Alendronic acid

About alendronic acid

Alendronic acid is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. It helps your bones stay as strong as possible.

It can help if you have or are at risk of getting a health problem called osteoporosis. This is where your bones get weaker and more likely to break.

Osteoporosis can happen for many reasons, but you're more likely to get it if you're a woman who has been through the menopause or if you take steroids, such as prednisolone, for a long time. Some types of cancer treatment can also increase your risk of getting osteoporosis.

Alendronic acid is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets, soluble tablets that dissolve in water to make a drink, or as a liquid that you drink.

Key facts

Alendronic acid is good for your bones - it makes them stronger and less likely to break.
Most people take it as a weekly tablet or liquid.
Take alendronic acid first thing in the morning, before you have anything to eat or drink and before you take any other medicines. Stay sitting or standing for 30 minutes so the medicine doesn't irritate your food pipe (oesophagus).
It's important to look after your teeth and have regular dental check-ups while taking alendronic acid because it can sometimes damage the jaw bone - but this is rare.
Alendronic acid is also known as alendronate sodium or alendronate. It is also called by the brand names Fosamax and Binosto. When mixed with colecalciferol (vitamin D3), it's called Fosavance.

Who can and can't take alendronic acid

Alendronic acid can be taken by adults aged 18 and over. It's occasionally prescribed for children with osteoporosis.

Alendronic acid isn't suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

have had an allergic reaction to alendronic acid or any other medicine in the past
have digestive problems, problems swallowing or any problems with your food pipe
can't sit up or stand for at least 30 minutes
have low calcium levels in your blood - alendronic acid sometimes causes low blood calcium, so your calcium levels could become even lower
have kidney problems
have cancer, or are having chemotherapy or radiotherapy
have problems with your teeth, or are waiting for dental treatment such as having a tooth out
smoke or used to smoke - this may increase your risk of dental problems
are pregnant or breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant

How and when to take it

You'll usually take alendronic acid once a week, as a tablet. It also comes as a liquid or soluble tablet that you take once a week, or as a tablet you take once a day.

Follow your doctor's instructions about exactly how and when to take your medicine.

If you're taking a weekly dose, you need to take your medicine on the same day each week, so choose a day that suits your routine.

How much will I take?

The usual dose for adults is 70mg taken once a week, or 10mg taken once a day.

How to take it

It's important to follow the instructions for this medicine very carefully. If you don't, it may not work or it could irritate and damage your food pipe as you swallow it.

Take your medicine first thing in the morning, when you get up. Take it on an empty stomach, before you have anything to eat or drink (other than plain tap water) and before you take any other medicines that you swallow.

Alendronic acid works best when your stomach is empty, so your body can absorb it properly.

It's important to take alendronic acid while you're sitting up or standing. Stay upright for 30 minutes after taking your medicine - you can be sitting, standing or walking.

Tablets - swallow the tablet whole with a large glass of plain tap water (at least 200ml). Do not take it with mineral water. Do not chew, break, crush or suck the tablet.

Soluble tablets - dissolve a tablet in half a large glass of plain tap water (at least 120ml). Do not use mineral water. Wait until the fizzing has stopped and the tablet has completely dissolved. Drink your medicine, and then drink at least 30ml (2 tablespoons) of plain tap water. Do not swallow or chew the undissolved tablet. Do not let it dissolve in your mouth.

Liquid - each 70mg dose of liquid comes in its own bottle. Swallow the full dose in one go, then drink at least 30ml (2 tablespoons) of plain tap water. Don't worry if you spill any of the liquid by mistake - rinse it off and wash your hands.

If it's not safe to drink your tap water for whatever reason, you can boil the water and let it cool before drinking.

What if I forget to take it?

Once a day (10mg) - if you forget to take your daily dose, don't worry. Take your next dose on the following day, in the morning. Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.

Once a week (70mg) - if you forget to take your weekly dose on the usual day, don't worry. As soon as you remember, wait until the next day and then take your medicine first thing in the morning. Never take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one. After this, go back to taking your weekly dose on your usual day.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

If you take an extra 10mg or 70mg dose of alendronic acid by accident, it's unlikely to harm you. Immediately drink a full glass of milk and stay upright for at least 30 minutes. Do not make yourself vomit, as this may irritate your food pipe.

If your child takes an extra dose, get them to drink a full glass of milk immediately. Contact their doctor straight away. Keep your child sitting up or standing for at least 30 minutes. Do not make them vomit, as this may irritate their food pipe.

Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried, have any symptoms or take more than 1 extra dose of alendronic acid.

