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Alendronate Coupon - Alendronate 4 tablets of 70mg dose pack

alendronate

Generic Fosamax, Binosto
Used for Osteoporosis, Paget's Disease

Alendronate sodium (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate that prevents and treats osteoporosis. It works by slowing the breakdown of bones so that the body has a chance to build up more bone; this strengthens bones and lowers the risk of fractures. Alendronate (Fosamax) is taken by mouth, either daily or weekly dosing, depending on your dose. In addition to the tablet, it's also available as an oral solution and a dissolvable tablet (brand name Binosto). Some common side effects of alendronate (Fosamax) can include stomach pain, heartburn, and bone or muscle pain.

Reviewed by:
reviewerAllison Gourley, PharmD
reviewerKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 12, 2023
basics-icon

What is Alendronate (Fosamax)?

What is Alendronate (Fosamax) used for?

How Alendronate (Fosamax) works

Alendronate (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate. It attaches to bones to prevent bone breakdown, lowering the risk of fractures.

When does Alendronate (Fosamax) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug facts

Common BrandsFosamax, Binosto
Drug ClassBisphosphonate
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
side-effects-icon

Side effects of Alendronate (Fosamax)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Stomach pain (up to 7%)
  • Muscle, bone, and joint pain (up to 4%)
  • Heartburn or indigestion (up to 4%)
  • Nausea (up to 4%)
  • Passing gas (up to 4%, more common with daily dose)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Ulcers in the esophagus

Alendronate (Fosamax) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Allergic reactions: trouble breathing, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Low calcium levels
When do Alendronate (Fosamax) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Nausea
Heartburn or indigestion
Risk for stomach pain
Risk for muscle, bone, and joint pain
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following Alendronate (Fosamax) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Stomach pain

Less common

Difficulty with swallowing

heartburn

irritation or pain of the esophagus

muscle pain

Rare

Skin rash

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

bone, joint, or muscle pain, severe and occasionally incapacitating

chest pain

chills

confusion

convulsions

cough

diarrhea

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with moving

heartburn

heavy jaw feeling

hives or welts

irregular heartbeats

itching

joint pain

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loosening of a tooth

muscle aching or cramping

muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face

numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet

pain or burning in the throat

pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw

rapid weight gain

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

redness of the skin

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth

stomach cramps

swollen joints

tingling of the hands or feet

tremor

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Constipation

diarrhea

full or bloated feeling

gas

headache

nausea

Incidence not known

Blurred vision or other change in vision

dizziness or lightheadedness

eye pain

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

general feeling of discomfort or illness

hair loss or thinning of the hair

sensation of spinning

sensitivity of the eye to light

tearing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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pros-and-cons-icon

Pros and cons of Alendronate (Fosamax)

Pros

Cons

  • Can't lie down for 30 minutes after you take it
  • Must take on empty stomach, can't eat for 30 minutes after a dose
  • Can cause serious jaw problems and severe muscle or joint pain
  • Has many stomach-related side effects
pharmacist-tips-icon

Pharmacist tips for Alendronate (Fosamax)

pharmacist
  • Take alendronate (Fosamax) first thing in the morning with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water. If you take the oral solution version of this medication, you only need to drink 2 ounces of water (1/4 cup) after your dose.
  • Avoid eating, drinking, or taking other medications for 30 minutes after taking alendronate (Fosamax). Medications, food, and beverages other than water can prevent your body from absorbing alendronate (Fosamax).
  • If you take Binosto, the effervescent tablet version of alendronate (Fosamax), dissolve the tablet in 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of plain, room temperature water. Wait 5 minutes after the solution stops fizzing, stir the solution for 10 seconds, and then drink. Never try to swallow, chew, or suck on Binosto because doing so can cause damage to your mouth or throat.
  • After taking your dose of alendronate (Fosamax), be sure to stay upright for at least 30 minutes AND until after you eat your first food of the day. This will prevent the medication from harming your esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and your stomach.
  • Your provider might prescribe calcium supplements for you to take along with alendronate (Fosamax). Don't take alendronate (Fosamax) and calcium supplements at the same time because calcium can stop your body from absorbing alendronate (Fosamax). Take calcium at least 30 minutes after your alendronate (Fosamax) dose.
  • Let your provider know if you have any major dental procedures coming up. They might have you temporarily stop taking alendronate (Fosamax) to lower your risk of jaw problems.
  • If you're on a low-salt diet, Binosto might not be the best option for you. Each tablet contains a high amount of salt, which could make certain conditions (e.g., heart failure, high blood pressure) worse.
faq-icon

Common questions about Alendronate (Fosamax)

If you're taking alendronate (Fosamax) for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis, your provider can prescribe it either weekly or daily, depending on the dose. The weekly dose of alendronate (Fosamax) is higher than the daily dose. Studies comparing alendronate (Fosamax) weekly and daily dosing show that there aren't any major differences between how well either dosing worked to treat osteoporosis nor in rates of side effects. But people generally preferred the weekly dosing because it's more convenient. If you've questions about either the weekly or daily dosing, talk with your provider.

