FOSAMAX PLUS D (CALLED FOSAVANCE IN CANADA) (ALENDRONATE AND COLECALCIFEROL)

Fosamax Plus D Helps Bone Health

With age may come wisdom, but it can also bring on a host of health risks that includes osteoporosis. This is when your bones can become weak and thin and result in a possible fracture if you fall. Fosamax Plus D (called Fosavance in Canada) is a prescription drug that can help women after menopause to reduce the risk of a hip or spinal fracture or for men with osteoporosis to increase their bone mass. The active ingredients of Fosamax Plus D are a bisphosphonate called Alendronate and Colecalciferol which is vitamin D3.

How The Active Ingredients of Fosamax Plus D Work

Fosamax Plus D is taken once a week, usually in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking meds. Take Fosamax Plus D with 6-8 ounces of plain water to avoid possible esophageal damage from reflux. Alendronate will work to strengthen your bones by inhibiting the removal of old bone tissue from cells called osteoclasts.

Colecalciferol is important for absorbing calcium and maintaining healthy bones. Exposure to sunlight is usually how your body gets its vitamin D. It is made in the outermost layers of your skin and goes through many processes before it is sent to your liver.

Conditions Treated by Fosamax Plus D

Bone formation continues until around the age of 30 when peak bone mass has been reached. Your bones are being remodeled continuously by osteoclasts and osteoblasts. As osteoclasts break down old bone tissue that is then reabsorbed, osteoblasts are busy forming new bone. As women approach menopause, this rhythmic cycle begins to change and the old bone is being broken down faster than new bone can replace it. This causes low bone density and you are at risk for hip and spinal fractures if you fall.

Before Fosamax Plus D is Prescribed

Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC or Rx meds you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to be certain Fosamax Plus D is safe for you.

Fosamax Plus D Precautions

If you will be on bed rest or are bed-ridden for any reason for more than a week, your doctor may advise not taking Fosamax Plus D until you are able to sit up for at least 30 minutes at a time. This is because the ingredients of Fosamax Plus D can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and result in reflux. Regular bone mineral density testing should be done to monitor your progress. Keep Fosamax Plus D out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Fosamax Plus D

• Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headache
• Gas