Osteofos

Uses
Osteofos (Alendronate Sodium) is used as a treatment for osteoporosis, Paget's disease and other types of bone disease. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of the bone by cells called osteoclasts. This synthetic medicine is a member of the bisphosphonate group of drugs, and when administered, it binds to certain minerals that occur in the bone (known as hydroxylapatite). As a result of this, the breakdown of bone is prevented, helping to significantly increase the bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.

In people with healthy bones, the structure of the bones is maintained by a process in which the osteoclasts break down the old bone, and other bone forming cells called osteoblasts contribute to the synthesis of new bone. In patients suffering from osteoporosis, the rate at which the bone is broken down is increased, causing a reduction in the strength and density of the bones. This can leave them weak, making the patient vulnerable to broken bones. Causes of osteoporosis include the menopause and some forms of medical treatment (especially corticosteroids). Doctors may recommend this medicine to patients at risk of osteoporosis, as well as for those already suffering from it.

Dosage and Administration
Osteofos (Alendronate Sodium) tablets come as a 70mg strength formula for once weekly administration. Your doctor will provide you with all the necessary information relating to how and when it should be taken. Doctors normally direct patients to take the tablet on the same day every week, and there is a special calendar provided on the packaging for you to mark the day on which the medicine is taken. This will help you keep track of how much you have taken it, and can also reduce the possibility of missing any doses.

Side effects
Patients treating bone conditions with Osteofos (Alendronate Sodium) should note that some side effects are possible, including:

• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion
• Taste sensation changes
• Discomfort affecting the stomach
• Slight soreness occurring in the joints

Ensure that you promptly disclose any side effects to the doctor in charge of treatment. Any serious reactions that occur will require you to immediately seek urgent medical care. Examples of this include soreness in the jaws, sore eyes, blisters on the skin, aches, strange pain noticeable in the thighs or any other severe reactions not listed here.

Precautions
This medication is not suitable for patients affected by hypocalcaemia (excessively low levels of calcium in the blood), or those with a medical disorder which affects the movement of food through the oesophagus.

Although considered less common, there have been reports of patients treated with this medicine suffering from osteonecrosis of the jaw. Prolonged treatment increases the risk of this.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Osteofos (Alendronate Sodium) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.