If you're taking a weekly 70mg dose, talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you accidentally take more than 1 extra dose in the same week.

Side effects

Like all medicines, alendronic acid can cause side effects in some people. But many people have no side effects or only minor ones.

Common side effects

These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects bother you or don't go away:

constipation
diarrhoea
dizziness (or signs of vertigo)
headache, muscle or joint pain
swollen joints, hands or legs
indigestion, bloating or wind
itching or a mild rash
feeling sleepy or tired
hair loss

Serious side effects

Some people may have serious side effects when taking alendronic acid.

These include heartburn (or heartburn that gets worse), problems or pain when swallowing, or chest pain. These may be signs of ulcers in your food pipe. If this happens, stop taking alendronic acid and speak to a doctor.

Other serious side effects are rare, but call a doctor straight away if you have:

a loose tooth, mouth sores, or swelling or pain in your mouth or jaw - contact your dentist as well as your doctor, as this could be a sign of damage to your jaw bone
pain, weakness or discomfort in your thigh, hip or groin - this happens rarely but may be an early sign of a broken thigh bone
severe pain in your joints, muscles or bones
ear pain, discharge from your ear or an ear infection - these can be signs of damage to the bones in your inner ear
black or red poo - these can be signs of an ulcer or bleeding from your gut
blurred vision, painful or red eyes - these can be signs of swelling of the eye
muscle cramps or spasms, a tingling sensation in your fingers or around your mouth - these can be symptoms of low calcium levels in your blood

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, alendronic acid may cause a serious allergic reaction.

A serious allergic reaction is an emergency. Contact a doctor straight away if you think you or someone around you is having a serious allergic reaction.

The warning signs of a serious allergic reaction are:

getting a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
wheezing
tightness in the chest or throat
having trouble breathing or talking
swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat

These are not all the side effects of alendronic acid. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme.

How to cope with side effects

What to do about:

constipation - eat more high-fibre foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise more regularly, by going for a daily walk or run for example. If this doesn't help, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. Watch this short video about how to treat constipation.
diarrhoea - drink plenty of water, taking frequent small sips. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
dizziness - stop what you're doing, and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive or use tools or machinery until your dizziness passes.
headache, muscle or joint pain - make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Don't drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Talk to your doctor if the pain lasts longer than a week or is severe.
swollen joints, hands or legs - try to rest. Avoid standing for long periods of time if you have swollen legs. For swollen ankles, put your feet on a stool or cushion to raise your legs when you're sitting. Talk to your doctor if the swelling is severe or lasts longer than a week.
indigestion, bloating or wind - make sure you follow the directions for taking alendronic acid carefully and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it. It might help to eat smaller and more frequent meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If the symptoms get worse, contact your doctor straight away.
itching or a mild rash - it may help to take an antihistamine, which you can buy from a pharmacy. Check with the pharmacist to see what type is suitable for you.
feeling sleepy or tired - don't drive, or use tools or machinery, if you're feeling tired. Do not drink any alcohol, as this will make you feel more tired.
hair loss - thinning hair or mild hair loss isn't usually anything to worry about. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're concerned. Some hair loss treatments are available.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Alendronic acid isn't usually recommended during pregnancy. This is because there hasn't been enough research into its safety.

Alendronic acid and breastfeeding

Tell your doctor before taking alendronic acid if you're breastfeeding. Although it's generally safe to take this medicine while breastfeeding, it may not be suitable in some cases. Check with your doctor about what's best for you and your baby.

Tell your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you're breastfeeding.

Cautions with other medicines

When taking alendronic acid, it's really important not take any other medicines by mouth at the same time. Wait for at least 30 minutes before taking your other medicines - they can interfere with how well your body absorbs alendronic acid and stop it working properly.

There are some medicines that may interfere with the way alendronic acid works.

Tell your doctor if you're taking:

supplements or multivitamins containing calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc
antacids to relieve indigestion or heartburn
laxatives containing magnesium
cancer medicines such as bevacizumab and thalidomide, or if you're having chemotherapy or taking steroids such as prednisolone and dexamethasone - these may increase the risk of damage to your jaw bone
non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of irritating your food pipe, stomach or gut - taking low-dose aspirin is OK
antibiotics such as gentamicin, amikacin or tobramycin - these can lower the calcium in your blood
deferasirox, a medicine used to remove excess iron from the body - this may increase the risk of bleeding from your gut

Mixing alendronic acid with herbal remedies or supplements

There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with alendronic acid.

For safety, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

Common questions

How does alendronic acid work?

Alendronic acid increases the amount of calcium in your bones (your bone mineral density). This makes your bones stronger and less likely to break.