Alendronate (Fosamax) stays in your system for a long time. Research of people who took alendronate (Fosamax) 10 mg daily showed that this medication was detected in the body even 10 years after treatment was stopped. It's unclear how long alendronate (Fosamax) will continue to protect against bone fractures after you stop taking it. But a study showed that alendronate (Fosamax) might continue to offer some bone protection for 4 to 5 years after treatment is stopped. Talk with your provider if you've questions about how long alendronate (Fosamax) stays in the body.

If you're halfway through or have already finished breakfast and realize you forgot to take your alendronate (Fosamax), wait until the next morning to take your dose. You can go back to your regular schedule the following week. Never take a double dose to make up for missed doses.

Take alendronate (Fosamax) first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Don't eat (especially dairy), drink, or take other medications for 30 minutes after taking your dose because they can prevent your body from absorbing alendronate (Fosamax) correctly. Make sure to drink a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water and avoid lying down for 30 minutes after your dose; this will help the medication travel to your stomach faster and lower the risk of throat irritation. If you're taking the Binosto (alendronate) effervescent tablet, make sure to dissolve it in 4 ounces of room temperature water until the solution stops bubbling (about 5 minutes) before you drink it. Never swallow Binosto tablets directly because this can damage and irritate your mouth and throat.

Take alendronate (Fosamax) as directed by your provider. How long you will take alendronate (Fosamax) depends on how well this medication is working for you, whether you're experiencing any side effects, and what medical condition you're taking it for. The manufacturer recommends that people who are at lower risk of fractures should stop taking alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis after 3 to 5 years of treatment. People taking for Paget's disease might only need alendronate (Fosamax) treatment for about 6 months. Ask your provider if you're not sure how long you should take alendronate (Fosamax).

Taking alendronate (Fosamax) long-term can raise the risk of a rare, but serious, side effect called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). This is a condition where the jaw bone starts to break down. To prevent ONJ while taking alendronate (Fosamax), it's important to visit a dentist regularly so they can monitor for any signs of this condition. Also, it's important to brush and floss regularly to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Tell your provider if you need any dental procedures done because they might ask you to stop alendronate (Fosamax) for a period of time leading up to the procedure. If you experience symptoms of ONJ, such as pain or swelling in your mouth, let your provider know right away.

Weight gain isn't a common side effect of alendronate (Fosamax). If you notice a change in weight while taking this medication, talk with your provider because it might be because of something else.

Joint, muscle, and bone pain are common side effects of alendronate (Fosamax) that can occur within one day to several months after starting treatment. If your musculoskeletal discomfort is short-term, your provider might recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol) to take as needed for joint, muscle, or bone pain symptoms. If your musculoskeletal pain is severe or long-lasting, this could be a sign of a fracture, so get medical help right away.

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Risks and warnings for Alendronate (Fosamax)

Alendronate (Fosamax) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Irritation and ulcers of the stomach and esophagus

  • Risk factors: Taking other medications that can irritate the stomach | Ulcers or problems with the stomach or esophagus | Trouble swallowing | Problems sitting or standing for at least 30 minutes

Alendronate (Fosamax) can irritate and cause ulcers in the stomach and esophagus. You should take this medication with 6-8 ounces of water followed by standing and sitting upright for 30 minutes after your dose to lower your risk of this side effect. Tell your healthcare provider if staying upright for this long is difficult for you. There might be better alternative medications for you. If you do start taking alendronate (Fosamax), make sure you tell your provider if you notice new pain while swallowing or heartburn, these might be symptoms of stomach ulcers.

Lower calcium levels

  • Risk factors: Current low calcium levels | Low vitamin D levels | Paget's disease | People taking steroid medications like prednisone

If you have low blood calcium levels and low vitamin D levels, they need to be treated before you can start taking alendronate (Fosamax), since this medication can make your calcium levels drop even lower. Make sure you take any calcium and vitamin D supplements recommended by your healthcare provider, and be sure to get any ordered blood tests done on time. Let your provider know if you notice new or different muscle spasms or twitching; these can be symptoms of low calcium levels.

Muscle Pain

  • Risk factors: Postmenopausal women

It's rare, but some people who take alendronate (Fosamax) develop severe bone, muscle, or joint pain. It can happen days to months after starting the medication. Females who've gone through menopause are more likely to experience this side effect. Talk to your healthcare provider if this happens to you. Most times, the pain goes away after you stop taking alendronate (Fosamax).

