Fosamax – What It Is and What It Does
February 10th, 2010
Fosamax is simply an anti-osteoporosis drug. Osteoporosis is a medical condition wherein the human bone’s density has become more brittle due to loss of calcium. With Fosamax, one can simply say that there is finally hope for brittle bones. A product of Merck, which has a robust list of wide variety of world-renowned drugs, Fosamax’s generic name is Alendronate sodium, which are available in tablets and oral solution.
Fosamax is a bisphosphonate drug wherein it delays bone loss while increasing the formation of new bone. This drug is highly beneficial for preventing fractures and other bone-loss related problems. Although Fosamax may be used for other purposes other than those mentioned here, it has been formulated to treat mainly steroid-induced osteoporosis and postmenopausal osteoporosis. As a bisphosphate, Fosamax inhibits resorption of osteoclast-mediated bone. The tablet form is white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water but absolutely insoluble with chloroform, while oral solutions have a sweet raspberry flavor.
Fosamax can be taken in with or without meals. Studies show that there is no significant effects if the drug was taken an hour or more after a standard breakfast. However, it should be noted that taking coffee or orange juice together with Fosamax can greatly reduce the drug’s absorption rate.
After taking Fosamax, the drug will then be widely distributed into the soft tissues before it reaches the bones and then excreted in the urine. If Fosamax is not completely absorbed by the bones of healthy clients, it will be rapidly excreted in the urine. However, animal studies on mice with kidney failure taking in Fosamax have been found to have high levels of the drug in their blood, kidneys and bones with reduced elimination of drug from the body. Therefore, it is highly recommended that clients with severe renal failure or those whose creatinine clearance is less than 35mL/min should avoid taking Fosamax.
Osteoporosis is a condition wherein the bone mass is greatly reduced thereby there is a high risk for fracture injuries. Diagnosis of osteoporosis is confirmed by presence of low-bone mass in tests, evidence of a fracture on x-ray, history of osteoporotic fracture, presence of kyphosis, or loss of height. Although this happens to both men and women, osteoporosis is more common with women especially at the time of menopause. Many postmenopausal women over age 50 have been found to have progressive bone loss leading to osteoporosis in high percentage. From around ages 50 to 90 years, it has been reported that women are 50x at risk of suffering hip fractures while 30-50x at risk of vertebral fracture. Studies have shown that by taking daily doses of Fosamax, postmenopausal women have decreased calcium released from their body. Long-term users have been reported that the urinary release of bone resorption markers have decreased to about 50%- 70%.