Alendronicdosage

2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men: 70 mg (oral solution) once weekly.

Instruct patients to: Swallow oral solution followed by at least 2 ounces of water. Not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate sodium oral solution and until after food.

2.1 Treatment of

Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women The recommended dosage is: one bottle of 70 mg oral solution once weekly

2.3 Treatment to

Increase Bone Mass in Men with Osteoporosis The recommended dosage is: one bottle of 70 mg oral solution once weekly

2.6 Important

Administration Instructions Instruct patients to do the following: Take alendronate at least one-half hour before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day with plain water only. Other beverages (including mineral water), food, and some medications are likely to reduce the absorption of alendronate. Waiting less than 30 minutes, or taking alendronate with food, beverages (other than plain water) or other medications will lessen the effect of alendronate by decreasing its absorption into the body. Take alendronate upon arising for the day. To facilitate gastric emptying alendronate oral solution should be followed by at least 2 ounces (a quarter of a cup) of water. Patients should not lie down for at least 30 minutes and until after their first food of the day. Alendronate should not be taken at bedtime or before arising for the day. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of esophageal adverse experiences.

2.7 Recommendations for

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation Instruct patients to take supplemental calcium if dietary intake is inadequate. Patients at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency (e.g., over the age of 70 years, nursing home-bound, or chronically ill) may need vitamin D supplementation. Patients with gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes may require higher doses of vitamin D supplementation and measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D should be considered. Patients treated with glucocorticoids should receive adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.

2.8 Administration

Instructions for Missed Doses If a once-weekly dose of alendronate sodium is missed, instruct patients to take one dose on the morning after they remember. They should not take two doses on the same day but should return to taking one dose once a week, as originally scheduled on their chosen day.