Jaw bone problems

  • Risk factors: Oral or dental surgery | Cancer | Taking certain medications that weaken your immune system like chemotherapy or steroids | Poor oral hygiene | Current problems with your teeth, jaw, or blood cells | Anemia | Dentures that don't fit correctly | Infection of the mouth, teeth, or jaw | Using alendronate (Fosamax) for a long time

Alendronate (Fosamax) can harm the jaw bone. This is very rare and is more likely to happen if you have major dental surgery, poor oral hygiene, cancer, take alendronate (Fosamax) for a long time, or take certain other medications. Make sure your provider knows about any upcoming dental procedures, and make sure your dentist and any oral surgeons know you are taking alendronate (Fosamax). Talk to your provider if you notice pain, swelling, or an infection in your mouth or jaw.

Leg bone fractures

  • Risk factors: People taking steroid medications

It's rare, but some people taking alendronate (Fosamax) have had unusual fractures in their legs that happen with little or no force. Scientists aren't sure if these are caused by the medication, since people with osteoporosis who don't take alendronate (Fosamax) also get these fractures. Many of those who've experienced these types of fractures were also taking steroid medications when it happened. Let your provider know if you notice a new dull or aching pain in your hips or thighs while taking alendronate (Fosamax).

Not recommended in people with serious kidney problems

Alendronate (Fosamax) can't be taken by people with serious kidney problems. If you've kidney problems, ask your provider if alendronate (Fosamax) is appropriate for you.

dosage-icon

Alendronate (Fosamax) dosage

The average cost for 3 dose packs of 4 tablets of 70mg of Alendronate (Fosamax) is $14.09 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 84.29% off the average retail price of $89.71.
cartonCarton
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
4 bottles of 75ml of 70mg/75ml1 carton$82.34$82.34
dose packDose pack
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
4 tablets of 35mg3 dose packs$14.71$4.90
4 tablets of 70mg3 dose packs$14.09$4.70
tabletTablet
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
10mg90 tablets$22.47$0.25
5mg30 tablets$32.66$1.09
40mg30 tablets$121.50$4.05
70mg12 tablets$8.50$0.71

Typical dosage for Alendronate (Fosamax)

Alendronate (Fosamax) tablets

  • Treatment of osteoporosis in males and postmenopausal females:
    • The typical dose is to take 70 mg by mouth once a week, OR to take 10 mg by mouth once a day.
  • Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal females:
    • The typical dose is to take 35 mg by mouth once a week, OR to take 5 mg once a day.
  • Treatment of osteoporosis caused by steroids:
    • The typical dose is to take 5 mg by mouth once a day. For postmenopausal females not receiving estrogen, the typical dose is 10 mg once a day.
  • Paget's disease:
    • The typical dose is 40 mg by mouth once a day for 6 months.

Binosto (alendronate) effervescent tablet and alendronate oral solution

  • Treatment of osteoporosis in males and postmenopausal females:
    • The typical dose is to take 70 mg by mouth once a week. Binosto tablets must first be dissolved in 4 ounces of room temperature water before you drink the medication.
interactions-icon

Interactions between Alendronate (Fosamax) and other drugs

Alendronate (Fosamax) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Alendronate (Fosamax). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

  • Parathyroid Hormone
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contraindications-icon

Alendronate (Fosamax) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Alendronate (Fosamax) will not be safe for you to take.

  • Problems in the throat or gut that slows the passing of food through the gut
  • Not able to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
  • Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels)
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What are alternatives to Alendronate (Fosamax)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Alendronate (Fosamax). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Alendronate (Fosamax)
Used for:
$8.50Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)
  • Osteoporosis in men
  • Osteoporosis caused by long-term corticosteroid use
  • Paget's disease
$36.20Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause (postmenopause)
$12.49Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
latest-news-icon

News about Alendronate (Fosamax)

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Alendronate (Fosamax) images

White Oval F And 21 - Alendronate Sodium 70mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Oval Dose Pack Imprinted With "21" And "F".White Oval F And 21 - Alendronate Sodium 70mg Tablet
White Round 638 - Alendronate Sodium 70mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Dose Pack Imprinted With "638".White Round 638 - Alendronate Sodium 70mg Tablet
White Oblong C224 - Alendronate Sodium 70mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Oblong Dose Pack Imprinted With "C224".White Oblong C224 - Alendronate Sodium 70mg Tablet

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References

Best studies we found

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Alendronate sodium solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

ASCEND Therapeutics. (2023). Binosto- alendronate sodium tablet, effervescent [package insert]. DailyMed.

Black, D. M., et al. (2006). Effects of continuing or stopping alendronate after 5 years of treatment. Journal of the American Medical Association.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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