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Liver Disease and Fosamax
Has anyone heard or have proof that Fosamax (for treating Osteoporosis? causes an elevated liver function, liver disease or hepatitis?
Does anyone out there have esophagus cancer? And did you have a history of taking Fosamax?
Soaper,
I did a quick look-up on Fosamax. I didn't see liver problems mentioned (maybe someone else here can find some additional info for you). I'll paste here what I did find on Fosamax:
***************************************************************
The following came from Medscape:
http://promini.medscape.com/drugdb/drug_patient_handout.asp?DrugCode=1%2D10124&DrugName=FOSAMAX+ORAL&DrugType=1&monograph_id=7174
FOSAMAX ORAL
Patient Handout
ALENDRONATE - ORAL
(al-EN-droh-nate)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fosamax
USES: Alendronate is used to treat certain cases of osteoporosis (brittle bones) and Paget's disease (a bone weakening disorder).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180ml-240ml) of plain water once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not suck or chew them. This medication must be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water, (including other medicines or vitamins). Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effect is stomach pain. Other less common side effects are nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach fullness, gas, constipation, diarrhea, headache or altered taste. Notify your doctor if you notice: an increase in muscle or bone pain, severe heartburn, chest pain, black or tarry stools. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used by patients with kidney disease, low blood calcium levels, or if allergic to biphosphonates. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: trouble swallowing, ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems. It is also important to not smoke and to limit the amount of alcohol used as these can increase the risk of osteoporosis. This medication should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: estrogens, aspirin, other arthritis medication (NSAID such as ibuprofen). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach upset or pain, heartburn, and esophageal pain.
NOTES: It is very important to not take this medication with anything other than water. Even juice and coffee have been found to interfere with its absorption.
MISSED DOSE: If you should miss a dose, do not take it later in the day. Instead skip the missed dose and continue your usual dosing schedule the next morning.
STORAGE: Store this medication between 58 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
***************************************************************
Next came from Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/druginformation/druginvoke.cfm?objectId=0004220C-861A-1B79-AB8080AEBC2F0839
Fosamax
Description
Alendronate (a-LEN-dro-nate) is used to prevent or treat osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) in women after menopause and to treat osteoporosis in men. It may also be used to treat Paget's disease of bone and osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) caused by glucocorticoid treatment.
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alendronate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alendronate. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Diet
Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet. Your doctor may recommend that you eat a balanced diet with an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products).
Pregnancy
Alendronate has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that alendronate causes birth defects and other pregnancy problems. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Other Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking alendronate, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking the following:
Aspirin or products that contain aspirin Use with alendronate may cause or make esophagus, intestine, or stomach problems worse
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of alendronate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Digestion problems (Taking alendronate may be harmful to the esophagus, intestine, or stomach)
Esophagus problems or
Intestine problems or
Stomach problems Alendronate may make these conditions worse
Kidney problems The effects of alendronate may be increased
Proper Use Of This Medicine
Take alendronate with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water on an empty stomach . It should be taken in the morning at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages, such as mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice, will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body. Waiting longer than 30 minutes will allow more of the drug to be absorbed. Medicines such as antacids or calcium or vitamin supplements will also decrease the absorption of alendronate.
Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking alendronate . This will help alendronate reach your stomach faster. It will also help prevent irritation to your esophagus.
Your doctor may recommend that you eat a balanced diet with an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products). However, do not take any food, beverages, or calcium or vitamin supplements within 30 minutes or longer of taking alendronate. To do so may keep this medicine from working properly.
Dosing
The dose of alendronate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of alendronate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For treatment of Paget's disease of bone:
Adults 40 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water. Your treatment may continue for six months. Your doctor may repeat the treatment.
Children Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For treatment of osteoporosis in men (thinning of bone):
Adults 10 mg once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
For treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (thinning of bone):
Adults 10 mg once a day in the morning or 70 mg once a week, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
For prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis (thinning of bone):
Adults 5 mg once a day in the morning or 35 mg once a week, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
For treatment of osteoporosis (thinning of bone) caused by glucocorticoid treatment:
Adults 5 mg once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. In postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen, the dose is 10 mg once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, do not take it later in the day. Resume your usual schedule the next morning. Do not double doses.
