Question 1

is there an alternative for fosamax (alendronate)?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There are a number of treatments for osteoporosis other than fosamax (alendronate). Some are similiar to it in how they work and some work through a differnent pathway. See your prescribing doctor for details.

Question 2

is there a generic drug equivalent for fosamax or actonel (risedronate)?

Accepted Answer

Yes & no: Fosamax is off patent - the generic is alendronate.  Generics are absolutely as effective as the brand name.  Actonel (risedronate) is still on patent.  No generic form exists yet.

Question 3

what are side effects of the drug alendronate/fosamax for osteoporosis..?

Accepted Answer

Mostly heartburn: Alendronate is generally well tolerated. Reflux is the most common side effect. It can also cause bone pain, esophageal ulcers or narrowing. The generic alendronate may have more GI side effects because it is not coated. This concern has not been answered adequately  enough in large studies. It is very important to discuss these issues with your physician.

Question 4

is there an alternative to fosamax (alendronate) for paget's disease of bone?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There are several alternatives. Most commonly used is risedronate, formerly call actonel, was approved at a dose of 30 mg daily for 60 days.And proved to be very effective for 1-5 years. Recently, this was taken over by another company and the name was changed to atelvia. It, and another oral medication, skelid, (tiudronate) and the intravenous medication, reclast, (zoledronic acid) are chemically related to fosamax.

Question 5

problems with fosamax (alendronate)?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Risks with prolonged use best to stop after a couple years.

Question 6

how long should i take fosamax (alendronate) ?

Accepted Answer

2 years: Take it for 2 years until you have a follow up DEXA scan done to evaluate the improvement in your bone density.  It is debatable on how long you can take biphosphonates (the class Fosamax (alendronate) belongs to). Some say you may take it indefinitely, while other recommend taking it for 4-5 years and then take a "holiday" for a year or two. As i mentioned, take it for 2 years and see what happens.

Question 7

is fosamax (alendronate) safe to use for people?

Accepted Answer

Yes for most people: Fosamax (alendronate) is generally well tolerated and a proven treatment for reducing the risk for hip and spine fractures due to osteoporosis.  But for some people with conditions affecting the esophagus or stomach, or with chronic kidney disease, or who need extensive dental work, there can be serious side effects.  Ask your doctor if any of these situations apply to you.

Question 8

please describe the medication: fosamax (alendronate)?

Accepted Answer

Fosamax (alendronate): A medication used to treat osteoporosis, given in either daily or weekly doses.

Question 9

is actenol or fosamax (alendronate) only for women?

Accepted Answer

No.: Both can be used by men to treat or prevent bone loss, not only for female osteoporosis.  Men with low tesosterone deveop osteoporosis.  Both sexes treated with many drugs, including steroids, will lose bone.  The bisphosphonates work for both sexes!

Question 10

where can i buy alendronate sodium (fosamax) online?

Accepted Answer

You can't: Alendronate is a prescription medication.  Any online site that sells it to you without being evaluated by a doctor is breaking federal law.  If you buy it, you are also potentially breaking the law and may be visited by state police or dea.

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Doctor answers about:

Drug alternatives to fosamax

A member asked:

Is there an alternative for fosamax (alendronate)?

A member asked:

Is there a generic drug equivalent for fosamax or actonel (risedronate)?

A member asked:

What are side effects of the drug alendronate/fosamax for osteoporosis..?

A member asked:

Is there an alternative to fosamax (alendronate) for paget's disease of bone?

A member asked:

Problems with fosamax (alendronate)?

A member asked:

How long should i take fosamax (alendronate) ?

A member asked:

Is fosamax (alendronate) safe to use for people?

A member asked:

Please describe the medication: fosamax (alendronate)?

A member asked:

Is actenol or fosamax (alendronate) only for women?

A member asked:

Where can i buy alendronate sodium (fosamax) online?

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