Alendronic acid

Common Brand Names

Bifosa, Fosamax, Binosto, Osteofos

This medicine is also commonly known as: 

Alendronate

Overview

Alendronic acid is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. Bisphosponates are prescribed to help your bones stay as strong as possible. Taking alendronic acid can help if you have, or are at risk of developing, osteoporosis. This is a condition that causes your bones to get weaker and be more likely to break.

Osteoporosis can happen for many reasons, but you are more likely to get it if:

• you're a woman who has been through the menopause
• you take steroids, such as prednisolone, every day for a long time (which means 3 months, or longer)
• you've had a certain type of cancer treatment – some treatments can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Your oncology doctor or nurse will discuss this with you

Talk to your doctor if you are worried about the health of your bones because of the medicines you take, or changes to your hormone levels because of the menopause.

Alendronic acid is only available on prescription in some countries. You can take it as a standard tablet, a soluble tablet that dissolves in water, or as a liquid that you drink.

Important Facts

• Alendronic acid is good for your bones – it makes them stronger and less likely to break.
• You'll usually take it as a tablet or liquid, once a week.
• 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 does not 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 known as Fosavance when it's mixed with colecalciferol (vitamin D3)