To store this medicine:
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Side Effects Of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common Abdominal pain
Less common Difficulty in swallowing; heartburn; irritation or pain of the esophagus; muscle pain
Rare Skin rash
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common Constipation; diarrhea; full or bloated feeling; gas; headache; nausea
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
***************************************************************
I did a quick look-up on Fosamax. I didn't see liver problems mentioned (maybe someone else here can find some additional info for you). I'll paste here what I did find on Fosamax:
***************************************************************
The following came from Medscape:
http://promini.medscape.com/drugdb/drug_patient_handout.asp?DrugCode=1%2D10124&DrugName=FOSAMAX+ORAL&DrugType=1&monograph_id=7174
FOSAMAX ORAL
Patient Handout
ALENDRONATE - ORAL
(al-EN-droh-nate)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fosamax
USES: Alendronate is used to treat certain cases of osteoporosis (brittle bones) and Paget's disease (a bone weakening disorder).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180ml-240ml) of plain water once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not suck or chew them. This medication must be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water, (including other medicines or vitamins). Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effect is stomach pain. Other less common side effects are nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach fullness, gas, constipation, diarrhea, headache or altered taste. Notify your doctor if you notice: an increase in muscle or bone pain, severe heartburn, chest pain, black or tarry stools. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used by patients with kidney disease, low blood calcium levels, or if allergic to biphosphonates. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: trouble swallowing, ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems. It is also important to not smoke and to limit the amount of alcohol used as these can increase the risk of osteoporosis. This medication should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: estrogens, aspirin, other arthritis medication (NSAID such as ibuprofen). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach upset or pain, heartburn, and esophageal pain.
NOTES: It is very important to not take this medication with anything other than water. Even juice and coffee have been found to interfere with its absorption.
MISSED DOSE: If you should miss a dose, do not take it later in the day. Instead skip the missed dose and continue your usual dosing schedule the next morning.
STORAGE: Store this medication between 58 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
***************************************************************
Next came from Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/druginformation/druginvoke.cfm?objectId=0004220C-861A-1B79-AB8080AEBC2F0839
Fosamax
Description
Alendronate (a-LEN-dro-nate) is used to prevent or treat osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) in women after menopause and to treat osteoporosis in men. It may also be used to treat Paget's disease of bone and osteoporosis (thinning of the bone) caused by glucocorticoid treatment.
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alendronate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alendronate. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Diet
Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet. Your doctor may recommend that you eat a balanced diet with an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products).
Pregnancy
Alendronate has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that alendronate causes birth defects and other pregnancy problems. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Other Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking alendronate, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking the following:
Aspirin or products that contain aspirin Use with alendronate may cause or make esophagus, intestine, or stomach problems worse
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of alendronate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Digestion problems (Taking alendronate may be harmful to the esophagus, intestine, or stomach)
Esophagus problems or
Intestine problems or
Stomach problems Alendronate may make these conditions worse
Kidney problems The effects of alendronate may be increased
Proper Use Of This Medicine
Take alendronate with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water on an empty stomach . It should be taken in the morning at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Food and beverages, such as mineral water, coffee, tea, or juice, will decrease the amount of alendronate absorbed by the body. Waiting longer than 30 minutes will allow more of the drug to be absorbed. Medicines such as antacids or calcium or vitamin supplements will also decrease the absorption of alendronate.
Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking alendronate . This will help alendronate reach your stomach faster. It will also help prevent irritation to your esophagus.
Your doctor may recommend that you eat a balanced diet with an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products). However, do not take any food, beverages, or calcium or vitamin supplements within 30 minutes or longer of taking alendronate. To do so may keep this medicine from working properly.
Dosing
The dose of alendronate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of alendronate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For treatment of Paget's disease of bone:
Adults 40 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water. Your treatment may continue for six months. Your doctor may repeat the treatment.
Children Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For treatment of osteoporosis in men (thinning of bone):
Adults 10 mg once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
For treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (thinning of bone):
Adults 10 mg once a day in the morning or 70 mg once a week, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
For prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis (thinning of bone):
Adults 5 mg once a day in the morning or 35 mg once a week, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
For treatment of osteoporosis (thinning of bone) caused by glucocorticoid treatment:
Adults 5 mg once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. In postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen, the dose is 10 mg once a day in the morning, taken at least thirty minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication. You should take alendronate with six to eight ounces of plain water.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, do not take it later in the day. Resume your usual schedule the next morning. Do not double doses.
To store this medicine:
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Side Effects Of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common Abdominal pain
Less common Difficulty in swallowing; heartburn; irritation or pain of the esophagus; muscle pain
Rare Skin rash
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common Constipation; diarrhea; full or bloated feeling; gas; headache; nausea
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
***************************************************************
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