Osteofos is available only on a prescription from your doctor. It contains the active ingredient Sodium Alendronate, a member of a class of non-hormonal drugs called bisphosphonates. Your doctor has prescribed Osteofos because you have a disease of a bone known as osteoporosis. The medicine helps to rebuild bone. This will help prevent you from developing fractures. Since it is unknown how long sodium Alendronate should be continued for osteoporosis, you should discuss the need to stay on this medicine with your doctor regularly to identify if Osteofos is still right for you.

PRECAUTIONS

Do not take Osteofos 70 mg if you have any of the following conditions:

Certain disorders of the esophagus
Unable to stand or sit upright for at least half an hour.
Low blood calcium
Severe kidney disease

Before you use Sodium alendronate, please talk to your doctor if you have the following:

Cancer, poor oral hygiene, or diabetes
Get chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Take corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs.
Heavy alcohol user
Have been a smoker

SIDE EFFECT

The most common side effect of Osteofos 70 mg is abdominal pain. Less common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, eye pain, gas, constipation, black or bloody stools, a full or bloated feeling in the stomach, changes in taste, swelling in the hands, and legs, and muscle or joint pain.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop severe bone, joint, or muscle pain. You should inform your doctor about any side effects of Osteofos. Ask your doctor for more information.

HOW TO USE

Your doctor has prescribed Osteofos once weekly as tablets. Here are the following things you must do to help make sure you will benefit from this osteoporosis drug.

— Choose one day of the week that best fits your schedule. Every week, take a dose of Osteofos on your chosen day.

— Before taking your first food, beverage, or other medications, take your sodium alendronate tablets with plain water.

Swallow one tablet with a glass full of water. Do not take this medicine with mineral water, juice, coffee, or tea. Do not suck or chew the tablet.

— After taking medicine, do not lie down. Stay fully upright for at least half an hour, and do not lie down until after your first food of the day.

— Do not take this medicine at bedtime or before waking up.

— After taking the sodium alendronate tablet, wait for at least half an hour before taking your first food, beverage, or other medications of the day, including calcium supplements, antacids, and vitamins. Osteofos is effective only if taken when your stomach is empty.

— If you develop problems in swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn, stop taking this osteoporosis medicine immediately and call your doctor.

— You must continue taking medicine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Sodium alendronate can only treat your bone condition if you continue taking it.

Calcium and vitamin D are also important for strong bones. Your doctor may ask you to take calcium and vitamin D while receiving Osteofos 70 mg.