Fosastad
Fosastad is a medicine containing alendronic acid and vitamin D3, used to treat bone loss (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
Choose one day each week to take your tablet. Take it in the morning after waking up, before any food, drink (except plain water), or other medicines. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass (at least 200 ml) of plain water. Do not crush, chew, or let the tablet dissolve in your mouth. Stay upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes after taking it, and do not lie down until after your first meal of the day. Do not take it at bedtime or before getting up. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet before eating, drinking (except plain water), or taking other medicines, as it works best on an empty stomach.
Do not take more than one tablet per week.
Possible Side Effects
- •Bone, muscle, and/or joint pain (which can sometimes be severe)
- •Heartburn, difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, chest pain from irritation or ulcers in the food pipe
- •Abdominal pain, stomach upset, belching after eating, constipation, feeling bloated, diarrhea, gas
- •Headache, dizziness
- •Hair loss, itching
- •Swelling in hands or feet, fatigue
- •Joint swelling
- •Nausea, vomiting
- •Irritation or inflammation of the food pipe or stomach
- •Black or tarry stools
- •Blurred vision, eye pain, and redness
- •Rash, skin redness
- •Temporary flu-like symptoms (muscle pain, general discomfort, sometimes fever) often at the start of treatment
- •Taste disturbance
- •Severe allergic reactions like hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat causing breathing/swallowing difficulties, and serious skin reactions
- •Mouth and/or jaw pain, swelling, sores in the mouth, numbness, heavy feeling in the jaw, or tooth loss; these can be signs of jaw bone damage, especially after tooth extraction
- •Unusual thigh bone fractures, particularly in patients on long-term osteoporosis treatment
- •Symptoms of low blood calcium, such as muscle cramps, spasms, and/or tingling in fingers or around the mouth
- •Stomach or duodenal ulcers (sometimes serious or bleeding), narrowing of the food pipe
- •Rash that worsens with sunlight, mouth sores
- •Ear pain, ear infection, or ear discharge, which can be signs of ear bone damage
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 food pipe (esophagus), such as narrowing or trouble swallowing.
- Do not take if you cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
- Do not take if your doctor has told you that you have low calcium levels in your blood.
- Do not take if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Show 3 more warnings
- This medicine is not for children or teenagers under 18 years old.
- Talk to your doctor if you have kidney problems.
- Tell your doctor or dentist if you have any mouth or jaw pain, swelling, numbness, or loose teeth, especially if you have had a tooth pulled.
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)