Fosastad
Fosastad treats weak bones (osteoporosis) and vitamin D deficiency in women after menopause, helping to reduce the risk of spine and hip fractures.
How to Use
Dosage
Take one tablet once a week.
Method
Take one tablet whole with a full glass of plain water (at least 200 ml) right after waking up, at least 30 minutes before any food, drink, or other medicine. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
Maximum of one tablet per week.
Possible Side Effects
- •Bone, muscle, and/or joint pain, which can sometimes be severe.
- •Heartburn, difficulty or pain when swallowing, or sores in the esophagus (food pipe) that may cause chest pain.
- •Swelling in the joints.
- •Stomach pain, feeling uncomfortable or burping after eating, constipation, feeling full or bloated, diarrhea, gas.
- •Hair loss, itching.
- •Headache, dizziness.
- •Tiredness, swelling of hands or feet.
- •Allergic reactions like hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat that may cause trouble breathing or swallowing; severe skin reactions.
- •Pain in the mouth and/or jaw, swelling or sores in the mouth, numbness or heavy feeling in the jaw, or loose teeth. These can be signs of jaw bone damage.
- •Unusual fractures of the thigh bone, especially in people on long-term treatment for weak bones. Contact your doctor if you have new pain, weakness, or discomfort in your thigh, hip, or groin.
- •Severe bone, muscle, and/or joint pain.
- •Nausea, vomiting.
- •Irritation or inflammation of the esophagus or stomach.
- •Black or tarry stools.
- •Blurred vision, eye pain, red eyes.
- •Rash, skin redness.
- •Temporary flu-like symptoms (muscle pain, general unwellness, sometimes fever), usually at the beginning of treatment.
- •Taste changes.
- •Symptoms of low blood calcium, such as muscle cramps or tingling in the fingers or around the mouth.
- •Stomach or small intestine ulcers (sometimes severe or bleeding).
- •Narrowing of the esophagus (food pipe).
- •Rash that gets worse with sunlight.
- •Sores in the mouth.
- •Ear pain, ear discharge, and/or ear infection. These can be signs of bone damage in the ear.
Important Warnings
- Do not take if you are allergic to alendronic acid, vitamin D3, or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not take if you have problems with your esophagus (the tube from your mouth to your stomach), such as narrowing or difficulty swallowing.
- You must be able to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet.
- Do not take if your doctor has told you that you have low calcium levels in your blood.
- Talk to your doctor before taking if you have kidney problems or recent swallowing or digestive issues.
Show 3 more warnings
- Tell your doctor if you have poor dental health, gum disease, or need a tooth extraction, as this can increase the risk of jaw bone damage.
- This medicine is for women after menopause only. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you experience new or worsening heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain after taking the tablet, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately.
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. Recommended duration of use is usually 5 years. Iron, magnesium, aluminium and calcium decrease absorption. Assessment by a dentist recommended before treatment. (updated 20.5.2024)