee, milk, juice, mineral water, sparkling water, etc. Swallow the tablets whole without cutting, chewing, or crushing them.

You should take the medication first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, before eating or drinking anything or taking any of your other medications. Do not eat anything for 30 minutes after taking an alendronate dose, including other medications, antacids, or vitamin supplements. 

Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate. Never take alendronate at bedtime or before you get out of bed in the morning.

It can take three months or longer for your bone mineral density to increase after you start taking alendronate. Continue taking the medication even if you feel well and don’t have any symptoms. Do not stop the medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. Your provider may order a test to measure your bone mineral density from time to time and decide on the optimal duration of alendronate treatment.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of alendronate, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine or a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Never take more than one dose of alendronate in a day.

Storage: Store alendronate at room temperature (storage temperature ranges between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in the original container, tightly closed. Do not freeze the oral solution. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused alendronate should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw alendronate in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to properly discard expired or unneeded alendronate is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on alendronate. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about alendronate, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

Discounted prices for alendronate
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