Alendronate is prescribed to prevent and treat a number of conditions that affect the bones. This medication is commonly prescribed to women after menopause to prevent osteoporosis – a very common disease in which bones become weak and brittle. It is also used to treat existing osteoporosis cases in men. It may be prescribed to men or women who are taking corticosteroid medication – treatment that may cause osteoporosis – as a preventative measure against the disease.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, osteoporosis affects nearly 54 million Americans. Both women and men can be affected by this osteoporosis, but women are four times as likely to contract the disease as men.

In addition to its use as a treatment for osteoporosis, alendronate may also be prescribed to treat Paget’s disease – a bone disease that affects your body’s natural recycling of bone tissue. This slow-developing condition gradually softens and deforms bones, making fractures and other complications more likely.

Alendronate has been shown to cause some side effects. If these reactions do not go away within a few days or become severe, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking alendronate include:

• Nausea
  
• Constipation/ diarrhea
  
• Gas/ bloating
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Headache
  
• Dizziness
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects. If you experience swelling in the joints, muscle spasms, chest pain, rash/ itching/ or hives, hoarseness or a sore throat, or bloody vomit, seek medical attention immediately.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with alendronate. Alendronate can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. Before starting treatment with alendronate, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

Alendronate is commonly prescribed as an oral tablet. Take this medication on an empty stomach – preferably as soon as you get out of bed in the morning. After taking alendronate, wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything.

For the treatment of osteoporosis: Adults should take one 5-10 mg tablet once a day (in the morning before eating or drinking anything besides water) or one 70 mg tablet once a week.

For the prevention of osteoporosis: Adults should take one 5 mg tablet once a day, or one 35 mg tablet once a week.

For the treatment of Paget’s disease: Adults should take one 40 mg tablet once a day (in the morning before eating or drinking anything besides water) for 6 months.

Do not increase your dosage or discontinue the use of alendronate unless ordered to do so by your doctor. If you experience any adverse reactions, get in touch with a health care provider right away.

Alendronate is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not alendronate is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Yes! Providers on Sesame can prescribe alendronate online and send it to your local pharmacy if appropriate.

If you are exploring alendronate to relieve menopause symptoms, you can also access alendronate prescriptions through Sesame’s menopause subscription if appropriate. The subscription includes video visits with a provider of your choice and lab work to assess your hormonal health. It also includes access to prescriptions to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, mood swings and more.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.