Generic Fosamax

Common use

Non-hormonal specific inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption (it is a synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate) which suppresses osteoclasts. Fosamax stimulates formation of the bones, restores a positive balance between resorption and formation of the bones, progressively increases mineral density of the bones (regulation of phosphorus and calcium metabolism), promotes formation of bone tissue with normal histology. Fosamax is used to treat Pagets disease, osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (prevention of bone fractures, expecially hips and spine), osteoporosis in men, hypercalcemia in patients with malignant tumors.



Dosage and direction

For treatment of osteoporosis a recommended dose is 5-10 mg a day or 35-70 mg a week. Pagets disease requires 40 mg once daily during six months. Take Fosamax with a full glass of water. Do not take this medication unless you cannot sit or stand upright during 30 minutes as this drug can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. Take other medications, food, minerals or vitamins at least 30 minutes before to take Fosamax.



Precautions

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or breastfeeding before to take this drug. Discuss with your physician if you suffer from any kidney disease, an ulcer in your stomach or esophagus, low blood calcium or vitamin D deficiency.



Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, infancy. In patients with diseases of gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase (dysphagia, esophagitis, gastritis, duodenitis, ulcers in stomach and duodenum), esophageal stricture, achalasia of the esophagus, chronic renal failure, hypocalcemia, deficiency of vitamin D, treatment with Fosamax should be performed with certain cautiousness.



Possible side effect

Besides allergic reaction like hives, swelling of face and tongue, difficulty breathing, rash Fosamax may cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, black stool, change in taste perception, muscle or joint pain, osteonecrosis of the jaw. Seek for immediate medical attention if you think that you took too much of this drug.



Drug interaction

Intravenous ranitidine (Zantac) increases blood levels of alendronate. Antacids, Ca2+-supplements, or medicines that contain calcium, aluminum, magnesium reduce absorption of Fosamax. Aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) co-administered with Foxamax may increase risk of stomach and intestinal side effects.



Missed dose

If you take this medication every day and missed your morning dose of Fosamax do not take it later in the day but take it next morning. If you take Fosamax once a week take it in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Do not try to make up a missed dose by taking an extra one.



Overdose

If you suspect that you took too much of the medication seek for immediate medical attention and drink glass of milk. Your symptoms may appear as nausea, heartburn, pain in upper stomach, diarrhea, tight and stiff muscles in your face, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, convulsions, irritability.



Storage

Store Fosamax in a dry tight container away from sunlight at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F) away from children and pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)