OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet is used to treat the following conditions:

• Postmenopausal osteoporosis (bone related disease where the risk of breaking bone increases);
• Prevention of vertebral and hip fractures;
• Osteoporosis in men at increased risk of fracture;
• Prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (a form of bone diseasethat is caused by taking glucocorticoid medicines);
• Paget’s disease of bone

OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet is a bisphosphonate. It specifically inhibits or stops the activity of osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells. It works by slowing down the bone loss.

Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogues of pyrophosphate that bind to the hydroxyapatite found in bone.

• The dosage of oral tablet, oral solution and effervescent tablet of OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet depends on the age, weight and medical condition of an individual. Take OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet as prescribed by your doctor.
• Take this tablet once a day, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage, or any other medicine.  Do not chew or break the tablets.
• Take the medicine with a full glass of water. Stay in upright condition (sitting, standing or walking) for at least half an hour.
• Please do not lie down after taking the medicine until you take your first meal of the day.
• OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet works best when taken in empty stomach.
• Do not take the medicine before going to bed as it may cause a lot of side effects.
• Do not discontinue OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet without consulting a doctor.
• Use the medicine at the same time of the day every day.
• If you miss a dose of OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet, please take it immediately once you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

If you have taken an overdose of OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet, please contact your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• Stomach pain
• Heart burn
• Difficulty in breathing
• Pain in the oesophagus (chest pain)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Mood swings
• Diarrhoea

Drugs that interact with OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet:

• Ascorbic acid
• Aspirin
• Atorvastatin
• Calcium/vitamin D
• Cholecalciferol
• Cyanocobalamin
• Ergocalciferol
• Fluticasone/Salmeterol
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Tiotropium

This is not a comprehensive list of drug interactions. Consult your doctor to know more about other possible drug interactions.

Most common side effects of OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet are: 

• Chest pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Asthma
• Nausea
• Severe heartburn, burning pain in your upper stomach, or coughing up blood
• New or worsening heartburn
• Muscle cramps

Please stop your tablets and contact your physician immediately if you suffer from

• hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria (swelling and itching of skin (upper layer of skin) and angioedema (swelling of face, eyes, throat, tongue, lower layer of the skin);
• severe skin allergies such as blisters on skin, mouth, lips, eyes and genitals (commonly called Steven Johnsons Syndrome);
• kidney problems;
• severe pain in the oesophagus (difficulty or pain when swallowing);
• pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;
• difficulty in breathing;
• fever, body aches, flu symptoms;
• black tarry or bloody stools;
• severe pain in joint, bone, or muscle.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please consult your doctor to know more about other possible side effects.

Seek doctor’s advice before taking any other drug or herbal products while on OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet.

You are advised not to take OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet if

• it has passed the expiry date of the medicine printed on the pack.
• the foil or packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering or there is discolouration.

Tell your doctor if

• you are allergic to OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet.
• you are taking any other drugs, OTC medications, herbal products or nutritional supplements.
• you have certain oesophagus (pain while eating or drinking) problems (narrowing, blockage).
• you are not able to sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes.
• you have low blood calcium levels.
• you drink or smoke.
• you have low blood vitamin D levels.
• you have cancer, anaemia, or blood clotting problems.
• you have poor dental hygiene or will have dental treatment.
• if you have calcium metabolism problems, or nutrient absorption problems (malabsorption syndrome), or you are unable to take calcium or vitamin D supplements
• you have asthma.
• you are on medication for mental treatment.
• you have severe kidney problems.
• you are planning a surgery or any procedure.
• you are pregnant or trying to conceive or are breastfeeding.

If you have taken an overdose of OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet, please contact your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• Stomach pain
• Heart burn
• Difficulty in breathing
• Pain in the oesophagus (chest pain)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Mood swings
• Diarrhoea

1. How should OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet be stored?
• OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet tablets and oral suspension must be stored in a cool temperature ranging from 15 to 30°C in a dry place.
• The tablets and suspension must not be exposed to light and moisture as it becomes less active. OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet must be kept out of children’s reach.
• Oral suspension of OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet must not be kept in the refrigerator.
2. Should I follow any special dietary instructions while taking OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet?

Have a diet as advised by your doctor. Calcium or iron supplements, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water, calcium-enriched juices and food can decrease the absorption of OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet.

3. What are the other formulations of OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet available?

OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet comes in oral tablets, oral suspension and effervescent tablet formulations.

4. Can I drive while taking OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet?

OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet does not affect the driving ability. However, if you are feeling dizzy, it is better to avoid driving.

5. Can I drink alcohol with OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet?

It is better to avoid alcohol while taking OSTEOFOS 70mg Tablet as the medicine increases the effect of alcohol.