How long does it take to work?

Alendronic acid usually starts to work after 1 month. However, it may take 6 to 12 months for the medicine to fully protect your bones.

How good is it at preventing further broken bones?

If you have osteoporosis, or you've recently broken a bone, you're at risk of future breaks (fractures). However, you can significantly reduce the chance of this happening by taking alendronic acid.

If you're a woman in this "at risk" group, taking alendronic acid for at least 12 months can halve your chances of going on to fracture your wrist, hip or spine.

How long will I take it for?

You'll usually take alendronic acid for a long time. Exactly how long depends on why your doctor has prescribed it.

If you're having long-term treatment with steroids, you'll usually take alendronic acid until your steroid treatment stops - maybe longer.

For other health problems, your doctor will usually assess your risk of broken bones every 3 to 5 years. This may include tests to check the strength (density) of your bones.

Depending on the results, you'll either keep taking alendronic acid, take a break from it or stop taking it completely.

How long do the effects last after I stop taking it?

Once you stop taking alendronic acid, the effects of the medicine will gradually wear off. Your bones may continue to benefit for up to 5 years afterwards.

The longer you take the medicine, the longer the effects will last.

Is it safe to take long term?

Alendronic acid is generally prescribed for a long time. While you're taking it, you're less likely to break a bone.

In a very small number of people, taking alendronic acid for more than 2 years can increase their chances of getting a rare type of bone damage in their inner ear and certain types of breaks to their thigh bones.

For this reason, your doctor will look at the benefits and risks of your treatment after 3 to 5 years and decide whether you should keep taking alendronic acid. This may involve some tests to check the strength (density) of your bones.

The benefits of taking alendronic acid generally outweigh the risks. If you're concerned or have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What happens if I don't take it?

Missing the odd dose probably won't affect the health of your bones. But if you keep forgetting to take your alendronic acid - or you don't want to take it, for whatever reason - then speak to your doctor. There are other treatments that can help your bones.

Any treatment can have side effects. But the benefits of alendronic acid usually far outweigh the risks.

By not having treatment, you're more likely to break a bone. Broken bones are painful and can have serious consequences. In older people, for example, a broken hip can mean they're no longer able to live independently.

What can I do to keep my teeth healthy while taking it?

It's important to take good care of your teeth while you're taking alendronic acid. This is because alendronic acid might affect your jaw bone.

Keep your teeth clean and have a dental check-up every 6 months. Your doctor may also recommend a dental check-up before your treatment starts.

Contact your doctor or dentist if you have any problems with your mouth or teeth - such as pain, swelling or loose teeth.

What happens if I need dental treatment?

If you're having dental implants or having a tooth out while taking alendronic acid, there's a very small chance of damage to your jaw bone.

For safety, tell your dentist that you're taking alendronic acid. They may recommend a different type of dental treatment.

Will taking alendronic acid affect my arthritis?

Some types of arthritis and arthritis medicines can increase your risk of getting osteoporosis. Taking alendronic acid reduces this risk.

If you have arthritis and your doctor prescribes alendronic acid, let them know if the pain or swelling in your joints gets worse when you start taking this medicine.

Can I drive or ride a bike?

Alendronic acid may make you feel dizzy. It can also cause blurred vision, and bone, muscle or joint pain.

If this happens to you, don't drive, cycle or use any machinery or tools until the effects have worn off.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

Take your alendronic acid first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Do not have anything to eat or drink beforehand other than plain tap water. It's important to follow the instructions carefully (see 4. How and when to take this medicine) so that your medicine works properly.

Do not take your medicine with mineral water. If it's not safe to drink your tap water for whatever reason, you can boil it and let it cool before drinking it.

After taking your medicine, wait for 30 minutes. You can then eat and drink normally.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking alendronic acid.

However, drinking a lot of alcohol affects the strength of your bones and can increase your risk of breaks (fractures).

Try not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. A standard glass of wine (175ml) is 2 units. A pint of lager or beer is usually 2 to 3 units.

Can lifestyle changes help?

You can help keep your bones healthy by making some key lifestyle changes.

Eat a healthy balanced diet - include some foods high in calcium and vitamin D.
Spend some time in the sun - your body needs sunlight to make vitamin D.
Stop smoking - smoking harms your bones.
Cut down on alcohol - try not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. A standard glass of wine (175ml) is 2 units. A pint of lager or beer is usually 2 to 3 units.
Be more active - walking and low-impact aerobics are good for your bones. So are strength-training exercises where you use your own body weight.

Related conditions

Osteoporosis