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Alendronate is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Alendronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures.
Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D, and is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.
Alendronate and cholecalciferol is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis.
Alendronate and cholecalciferol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not take this medicine if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.
Do not take this medicine tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
You should not take this medicine if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.
Do not take this medicine tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
To make sure alendronate and cholecalciferol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• low blood calcium (hypocalcemia);
• a cancer such as sarcoidosis, leukemia, lymphoma;
• a vitamin D deficiency;
• kidney disease; or
• an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus.

In rare cases, this medicine may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work. The longer you use alendronate and cholecalciferol, the more likely you are to develop this condition.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other risk factors include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre existing dental problem.
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether alendronate and cholecalciferol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether alendronate and cholecalciferol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using alendronate and cholecalciferol and call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, new or worsening heartburn;
• difficulty or pain when swallowing;
• pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;
• new or worsening heartburn;
• severe joint, bone, or muscle pain;
• new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip; or
• jaw pain, numbness, or swelling.

Common side effects may include:

• mild heartburn, stomach upset;
• diarrhea, gas, constipation;
• mild joint or back pain; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate and cholecalciferol.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with alendronate and cholecalciferol, especially:

• aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with alendronate and cholecalciferol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Alendronate and cholecalciferol tablets are taken once each week. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule. Every week, take one alendronate and cholecalciferol tablet on your chosen day.
Take the alendronate and cholecalciferol tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine.
Take the tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking this medicine.
Do not crush, chew, or suck the tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
After taking an alendronate and cholecalciferol tablet, carefully follow these instructions:

• Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate and cholecalciferol.
• Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water.
• Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate and cholecalciferol. It may be best to take your other medicines at a different time of the day. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your bone mineral density will need to be tested on a regular basis. You may not need to take alendronate and cholecalciferol for longer than 3 to 5 years if you take it for osteoporosis.
If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using alendronate and cholecalciferol. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Alendronate and cholecalciferol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Drink a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center or emergency room right away. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down.
Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide. Overdose may also cause muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in your face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or behavior.
If you forget to take alendronate and cholecalciferol on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular weekly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.

Fosamax is the brand name of alendronate, a prescription medicine used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause.
Fosamax can help to reduce the chance of having a spinal or hip fracture.
It can also increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis; treat osteoporosis in either men or women who are taking corticosteroid medicines; and treat certain men and women who have Pagets disease (a bone disorder).
In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Fosamax, which is manufactured by Merck & Co and is available in both tablets and as an oral solution.
During the 1990s, Fosamax was widely used to treat osteoporosis and other conditions that weaken bones, and its estimated that millions of men and women across the world have taken Fosamax.
However, in 2013, Merck announced that it would pay $27.7 million to settle lawsuits by hundreds of people who claim that Fosamax caused bones in their jaw to break down (a condition known as osteonecrosis), requiring further medical care.

Fosamax Warnings

Fosamax is not for use in children or people with kidney problems.
Fosamax can cause unusual thigh bone fractures and other bone problems.
Fosamax has also been linked to joint and muscle pain; irregular heartbeat; and inflammation and ulcers of the esophagus.
Before taking Fosamax, tell your doctor if you plan to have dental surgery or teeth removed, and if you experience any of the following:

• Problems with swallowing
• Stomach or digestive problems
• Low blood calcium
• Kidney problems
• Malabsorption syndrome, which causes trouble absorbing minerals in your stomach or intestines

Pregnancy and Fosamax

Fosamax might cause harm to a womans fetus.
But there havent been any studies in pregnant women taking Fosamax. Therefore, Fosamax should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the mother and fetus.
Its also not known if Fosamax passes into a womans milk while breastfeeding.
Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, talk with your doctor before taking Fosamax while breastfeeding.

Fosamax can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following.
Esophagus problems: Fosamax can cause irritation, inflammation, or ulcers of the esophagus which may sometimes bleed.
Taking Fosamax exactly as your doctor prescribes can help lower your chance of having esophagus problems.
If you get chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or have trouble or pain when you swallow, immediately stop taking Fosamax and call your doctor.
Low calcium levels in your blood (hypocalcemia): Since Fosamax can cause low calcium levels, if you have low blood calcium before you start taking Fosamax, it may get worse during treatment and must be treated before you take Fosamax.
Symptoms of low blood calcium include, spasms; twitches or cramps in your muscles; and numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth.
Bone, joint, or muscle pain: Fosamax can cause severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.
Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis): Before taking Fosamax, your doctor, and possibly dentist, will examine your mouth.
Fosamax can cause jawbone tissue to break down, exposing the bone and possibly leading to infections, gum lesions and loosened teeth.
Unusual thigh bone fractures: Fosamax can cause fractures in thigh bones. Symptoms of a fracture may include new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh.
Allergic reactions and asthma: Fosamax can also cause allergic reactions, such as hives or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and may worsen asthma symptoms.

Fosamax and Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Certain medicines may affect how Fosamax works. Especially tell your doctor if you take any of the following:

• Antacids
• Aspirin
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Fosamax comes as a 10 milligram (mg) daily or 70 mg (tablet or oral solution) once weekly.
Whether you take Fosamax once daily or once weekly, the medication only works if taken on an empty stomach, so its best to take it before drinking, eating or taking other medicine for the day.
Fosamax should be taken while sitting or standing with a full glass of plain water only, and should not be taken with mineral water, coffee, tea, soda, or juice.
Fosamax is meant to be swallowed, not chewed or sucked on.
After you swallow a Fosamax tablet, you can sit, stand or walk, and do normal activities. However, its important to wait at least 30 minutes before doing the following:

• Laying down
• Eating or drinking, except for plain water
• Taking other medicines, including antacids, calcium, and other supplements and vitamins

Fosamax Overdose

If you or someone else takes too much Fosamax, call your doctor. Do not try to vomit.

Missed Dose of Fosamax

If you miss a dose of Fosamax, do not take it later in the day.
Instead, wait until the next day to take your dose, and then return to your normal schedule.
Do not "double up" and take more than one dose at a time.