Fosamax is made by Merck & Co., Inc. Fosamax belongs to a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. The drug binds to certain cells in bones and slows down the rate at which they break down. It can also be used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with risk factors for the disease. In studies, women taking Fosamax showed increased bone mineral density, while those not taking it actually experienced bone loss.

How to Use Fosamax Tablets

• The medication comes in tablet form. Depending on the dose, it is taken by mouth either daily or weekly. A liquid form of Fosamax is also available to be taken weekly for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
• Take Fosamax with a full glass of plain water only and not with coffee, juice, soda, or even mineral water. With liquid Fosamax, you should follow the dose with at least a quarter of a cup of plain water.
• Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright. You must not lie down until you have waited at least 30 minutes after the dose and after you have eaten something. The tablets should not be chewed, broken, or sucked on.

Cautions before Use Fosamax Tablets

• In rare cases, bisphosphonates (including Fosamax) have caused a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. The bone of the jaw dies in this serious, possibly disfiguring, problem. Often, there are symptoms such as pain, infection, or loosening of the teeth.
• There have been rare reports of unusual broken thighbones in people taking medications like Fosamax.
• Fosamax, like all bisphosphonate medications, can irritate or damage the esophagus and stomach. This can lead to indigestion, heartburn, or even ulcers.

Fosamax Tablets Side Effects

The side effects, which may occur with Fosamax, are as follows:

• Abdominal pain or stomach pain
• Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gas
• Headaches
• Severe bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Jaw or tooth problems

Fosamax Tablets Reactions and Overdose

When aspirin, magnesium products, or a number of other medications are taken with Fosamax, drug interactions can occur. These interactions can increase your risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of Fosamax. Food and beverages other than water can also cause Fosamax drug interactions, preventing the medication from being absorbed into the body and making it less effective.

While the specific effects of a Fosamax overdose will vary, depending on a number of factors, some of the commonly reported symptoms include stomach ulcers, heartburn, and low calcium levels in the blood and the patient must seek medical attention.