Laxatives And Fosamax: Safe Together?

can I take laxatives with fosamax

Fosamax (alendronate) is a prescription drug used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in adults. It is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone and adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers. It is important to note that Fosamax can interact with certain medications, supplements, and foods. For instance, it is recommended that you do not take any other oral medication, including laxatives, for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose of Fosamax. This is because taking anything other than plain water during this time can interfere with the absorption of Fosamax, making it less effective.

Characteristics Values
Generic Name Alendronate
Brand Names Binosto, Fosamax
Drug Class Bisphosphonates
Drug Form Oral tablet
Treatment Osteoporosis
Treatment Frequency Once daily or once weekly
Treatment Duration 3 to 5 years
Side Effects Constipation, Diarrhea, Stomach Pain, Nausea, Heartburn, Bone/Muscle/Joint Pain, Hair Loss, Itch, Dizziness, Headache, Vertigo, Swelling of Ankles/Feet, Uveitis, Allergic Reaction
Contraindications Problems with Esophagus, Low Calcium Levels, Inability to Stand or Sit Upright for 30 Minutes, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding
Drug Interactions Antacids, Calcium or Magnesium Supplements, NSAIDs, Oral Steroids, Angiogenesis Inhibitors, Chemotherapy Agents, Diuretics, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Sirolimus, Tacrolimus

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Fosamax and laxatives: Can you take them together?

Fosamax (alendronate) is a prescription drug used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. It works by slowing down bone loss and allowing bone-building cells to work more effectively, thereby improving bone mass.

Laxatives are over-the-counter medications used to treat constipation, which is a common side effect of Fosamax. While there are no known interactions between Fosamax and laxatives, it is important to consider the timing of taking these medications together.

Fosamax and its side effects

Fosamax can cause several side effects, including mild allergic reactions, low blood calcium levels, severe bone/joint/muscle pain, and indigestion. It can also irritate the oesophagus and stomach, and in rare cases, may cause bone loss in the jaw (osteonecrosis) or fractures in the large leg bones. Due to these potential side effects, it is important to take Fosamax exactly as directed by your doctor.

Taking laxatives with Fosamax

Laxatives are often used to treat constipation, which is a common side effect of Fosamax. While laxatives can be purchased without a prescription, it is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking them with Fosamax. This is because laxatives can affect the absorption of other medications, and the timing of taking them together needs to be carefully considered.

Timing is key

Fosamax should be taken with a full glass of water first thing in the morning, remaining upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it. No food, drink, or other medications should be consumed during this time, as they can interfere with the absorption of Fosamax. This includes laxatives, which should not be taken within 30 minutes of taking Fosamax.

Consult your healthcare provider

If you are experiencing constipation due to Fosamax, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking laxatives. They may recommend a treatment option that will not interfere with the absorption of Fosamax, or advise you to take the laxative at a different time of day, such as lunchtime.

In summary, while there are no known interactions between Fosamax and laxatives, the timing of taking these medications together is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of Fosamax and avoid potential side effects. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medications, including laxatives, while on Fosamax.

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Fosamax: What are the side effects?

Fosamax (alendronate) is a prescription drug used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in adults. It is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone and adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers. It is typically taken orally, once daily or weekly, and is available as a 70mg tablet or oral solution.

As with any medication, Fosamax can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the more common side effects include:

  • Bone, muscle or joint pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Allergic reactions

It is important to note that these side effects are usually mild and temporary, lasting only a few days to weeks. However, if they persist or become bothersome, it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, including:

  • Low blood calcium levels
  • Femur fractures
  • Jaw problems (osteonecrosis of the jaw)
  • Esophagus or stomach irritation
  • Severe joint or muscle pain
  • Severe allergic reaction

Additionally, long-term use of Fosamax has been associated with concerns such as atypical femur fractures, osteonecrosis of the jaw, and esophageal cancer. It is important for patients to be aware of these potential risks and to periodically re-evaluate the need for therapy with their doctor.

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Fosamax: How does it work?

Fosamax (alendronate) is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in men and women. It is also used to treat Paget's disease of the bone and adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers.

Fosamax is part of a group of medicines known as bisphosphonates, which work by slowing bone loss and allowing osteoblasts (bone-building cells) to work more effectively, improving bone mass. Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclasts, which are responsible for breaking down and reabsorbing bone.

Fosamax is available as a 70mg tablet and is usually taken once a day or once a week. It should be taken with a full glass of plain water first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medication. It is important to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax to ensure the tablet travels into the stomach.

Fosamax may cause side effects such as abdominal pain, bone, muscle, or joint pain, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, dizziness, and swelling of the ankles or feet. In rare cases, it may cause more severe side effects, including osteonecrosis of the jaw, femur fractures, and low blood calcium levels.

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Fosamax: Who should not take it?

Fosamax is a prescription medication used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. It is also used to treat osteoporosis caused by taking steroids and Paget's disease of the bone. The drug belongs to a group of medicines known as bisphosphonates, which work by slowing down bone loss and allowing bone-building cells to work more effectively.

However, there are certain contraindications and precautions to be aware of before taking Fosamax. Firstly, it is not recommended for those with problems in their esophagus, such as narrowing of the esophagus or nerve problems, as this can cause irritation and ulcers in the esophagus. Similarly, people who are unable to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication should not take Fosamax, as it needs time to travel into the stomach.

Fosamax can also lower blood calcium levels, so it is not suitable for individuals with pre-existing low calcium levels. Those with kidney problems, pre-existing stomach or digestive issues, dental problems, or conditions that affect nutrient absorption should also be cautious and consult their doctor before taking Fosamax.

Additionally, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Fosamax, as it is not known to be safe during pregnancy or while nursing. Furthermore, individuals who have had an allergic reaction to Fosamax or any of its ingredients should avoid the medication to prevent another allergic reaction.

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Fosamax: How do you take it?

Fosamax is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. It is also used to treat osteoporosis caused by taking steroids, and Paget's disease of the bone. It is available as a 70mg tablet, and is taken either once daily or once per week.

It is important to take Fosamax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take it first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water, or taking any other medication. Take it with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water. Do not crush, chew, or suck on the tablet. Swallow it whole. Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax.

If you forget to take Fosamax first thing in the morning, skip the missed dose and wait until the following morning. Do not take two doses in one day. If you are taking Fosamax once per week and miss your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember, then return to your regular weekly schedule.

Food can significantly decrease the absorption of Fosamax, so it is important to follow the instructions for taking it on an empty stomach.

You should not take Fosamax if you have problems with your oesophagus, low levels of calcium in your blood, or if you are unable to sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.

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Frequently asked questions

It is not recommended to take laxatives with Fosamax as they can interfere with the absorption of the medication. It is advised to take Fosamax with a full glass of plain water and to avoid consuming anything else, including other medications, for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax.

Common side effects of Fosamax include bone, muscle or joint pain, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. More rarely, it can cause serious side effects such as severe musculoskeletal pain, osteonecrosis of the jaw, and femur fractures.

Apart from laxatives, it is recommended to avoid consuming food, drinks (other than plain water), and other medications for at least 30 minutes before and after taking Fosamax. Alcohol, calcium supplements, antacids, and certain medications like NSAIDs can also interact with Fosamax and may need to be avoided or taken at a different time of the day.

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