Osteofos 70mg (Alendronate)

Osteofos general information

What is Osteofos used for?

Osteofos tablets 70mg are used to treat osteoporosis, to reduce the risk of vertebral and hip fractures in men and postmenopausal women, and to prevent osteoporosis developing in postmenopausal women who are at risk. Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mass resulting in brittle bones which can fracture more easily and is often associated with lack of oestrogen in postmenopausal women or following treatment with a corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory steroid that can cause bone loss. Osteofos tablets 70mg are also used to treat Paget's disease of bone in men and women, in which the normal mechanism of bone turnover is faulty and bone structure becomes abnormal causing weakness. Osteofos tablets 70mg help to strengthen the bone structure making them less likely to fracture.

How does Osteofos work?

Osteofos tablets 70mg contain alendronate, which is a bisphosphonate; a synthetic chemical similar to the naturally occurring mineral in bone called pyrophosphate that mediates bone turnover, a normal part of bone remodelling, which is a dynamic process that allows bones to grow and repair. Alendronate acts directly on bone and binds to hydroxyapatite (the scaffolding of bone architecture), specifically at the site of bone resorption (the process for removal of old bone tissue), and inhibits the action of bone cells called osteoclasts that are responsible for bone resorption. Alendronate has no effect on osteoblast cells that are responsible for bone formation (laying down of new bone tissue). Osteofos tablets 70mg change the balance of bone turnover so that bone breakdown is reduced relative to bone building, which increases bone mass, making bones stronger and more resistant to fracture, which can be painful and cause loss of height if the fracture occurs in the spine. Although alendronate in Osteofos tablets 70mg begin working on bone turnover immediately, it may take several months before measurable effects on bone mass may be seen.

What does Osteofos contain?

Osteofos tablets 70mg contain alendronate sodium trihydrate.

What Osteofos doses are available?

Osteofos tablets are available from Inhouse Pharmacy in 2 doses:

• Osteofos 70mg tablets for once weekly administration
• Osteofos 10mg tablets for once daily administration

Osteofos for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis

Osteofos tablets 70mg contain alendronate, which is a bisphosphonate; a synthetic chemical similar to the naturally occurring mineral in bone called pyrophosphate that mediates bone turnover, a normal part of bone remodelling, which is a dynamic process that allows bones to grow and repair. This process of bone turnover is hormonally controlled and is increased by oestrogen and decreased by corticosteroids. During menopause, oestrogen production slows down and this increases risk of osteoporosis, the loss of bone mass, in menopausal women. Aging also causes bones to weaken due to loss of bone density, so that men are also susceptible to osteoporosis. Also low levels of testosterone can cause loss of bone density. Long-term use of corticosteroid medication (an anti-inflammatory steroid) can also cause bone loss. Osteofos tablets 70mg are used to treat men and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, and to prevent osteoporosis in pre-menopausal women who are know to be at risk of osteoporosis; also to treat and prevent corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis in men, pre-menopausal women and postmenopausal women receiving oestrogen. Osteofos tablets 70mg increase bone density and reduce the risk of vertebral and hip fractures, which can be painful and cause loss of height if the fracture occurs in the spine.

Treating Paget's disease of bone with Osteofos

Osteofos tablets 70mg contain alendronate, which is a bisphosphonate; a synthetic chemical similar to the naturally occurring mineral in bone called pyrophosphate that mediates bone turnover, a normal part of bone remodelling, which is a dynamic process of bone resorption (removal of old bone tissue ) and bone formation that allows bones to grow and repair. Paget's disease of bone occurs in men and women, in which the normal mechanism of bone turnover is faulty and bone structure becomes abnormal causing weakness. Osteofos tablets 70mg restores the balance in bone remodelling to allow bones to form a more normal structure, making bones stronger and more resistant to fracture.

What are the side effects of Osteofos?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Osteofos tablets 70mg include: abdominal distension and pain, heartburn (dyspepsia), constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, oesophageal ulcer, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), headache, bone, muscle and/or joint pain, which is usually mild.

When should Osteofos not be used?

You should not use Osteofos tablets 70mg if you:

• are allergic to alendronate or any components of Osteofos tablets 70mg
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• have certain disorders of oesophagus including, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), oesophageal disease, gastritis, duodenitis, ulcers
• are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
• have low blood calcium
• are taking calcium supplements, antacids, and other oral medications will interfere with absorption of Osteofos tablets 70mg, you should wait at least one half hour after taking Osteofos tablets 70mg before taking any other oral medication
• are taking aspirin as this may increase risk of stomach upsets

How should Osteofos be taken?

You should take your Osteofos tablets 70mg one tablet per week, with glass of water, on the same day each week in the morning on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medication. You should then remain upright for at least 30 minutes, either sitting, standing or walking around, to reduce risk of a reaction in your oesophagus. You should continue to take your Osteofos tablets 70mg every week for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be several months or more, as it can take this long before you see a measurable increase in bone density.

How long should you take Osteofos?

You should continue to take your Osteofos tablets 70mg every week for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be several months or more. Although Osteofos tablets 70mg start working on the bone cells immediately, you may not see measurable effects on bone mass for several months or more.

Missed dose of Osteofos

If you miss a dose of Osteofos tablets 70mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Osteofos be stored?

You should store your Osteofos tablets 70mg in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.