why does fosamax should be taken in upright position without anything else?

Question

fosamax is a supplement for the bones

Answer 1

Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) is an anti-osteoporosis drug. It is indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in men and postmenopausal women who already have the condition.

One of the side effects of this drug is local irritation of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa (esophagitis, esophageal ulcers or erosions, and sometimes, esophageal strictures). The patient may develop difficulty in swallowing ( dysphagia), retrosternal/chest pain or heartburn.

There is a greater risk of developing these symptoms in patients who lie down after taking Fosamax or those who take it without anything else (e.g. a full glass of water).

For these reasons, it is recommended that Fosamax be taken in the upright position and the patient should not lie down for at least 30 minutes and until the first food of the day. Neither should one chew or suck on the tablet before swallowing it.

If anyone develops the above-mentioned symptoms, it is recommended that intake of the medication be stopped and that a physician be consulted as soon as possible.

Answer 2

Alendronate (Foxamax) and other biphosphonates have been associated with reflux esophagitis and it is thought that by being upright gravity will help keep acid in the stomach. The warnings however are not in keeping with the medical data and I explain to patients that they perhaps should not lie down for the night after taking alendronate but that the warnings are more of a legal concern than a matter of medical fact. I generally 'warn' people when the warning they will receive are exagerated. Warnings are based upon the Food and Drug Administration's 'official' list of side effects which are typically based on the 1 or 2 studies reviewed by the FDA when the drug is approved even if there are 1 or 2 hundred studies available for such review. The FDA is a peculiar and poor organization under continual pressure to change and reform but as with other government agencies this does not seem to happen. Whenever warning seem extreme you should discuss this not with the pharmacist who by law is not able to say anything other than the FDA's position but rather your physician. Bear in mind that the side effects listed for a drug are not only based upon a few studies but once the drug is approved if it is found 'safer' the side effects profile is not revised BUT if attorneys get involved the side effect profile becomes more severe. I understand for patients the situation is a mess and as I am primarily an educator I spent a fair amount of time educating patients about the medications they are taking. I assume that you have been tested for and found to have osteoporosis in which case alendronate is the ONLY available drug with data indicating a reduction in hip fractures and mortality. Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

According to the physician package insert remaining up right for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax is to help it to reach the stomach quickly and reduce the chance that it will irritate the esophagus.

Answer 4

It is so that the tablet goes straight to your stomach and gets digested fully and totally absorbed into your system. If you were laying down when you take it, it could get lodged in your throat instead of making it to your stomach and if you eat anything with it, it could get surrounded by other food which would prevent the tablet from being totally absorbed.

Answer 5

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee... Wait...where are you taking me?