Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
Take this medicine first thing in the morning before you eat or have anything to drink. Swallow the tablet with a large glass of plain water only (not mineral water, coffee, juice, or any other kind of liquid).
Then wait at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicines. If possible, wait longer than 30 minutes before eating, so the medicine can be absorbed better.
Don’t lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate, so that the medicine has a chance to go to your stomach and is less likely to hurt your esophagus (swallowing tube).
Store your medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the container closed tightly.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Wait at least 30 minutes after you take alendronate before you take any other medicines.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking aspirin or any product that has aspirin in it. Taking aspirin with alendronate may cause stomach upset or stomach problems.
Do not drink large amounts of alcohol. If you smoke, stop smoking. Both alcohol and cigarettes can make your bone problems worse.
Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have kidney disease, trouble swallowing, ulcers, heartburn, or any kind of stomach problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before you take this medicine.
You may need to take calcium and vitamin D tablets with this medicine to help make your bones stronger. Regular exercise can also help. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions.
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
If you have problems with these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor.
