Alendronic Acid 70mg

Alendronic Acid 70mg — Uses and Benefits

Alendronic Acid 70mg is mainly prescribed for osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak, thin and more likely to fracture.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
• Prevention of osteoporosis in women at risk after menopause
• Treatment of osteoporosis in men when prescribed by a doctor
• Management of bone loss caused by long-term steroid (corticosteroid) use

HOW IT WORKS

• Belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates
• Slows down the activity of cells (osteoclasts) that break down bone
• Helps maintain or increase bone density over time
• Reduces the risk of fractures of the spine, hip and other bones

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not a painkiller and does not give immediate relief from bone pain
• Not used for sudden fractures needing surgical treatment
• Not a calcium or vitamin D supplement, though these are often needed alongside it
• Not recommended for children or for conditions unrelated to bone density loss

How to Use Alendronic Acid 70mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a week on the same day each week
• Swallow the tablet whole first thing in the morning with a full glass of plain water
• Do not take with mineral water, juice, tea, coffee or milk
• Stay upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking it, and do not lie down
• Do not eat, drink anything other than plain water, or take other medicines for at least 30 minutes after the dose
• Take the rest of your usual calcium and vitamin D supplements at a different time of day if advised

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose the next morning after you remember, following the same instructions
• Do not take two doses on the same day
• Then go back to taking it on your originally chosen day each week

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep the strip in its original packaging
• Keep out of reach and sight of children

Alendronic Acid 70mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Stomach upset or acidity
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating or gas
• Mild joint or muscle pain

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Skin rash

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Difficulty or pain while swallowing
• Severe heartburn or new/worsening chest pain
• Black or tarry stools, or vomiting blood
• Jaw pain, swelling or numbness (rare jaw bone problem)
• New pain in hip, groin or thigh (possible unusual thigh bone fracture)
• Severe muscle, bone or joint pain
• Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, throat or difficulty breathing

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Alendronic Acid 70mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be used only under medical supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to alendronic acid or any bisphosphonate
• Have certain oesophagus problems that delay emptying, such as stricture or achalasia
• Are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
• Have low blood calcium levels that have not been corrected

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney disease
• Have any dental problems or are planning dental surgery or tooth extraction
• Have difficulty swallowing or a history of stomach or oesophagus problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are already taking calcium, vitamin D, or other bone-related medicines

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Calcium supplements, antacids and iron supplements (can reduce absorption if taken too close together)
• Aspirin and other NSAID pain relievers (may increase stomach irritation)
• Other bisphosphonates or bone-related injections
• Any other prescription or over-the-counter medicine, so inform your doctor of your complete list

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to work?

Bone density improvements are usually seen after several months of regular use, so it should be taken for as long as your doctor recommends.

Can I take it with my morning tea?

No, it must be taken only with plain water; tea, coffee, milk or juice can reduce how well it works.

Why do I need to stay upright after taking it?

• Staying upright and not lying down helps prevent the tablet from irritating the food pipe (oesophagus).
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.