If your doctor prescribed Fosamax (alendronate) once weekly, here's what actually matters. Take one tablet first thing in the morning with a full glass of plain water. Don't chew it. Stay upright—sitting or standing—for at least 30 minutes after swallowing. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than water, or taking other medicines and supplements. Those rules help the pill reach your stomach and reduce the chance of irritation to your throat and esophagus.
Why weekly dosing? A 70 mg weekly dose gives the same bone benefit as a smaller daily dose, but it's easier to remember. That can improve long-term adherence, and bones need that steady protection to lower fracture risk. Still, missing a dose happens. If you forget your weekly dose and remember the same day, take it then. If you remember the next day, skip the missed dose and take the next one on your normal day. Never take two doses within a week to catch up.
Common side effects are mild stomach pain, heartburn, gas, or constipation. Serious issues are rare but include severe chest pain or trouble swallowing—these need urgent medical attention. Fosamax can also cause low calcium levels, jaw problems after dental surgery, or unusual thigh bone pain in rare cases. If you have new thigh or groin pain, tell your doctor.
Timing matters with other meds and supplements. Don't take calcium, iron, magnesium, or antacids within 30 minutes after Fosamax. These minerals bind to alendronate and block absorption. If you take multiple morning medicines, take Fosamax first with water, wait at least 30 minutes, then take others.
Before starting Fosamax, mention if you have low calcium, trouble swallowing, recent dental surgery, severe kidney disease, or are pregnant or nursing. People with active esophagus problems or who can't sit upright for 30 minutes usually avoid bisphosphonates like Fosamax. Your doctor may order a bone density scan and check blood calcium levels before and during treatment.
Practical tips help keep things simple: pick a weekday morning you’ll remember, like every Monday. Keep the pill next to your toothbrush or water bottle so the routine becomes automatic. If you have dental work planned, tell your dentist you’re on Fosamax—some dentists ask patients to stop it before invasive procedures.
Generic alendronate works the same as brand Fosamax and is usually cheaper. Ask your pharmacist if switching is right for you. If you buy online, use a reputable pharmacy and keep prescriptions and receipts.
Regular follow-up matters. Your doctor will review bone density scans and weigh the benefits versus risks every year or two. If you hit five years on therapy, your doctor may discuss a "drug holiday" based on your fracture risk.
Quick checklist: take Fosamax with a full glass of water, stay upright 30 minutes, wait 30 minutes before supplements or food, don’t double-dose, report chest, throat, jaw or new thigh pain, and schedule regular bone density checks as needed each year.
Struggling with the ins and outs of weekly Fosamax? This article breaks down everything you need about upright posture, fasting before tablets, and the tricky part—how to time calcium or dairy to dodge problems. Get expert-backed tips and find out why even a sip of coffee at the wrong time can mess up your dose. No fancy language—just crystal-clear steps to keep your bones protected.