Fosamax Plus D (Alendronate/Vitamin D3)

Do's

• Take Fosamax Plus D once a week on a chosen day that fits your schedule.
• Take it in the morning after getting up and before your first meal, drink, or other medication.
• Take it with a full glass of plain water (6-8 ounces).
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or suck on it.
• Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it. Don't lie down until after your first food.
• Wait at least 30 minutes (ideally 1-2 hours) before eating or drinking anything but water.

Don'ts

• Don't take Fosamax Plus D at bedtime or before getting out of bed.
• Don't take it with certain medications that can decrease its absorption (consult your healthcare provider for the list).
• Don't take it with certain foods or supplements that can interfere with absorption (consult your healthcare provider for the list). Wait at least 30 minutes (ideally 1-2 hours) after taking it to consume these.
• Don't take Fosamax Plus D irregularly. Take it on the same chosen day each week.

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach pain
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Heartburn
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Bloating
• Gas
• Headache
• Light-headedness

Serious Side Effects:

• Serious irritation and ulcers of the esophagus, indicated by symptoms such as new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, pain or difficulty when swallowing
• Jaw/ear pain
• Swelling of joints/hands/ankles/feet
• Increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain
• New or unusual hip/thigh/groin pain
• Black/tarry stools
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Allergic reactions, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, and trouble breathing
• Overdose symptoms, such as muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in the face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or behavior

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Fosamax plus d,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have to alendronate, vitamin D products, or any other ingredients in the medication.

Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially concerning:

• Esophageal problems (stricture, achalasia)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
• Low calcium levels
• Kidney problems
• Stomach/intestinal disorders (ulcers)

Some people taking Fosamax Plus D may experience serious jawbone problems. Your healthcare provider will need to examine your mouth before starting this medication.

Inform your healthcare provider that you are taking Fosamax Plus D before any dental procedures. Regular healthcare provider checkups and proper oral hygiene are crucial to minimize the risk of jawbone problems. Report any jaw pain to your healthcare provider immediately.

Before any surgery (especially dental), tell your healthcare provider and dentist about Fosamax Plus D and all other medications you take. They may advise you to stop taking it before surgery and provide instructions on stopping or restarting the medication.

Fosamax Plus D is not recommended for children due to potential severe side effects.

Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Alendronate stays in the body for a long time, and pregnancy is not recommended while using this medication.

Vitamin D3 passes into breast milk, but it's unknown if alendronate does. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.