Alendronate Sodium

Generic Name: alendronate sodium

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Alendronate Sodium

11 DESCRIPTION Alendronate sodium is a bisphosphonate that acts as a specific inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate that bind to the hydroxyapatite found in bone. Alendronate sodium is chemically described as (4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene) bisphosphonic acid monosodium salt trihydrate. The empirical formula of alendronate sodium is C 4 H 12 NNaO 7 P 2 •3H 2 O and its formula weight is 325.12.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Alendronate sodium is a bisphosphonate that acts as a specific inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate that bind to the hydroxyapatite found in bone. Alendronate sodium is chemically described as (4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene) bisphosphonic acid monosodium salt trihydrate. The empirical formula of alendronate sodium is C 4 H 12 NNaO 7 P 2 •3H 2 O and its formula weight is 325.12.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Alendronate sodium is a bisphosphonate indicated for: Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women ( 1.1 , 1.2 ) Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis ( 1.3 ) Treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis ( 1.4 ) Treatment of Paget's disease of bone ( 1.5 ) Limitations of use : Optimal duration of use has not been determined. For patients at low- risk for fracture, consider drug discontinuation after 3 to 5 years of use. ( 1.6 ) 1.1 Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women Alendronate sodium tablets, USP are indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men: 10 mg daily or 70 mg (tablet) once weekly. ( 2.1 , 2.3 ) Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: 5 mg daily or 35 mg once weekly. ( 2.2 ) Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: 5 mg daily; or 10 mg daily in postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen. ( 2.4 ) Paget's disease: 40 mg daily for six months. ( 2.5 ) Instruct patients to: ( 2.6 ) o Swallow tablets whole with 6-8 ounces plain water at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or medication of the day. o Not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate sodium tablets and until after food.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse drug reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) Mineral Metabolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Musculoskeletal Pain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Osteonecrosis of the Jaw [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Atypical Fractures Including Femoral Fractures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 3%) are abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, musculoskeletal pain, nausea.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Calcium supplements, antacids, or oral medications containing multivalent cations interfere with absorption of alendronate. ( 2.6 , 7.1 ) Use caution when co-prescribing aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that may worsen gastrointestinal irritation. ( 7.2 , 7.3 ) 7.1 Calcium Supplements/Antacids Co-administration of alendronate sodium and calcium, antacids, or oral medications containing multivalent cations will interfere with absorption of alendronate sodium. Therefore, instruct patients to wait at least one-half hour after taking alendronate sodium before taking any other oral medications.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions can occur. Instruct patients to follow dosing instructions. Discontinue if new or worsening symptoms occur. ( 5.1 ) Hypocalcemia can worsen and must be corrected prior to use. ( 5.2 ) Severe Bone, Joint, Muscle Pain may occur. Discontinue use if severe symptoms develop. ( 5.3 ) Osteonecrosis of the Jaw has been reported. ( 5.4 ) Atypical Fractures Including Femoral Fractures have been reported. Patients with new thigh or groin pain should be evaluated to rule out a femoral fracture. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Alendronate sodium tablets are contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 ); Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypocalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data on the use of alendronate sodium in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Discontinue alendronate sodium when pregnancy is recognized.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied 5 mg Tablets Alendronate Sodium Tablets USP, 5 mg are white, circular, biconvex tablets debossed with 'C234' on one side and plain on the other side. NDC 69097-234-02 Bottles of 30 10 mg Tablets Alendronate Sodium Tablets USP, 10 mg are white, oval shaped, biconvex tablets debossed with 'C235' on one side and plain on the other side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alendronate Sodium used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Alendronate sodium is a bisphosphonate indicated for: Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women ( 1.1 , 1.2 ) Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis ( 1.3 ) Treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis ( 1.4 ) Treatment of Paget's disease of bone ( 1.5 ) Limitations of use : Optimal duration of use has not been determined. For patients at low- risk for fracture, consider drug discontinuation after 3 to 5 years of use. ( 1.6 ) 1.1 Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women Alendronate sodium tablets, USP are indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

What are the side effects of Alendronate Sodium?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse drug reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) Mineral Metabolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Musculoskeletal Pain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Osteonecrosis of the Jaw [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Atypical Fractures Including Femoral Fractures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Most common adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 3%) are abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, musculoskeletal pain, nausea.

Can I take Alendronate Sodium during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data on the use of alendronate sodium in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Discontinue alendronate sodium when pregnancy is recognized.

What are the important warnings for Alendronate Sodium?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Upper Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions can occur. Instruct patients to follow dosing instructions. Discontinue if new or worsening symptoms occur. ( 5.1 ) Hypocalcemia can worsen and must be corrected prior to use. ( 5.2 ) Severe Bone, Joint, Muscle Pain may occur. Discontinue use if severe symptoms develop. ( 5.3 ) Osteonecrosis of the Jaw has been reported. ( 5.4 ) Atypical Fractures Including Femoral Fractures have been reported. Patients with new thigh or groin pain should be evaluated to rule out a femoral fracture. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Alendronate sodium tablets are contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 ); Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypocalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.