Fosamax

Fosamax is the brand name of the famous drug that is mainly used to treat osteoporosis that is called as Bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates have 2 phosphonate groups (PO(OH)2). It is used for both women and men for bone mass and to prevent the deterioration of the bone and prevent the breakage of bone.

Mechanism Of Action

As bisphosphonate have 2 phosphonate groups and they are structurally close to the group known as pyrophosphate therefore blocking the activity of enzyme that may use pyrophosphate. Bisphosphonate basically attaches itself to the calcium ions and in human body the best source of calcium is bones therefore it binds to bone tissue and are swallowed by osteoclasts that are the bone cells that break down the bone tissue.

Uses Of Fosamax

• Osteoporosis
• Paget’s disease also known as osteitis deformans
• Bone metastasis
• Hypercalcaemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Other bone breaking diseases

Two main drugs are used known as risedronate and alendronate in treatment of osteoporosis and paget’s disease. The bisphosphonates are the first line drugs used here and in every other bone breaking disease.

Dosage And Administration

It comes in liquid or tablet form which can be taken once or twice a week. This medication should be taken before breakfast on empty stomach in the morning. Do not eat any other medicine for at least half an hour and no lying down for that period of time. The medicine should be taken with a glass of water. The dosage is considered according to patient’s outcome and doctor’s approval. Do not start or stop any medication without the doctor’s approval as it may lead to some side-effects.

Side-Effects Of Fosamax

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Allergic reaction
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Stomach cramps
• Swelling of lips, face, tongue
• Confusion
• Mood changes
• Fever
• Chills
• Tingling in legs, arms and fingers
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Redness in face, neck
• Trouble in breathing
• Trouble in movement
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Trouble speaking
• Hot flashes
• Syncope
• Varicose veins
• Dyspepsia
• Flatulence
• Gastroenteritis
• Myalgia
• Arthritis
• Depression
• Rhinitis
• Sinusitis
• Vaginitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Blistering
• Heavy jaw feeling
• ulcers
• Arthralgia
• Migrane
• Shortness of breath
• Hives

Precaution And Warning

Give your full personal and past history of any surgery you had or any allergic reaction due to any medication. If you have any medical history of intestinal, liver, kidney or stomach disease please tell your doctor about it.

Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding

It is not recommended while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant as it may harm the unborn baby. Also it is not known if it secretes into the breast milk or not therefore use it if absolutely necessary.

Drug Interaction

Some drugs like aspirin and NSAIDS, antacids and iron supplements are drugs that should never be given when Fosamax is prescribed as it may change the course of action of drugs.

Drug Images

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by weakening of bones, making them fragile and more susceptible to fractures or breaks. It occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both, leading to a reduction in bone density and strength.

The condition often progresses silently without symptoms until a fracture occurs, typically in the hip, spine, or wrist. Risk factors for osteoporosis include aging, hormonal changes (particularly in menopause for women), a family history of the condition, a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, certain medications, lifestyle factors like lack of exercise or excessive alcohol and tobacco use, and certain medical conditions.

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are a class of medications commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis and other bone diseases characterized by weakened and fragile bones. These medications work by slowing down the breakdown of bone tissue, which helps to maintain or increase bone density, reducing the risk of fractures.

Bisphosphonates function by inhibiting the activity of cells called osteoclasts, which are responsible for breaking down bone tissue. By suppressing osteoclast function, bisphosphonates help to rebalance the bone remodeling process, allowing for more bone formation than breakdown.