What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking alendronate:
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to alendronate or any other medications.
Moreover, inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antiacids, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®), calcium, iron, or potassium supplements, doxycycline (Doryx®, Vibramycin®), quinidine (Quinaglute®), and tetracycline (Sumycin®). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
If, however, you are taking any other medications, vitamins, or antiacids orally, take them at least 30 minutes after alendronate.
Additionally, tell your doctor if you are unable to sit or stand upright for 30 minutes or to feed yourself. Your doctor should also be aware if you have or have ever had any problems with your esophagus, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, ulcers, other stomach problems, low levels of calcium in your blood, frequent muscle cramps or spasms, osteomalacia (softening of bones due to lack of vitamin D), or kidney disease.
It is important that you let your doctor know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant in the near future, or are breast-feeding. This is due to the fact that alendronate may remain in your body for many years after you stop taking it.
Talk to your doctor about other things you can do to prevent osteoporosis from developing or worsening. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol and to follow a regular program of weight-bearing exercise.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Dosage and using this medicine
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?