Millions of elderly patients suffer from osteoporosis, a painful and often debilitating bone disease. Many patients who have osteoporosis require prescription drugs that work to slow the rate of bone breakdown. Fosamax is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates and is commonly prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Bone Metabolism
Bones provide the framework for the skeletal system, which serves to support the weight of the bodies and allow for movement. Some bones have functional purposes, such as containing bone marrow responsible for the production of blood cells. Primarily composed of calcium, bones are hard and rigid. The rate at which bone metabolism occurs is affected by many factors, including age, genetics, medications, hormones, nutritional state and the presence of disease.
Osteoporosis
Throughout our lives, our bones continue to turnover in a cycle of growth and breakdown. Cells called osteoblasts continually synthesize bone while other cells known as osteoclasts are responsible for bone breakdown. Unfortunately, this cycle can become unbalanced in the later stages of life, causing the rate of breakdown to exceed that of new bone synthesis. The increasing loss of bone density is known as osteoporosis. Although there is no cure for the disease, treatments are available to slow the rate of bone degradation. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures. In addition, osteoporosis can cause pain, impair movement and poor posture.
Fosamax
Marketed under the brand name Fosamax by Merck Pharmaceuticals, alendronate sodium belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. These drugs work by binding to surface areas of bone and inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts. The resulting effect is a lowered rate of bone degradation. Fosamax is available by prescription only and comes in both a tablet formulation and oral solution. Fosamax is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for either daily or weekly dosing, depending on the dose and formulation being used.
Instructions
According to the Fosamax product package insert, special patient instructions for use state that Fosamax should be taken with water upon waking at least 30 minutes before the first food, medication or other beverage of the day. In addition, patients are instructed to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after the dose and not to lie down until after their first meal. Fosamax should not be used in patients with untreated hypocalcemia. Patients with concerns regarding Fosamax or osteoporosis should speak to their physician.
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