Alendon - Tablet Alendronic Acid (Alendronate) - 70mg 1 Tablet(s) / Tablet Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Introduction: Alendon is used to treat or prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) caused by menopause or use of steroids. Using this medicine can reduce your risk of breaking bones. Alendon is best taken without food. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. Do not stop taking it until you have finished, even when you feel better. It may take several days to get the full benefit of this drug. Alendon is only part of... Uses of Alendon: Osteoporosis Side effects of Alendon: DiarrheaHeadacheHeartburnMusculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain How to use Alendon: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alendon is to be taken empty stomach. How Alendon works: Alendon is a bisphosphonate. It works by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause destruction of bone. This strengthens the bones and minimizes the risk of fractures. What if you forget to take Alendon?: If you miss a dose of Alendon, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose. Indication: Adult: PO Osteoporosis 10 mg/day or 70 mg once wkly. Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis 5 mg/day or 35 mg once wkly. Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis 5 mg/day; up to 10 mg/day in women not on HRT treatment. Paget's disease of bone 40 mg/day for 6 mth. May repeat after an interval of 6 mth if needed. Administration: Concomitant iron, calcium supplements and antacids hinder alendronate absorption. Concomitant aspirin or NSAIDs may increase the incidence of adverse GI effects. Adult Dose: Upper GI disorders (discontinue if symptoms worsen); history of ulcers, active GI bleeding. Correct vitamin D and calcium deficiency before starting therapy. To be taken half an hr before breakfast and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after admin. Not recommended for use in patients with CrCl <35 ml/min. Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk; use with caution. Renal Dose: Alendronic acid reduces bone resorption by inhibiting the action of osteoclasts. Mode of Action: Administration Take only in morning, not at bedtime or before arising Take tablet with full glass of water (6-8 oz) at least 30 minutes before first food or drink of day, in upright position Administer oral solution with at least 2 ounces of water Swallow with plain water only; mineral water, coffee, juice or other beverages severely reduces bioavailability Swallow tablet whole; do not suck or chew Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking drug; sit or stand upright Precaution: Osteopetrosis, postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone. Side Effect: Renal impairment: CrCl (ml/min) <35 Not recommended. Pregnancy Category Note: >10% Hypocalcemia, transient and mild (18%) 1-10% Hypophosphatemia, transient and mild (10%),Abdominal pain (7%),Musculoskeletal pain (4.1%),Dyspepsia (3.6%),Nausea (3.6%),Constipation (3.1%),Diarrhea (3.1%),Flatulence (2.6%),Headache (2.6%),Acid regurgitation (2%),Esophagitis (1.5%),Abdominal distention (1%) <1% Alopecia,Diaphyseal femur fracture,Esophageal cancer,Flu like syndrome,Gastritis,Myalgia,Oropharyngeal ulceration,Pruritus,Rash,Taste perversion,Toxic epidermal necrolysis,Uveitis,Vertigo,Weakness Interaction: Hypocalcaemia; oesophageal abnormalities and factors which delay oesophageal emptying; severe renal impairment; hypersensitivity; inability to stand or sit upright for ?30 min. Pregnancy, lactation.