Fosamax Dosage

Each patient is given an individualized Fosamax dosage depending on a number of factors that include: the medical condition being treated, other underlying medical conditions, and other medications currently taken. It is also important to consider the preferred or tolerate medication frequency, whether a single weekly dose or divided daily doses.

Below is general information about standard dosages for Fosamax. It is possible for you to get a totally unique dosage. Do not adjust or increase your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

Treatment of Osteoporosis

Due to Menopause

The recommended dosage is 70 mg taken once a week or 10 mg tablet taken once a day. Patients who cannot tolerate tablet form may be prescribed with one bottle of 70 mg oral solution taken once a week.

Prevention of Osteoporosis Due to Menopause

The recommended Fosamax dosage for the prevention of osteoporosis is 35 mg taken once a week or 5 mg taken once a day.

Men

The recommended dosage for treatment in men is 70 mg taken once a week or 10 mg tablet taken once a day. Patients who cannot tolerate tablet form may be given one bottle of 70 mg oral solution to be taken once a week.

Due to Corticosteroid Therapy

The recommended dosage of Fosamax is 5 mg taken once a day. For postmenopausal women who are not on hormone replacement therapy or are not taking estrogen, the recommended dose is 10 mg taken once a day.

Treatment of Paget’s Disease

Patients with Paget’s disease are given a higher dose of Fosamax. The recommended dose is 40 mg taken once a day in a six-month period. After a six-month post-treatment evaluation period, patients exhibiting relapse of Paget’s disease may be re-treated with Fosamax.

Dosing Instructions

Fosamax should be taken first thing upon awakening, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything. Swallow the whole capsule with a full glass of plain water. Do not crush, chew or suck the tablet. Since foods, beverages, and other medications lessen the absorption of this medication, it is recommended that patients delay eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. It must be taken around the same time of the day or week to maintain the desired blood levels.

Patients must maintain an upright position for at least one-half hour after taking Fosamax. This medication is associated to esophageal and stomach adverse symptoms. Patients who cannot maintain an upright position for at least 30 minutes must be take Fosamax.

Some patients may need additional calcium supplement, especially if the dietary intake is insufficient. Meanwhile, patients who are at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency (such as those who are older than 70 years old, bed-ridden, or chronically ill) may be given vitamin D supplementation along with Fosamax therapy.

Patients who are receiving steroids together with Fosamax should be given adequate amounts of both calcium and vitamin D.