Manufacturer:

          Merck Sharp & Dohme

Contents:

          Alendronate Na 91.37 mg (equiv to free acid 70 mg), colecalciferol 140 mcg (equiv to vit D 5600 IU)

Indications:

          Treatment of osteoporosis in men & postmenopausal women where vit D supplementation is recommended. Reduces the incidence of fractures including those of the hip & spine (vertebral compression fractures) in postmenopausal women.

Contraindications:

          Abnormalities of the esophagus which delay esophageal emptying (eg stricture or achalasia); inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 min; hypocalcemia. Pregnancy & lactation. Childn.

Special Precautions:

          May cause local irritation of upper GI mucosa. Discontinue use if dysphagia, odynophagia, retrosternal pain or new or worsening heartburn develop. Active upper GI problems eg dysphagia, esophageal diseases (including known Barrett's esophagus), gastritis, duodenitis or ulcers. Patients who develop osteonecrosis of the jaw should receive appropriate care & discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment should be considered. Examine contralateral femur in patients who have sustained a femoral shaft stress fracture. Evaluate patients w/ suspected stress fractures including known causes & risk factors. CrCl <35 mL/min. Causes of osteoporosis other than estrogen deficiency, aging & glucocorticoid use should be considered. Correct hypocalcemia before initiating therapy. Other disorders affecting mineral metabolism (eg vit D deficiency) should be effectively treated. Monitor urine & serum Ca in patients w/ diseases associated w/ unregulated overproduction of calcitriol (eg leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoidosis). May impair ability to drive or operate machinery.

Dosage:

          1 tab once wkly.

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Class:

          Agents Affecting Bone Metabolism

Presentation/Packing:

          Fosamax Plus x 1 blister x 4 tabs

Details:

          MyPhuocPharmacy – (08) 62581003