FOSAMAX and FOSAMAX PLUS D are FDA approved to reduce the risk of hip and spine fracture in postmenopausal women
Print a list of questions to ask your doctor.
Bone art: © 1999 David W. Dempster, PhD.
Why Have I Been Prescribed FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D?
Your doctor has prescribed FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D because you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis (thinning bones). And, although diet, exercise, and vitamins are important in maintaining your overall bone health, these alone may not be enough.
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because there are no symptoms, so you can’t feel your bones become weak. Sometimes, women will not know they have osteoporosis until a bone breaks. It’s important to know that your bones begin to weaken as you age, especially after menopause.
FOSAMAX and FOSAMAX PLUS D Reverse Bone Loss
FOSAMAX is a bisphosphonate that works by:
- Reducing the activity of the cells that cause bone loss
- Decreasing the faster rate of bone loss that occurs after menopause or with use of corticosteroid medications
- Increasing the amount of bone in most patients
These effects are seen as soon as 3 months after therapy with FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D has begun.
Importance of Continuing Your Treatment
Please remember, for your osteoporosis treatment to be effective, you must stick to the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about FOSAMAX and FOSAMAX PLUS D
Learn why it’s important to continue taking FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D.
Selected Cautionary Information About FOSAMAX and FOSAMAX PLUS D
You should not use FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D if you have certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth with the stomach), are not able to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes, have severe kidney disease, low blood calcium, or are allergic to FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D. Before use, talk to your doctor if you have or have had stomach or digestive problems or problems with swallowing. You should tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. In addition, for FOSAMAX PLUS D, you should talk to your doctor if you have conditions that may cause an overproduction of vitamin D (eg, sarcoidosis, leukemia, lymphoma).
Stop taking FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D and call your doctor right away if you develop new or worsening heartburn, difficult or painful swallowing, or chest pain because these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems, which can include irritation, inflammation, or ulceration of the esophagus. (See the Patient Product Information for more details.) If you develop severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain at any time, contact your doctor. Digestive side effects in studies were generally mild and included stomach pain, indigestion/heartburn, or nausea.