Alendronic acid and Colecalciferol are combined in this medicine.
Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol is used to treat osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) in men and postmenopausal women. It helps stop the loss of bone and increase bone mass.
Take Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine first thing in the morning, upon getting up for the day. Take it with a full glass of plain water on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink, or other medicine of the day. Do not take Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol with mineral water, milk, coffee, tea, juice or any other drink besides plain water. Swallow it whole. Do not suck, chew, or crush it.
Take Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol in an upright (sitting or standing) position. Do not take it at bedtime or while lying down. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after swallowing this medicine. Do not take other medicines or eat or drink anything except plain water during these 30 minutes.
It is important to follow these instructions carefully. Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol may cause severe irritation to the gullet (food pipe) and stomach if not taken exactly as instructed. Taking this medicine in the manner described here will help to minimise any stomach irritation that it may cause. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This medicine is to be taken once a week. Choose the day of the week to take this medicine and continue taking it on the same day each week.
Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose the next morning after you remember and return to your usual once-a-week dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hypocalcaemia (low calcium level in the blood)
- abnormalities of the gullet (food pipe)
- unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
as Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- swallowing problems
- stomach or bowel problems e.g. gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), duodenitis (inflammation in the upper portion of the small intestine), peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- cancer or undergoing treatment for cancer e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy
- anaemia (low red blood cell count in the body)
- bleeding disorder
- infection or trauma
- low levels of parathyroid hormones
- low levels of vitamin D
- poor dental health or history of dental disease
- problems absorbing minerals in the stomach or intestines
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol is intended for use in postmenopausal women.
Notify your doctor if you are a smoker.
If you are going to have dental procedures (e.g. tooth extraction, implants), inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene while being treated with this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to have dental check-ups before starting and during treatment with Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol. Inform your doctor or dentist if you experience any problems with your teeth or mouth such as loose teeth, swelling or pain.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. bone density test, calcium and vitamin D levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of height, weight, and signs or symptoms of gullet problems may also be needed.
Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, stomach pain, constipation, indigestion, stomach wind, hair loss, itching, dizziness with spinning sensation, and swelling of the joints, ankles, feet, or legs.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe bone, joint, or muscle pain
- unusual groin, hip, or thigh pain
- chest pain, new or worsening heartburn (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth), difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- ear pain or discharge from the ear
- pain in the mouth and jaw, swelling in the jaw, loose teeth
- muscle cramps or spasms, numbness or tingling in the fingers, toes or around the mouth; fits or seizures
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. colestyramine, colestipol
- medicines for fits or seizures e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital
- antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids)
- certain water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- calcium supplements
- orlistat (medicine for weight loss)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Alendronic acid + Colecalciferol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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