How long should a woman take Fosamax?

How long should a woman take Fosamax?

Answer From Ann Kearns, M.D., Ph. D. Bisphosphonates, the most common type of osteoporosis medications, are typically taken for at least 3 to 5 years. After that, your doctor will consider your risk factors in determining whether you should continue to take these or other osteoporosis medications.

How long should a woman take alendronate?

These “glass half-full, half-empty” results suggest that women at low risk for fracture may feel comfortable taking a break after 5 years of alendronate treatment. Other women, particularly those with prior fractures or very low bone density, may choose to continue.

When should I stop taking alendronate?

In a patient who has taken alendronate for five years and whose bone density is no longer in the osteoporotic range, discontinuing alendronate is a reasonable approach. The patient is likely to have substantial residual anti-resorptive activity during this period.

How long should you take alendronate sodium?

The optimal duration of therapy with alendronate has not been established. Periodically re-evaluate the need for therapy. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered by doctors after 3 to 5 years in patients at low risk of fracture.

Can you drink coffee with alendronate?

Never take alendronate tablets with tea, coffee, juice, milk, mineral water, sparkling water, or any liquid other than plain water.

What happens when you stop taking alendronate?

Alendronate oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: If you don’t take this drug, you may have a higher risk for bone breaks.

Can alendronate cause weight gain?

Weight gain isn’t a side effect that you should have while taking Fosamax. In clinical trials, weight gain didn’t occur in people taking Fosamax. However, peripheral edema (swelling in your arms or legs) has been reported by some people since Fosamax was approved by the FDA and released onto the market.

Does hair grow back after Fosamax?

Once people stop taking the medication, they may start to see hair growing back within 6 months. In most cases, hair will grow back by itself once a person stops taking the medication. People may be able to help hair growth with at-home treatments.

Can I drink coffee with Fosamax?

A study found that taking the osteoporosis drug alendronate (brand name, Fosamax) with black coffee or orange juice reduced its absorption by about 60 percent. The drug needs to be taken with water on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before breakfast for optimum effect.

Does Fosamax cause hair to fall out?

Dr. Roach: I found many case reports of hair loss after the use of alendronate (Fosamax) and similar drugs (a class called bisphosphonates).