Alendronat Ratiopharm
Alendronat ratiopharm is a medicine that helps strengthen bones, prevents bone loss, and reduces the risk of fractures, especially in women after menopause.
How to Use
Dosage
One tablet once a week.
Method
Take the tablet whole with at least 2 dl (a full glass) of plain water immediately after waking up and before any food, drink, or other medication. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Stay upright (sit, stand, or walk) for at least 30 minutes after taking it and before your first meal of the day. Do not take this medicine at bedtime or before getting up. Wait at least 30 minutes after swallowing before eating, drinking, or taking other medicines.
Do not take more than one tablet on the same day. If you miss a dose, take it the next morning and return to your regular weekly schedule, but do not take two tablets on the same day.
Possible Side Effects
- •Bone, muscle, or joint pain
- •Swelling in joints
- •Stomach pain or discomfort
- •Bloating or gas
- •Constipation
- •Diarrhea
- •Burping after meals
- •Hair loss
- •Itching
- •Headache
- •Dizziness
- •Fatigue
- •Swelling of hands or feet
- •Nausea or vomiting
- •Irritation or inflammation of the esophagus or stomach
- •Black or tar-like stools
- •Blurred vision, eye pain, or redness
- •Rash or skin redness
- •Temporary flu-like symptoms (e.g., muscle aches, general discomfort, fever) especially at the start of treatment
- •Taste disturbance
- •Severe allergic reactions (e.g., hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat making it hard to breathe or swallow, severe skin reactions)
- •Jaw pain, swelling, mouth sores, numbness, or loose teeth (signs of jaw bone damage)
- •Unusual thigh bone fractures, especially with long-term use (causing pain, weakness, or discomfort in the thigh, hip, or groin)
- •Severe bone, muscle, or joint pain
- •Symptoms of low blood calcium (e.g., muscle cramps, spasms, or tingling in fingers or around the mouth)
- •Stomach ulcers or upper digestive tract ulcers (can be serious or bleeding)
- •Narrowing of the esophagus
- •Rash that worsens with sun exposure
- •Mouth sores
- •Ear pain, ear infection, or ear discharge (signs of ear bone damage)
Important Warnings
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to alendronic acid or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not take this medicine if you have problems with your esophagus (the tube from your mouth to your stomach), such as narrowing or difficulty swallowing.
- Do not take this medicine if you cannot sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes.
- Stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or difficulty or pain when swallowing.
- Contact your doctor or dentist immediately if you experience jaw pain, swelling or sores in your mouth, numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, or loose teeth. These could be signs of jaw bone damage.
Show 4 more warnings
- Contact your doctor if you experience unusual pain in your thigh, hip, or groin, as this could be an early sign of a possible thigh bone fracture.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or stomach/intestinal issues like ulcers or inflammation.
- Tell your doctor or dentist if you have poor dental hygiene, gum disease, or if you are planning a tooth extraction.
- Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially calcium supplements, antacids, or some pain relievers (NSAIDs), as they can affect how Alendronat ratiopharm works.
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Do not use in severe renal impairment. The medicine must be taken with sufficient liquid and the patient should then remain in an upright position for 30 minutes. Iron, magnesium, aluminium and calcium decrease absorption. Assessment by a dentist recommended before treatment. (updated 20.5.2024)