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Introduction About OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET
OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET is used to manage osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones) in postmenopausal women. It helps to improve bone mass density in patients with weak bones and can also be used to manage osteoporosis caused by excessive use of corticosteroids (such as prednisone). It also helps in the management of Paget’s disease (abnormal bone growth due to disturbances in the normal span of bone cells).
OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET contains Alendronic acid, which belongs to the group of medicines called Bisphosphonates. It inhibits bone loss and helps build bone mass and density. It works by attaching itself to the bone surface and then stopping the action of certain bone cells that destroy the bone mass. It also stabilizes the replacement of new bone tissue growth and stops abnormal bone growth.
Take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET on an empty stomach. Do not lie down immediately after taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET. It is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene while undergoing management with OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET. Therefore, routinely have dental check-ups during management to avoid unwanted oral problems.
You should also inform your doctor immediately if you experience any oral problems such as tooth pain, swelling, or loosening after taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET.
Before taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any problems in the kidneys or in the stomach or are scheduled for any oral management or dental surgery. Do not take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.
OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET is not recommended for use by patients having problems with their food pipe. It is also not suitable for use by patients who are unable to sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes at a time.
The most common side effects of OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET are headache, dizziness, stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, or acid reflux. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects trouble you.
Uses Of OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET
- To manage osteoporosis (caused by low bone mass, menopause, or corticosteroid use)
- To manage Paget’s disease
How OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET Works
OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET inhibits bone loss and helps in building bone mass and density, where alendronic acid works by attaching itself to the bone surface and then stops the action of certain bone cells that destroy the bone mass. It also stabilizes the replacement of new bone tissue growth and stops abnormal bone growth. As a result, it improves bone mass, makes them stronger, and manages the risk of fracture.
How to use OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET
Take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass full of plain water. Take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET on an empty stomach or for at least 30 minutes before taking any food, drink, or medicine.
Do not consume tea, coffee, mineral water, or juice along with OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET. Do not lie down immediately after taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET. Avoid taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET at bedtime.
Stay upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes after taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET, and do not lie down until you have eaten the first meal of the day. This is followed to manage the reflux of medicine back to the oesophagus.
Your doctor will decide the appropriate dose and duration of therapy for you depending on your age, body weight, and health condition.
You may also be prescribed vitamin D or calcium supplements along with OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET to improve your disease condition.
Do not stop taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET without consulting your doctor, as it can reduce the effectiveness of this medicine.
Side Effects Of OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET
Common
- Gastric problems (ulceration of the food pipe, difficulty and pain while swallowing, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and reflux of acid from the stomach)
- Headache, dizziness
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Hair loss
- Swelling in the joints
- Lack of energy or weakness
- Itching
- Presence of excess fluid, especially in the legs (peripheral oedema)
Uncommon
- Black tarry stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin redness
- Temporary flu-like symptoms usually appear at the beginning of the management (such as feeling ill, muscle pain, and rarely fever)
- Inflammation of the eye
- Changes in the sense of taste
Rare
- Narrowing of the food pipe
- Skin rashes due to light sensitivity
- Muscle cramps or spasms and tingling sensation around the mouth or in the finger because of low calcium levels
- Pain and inflammation of the jaw, mainly seen in people who have had tooth extractions done or have had a mouth infection
Stop taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- Severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, eyes, tongue, or throat causing wheezing or difficulty breathing)
- Signs of severe skin reactions called toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens Johnson syndrome (such as the formation of blisters or rashes on the skin or other effects seen on the eyes, mouth, or genitals, which lead to itching and increased body temperature)
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing, and pain behind the breastbone
- New or worsened heartburn
- Tooth problems (tooth pain, swelling, or loosening)
- Signs of a fracture in the thigh bone (such as pain, weakness, or discomfort in the thigh, hip, or groin)
How To Manage Side Effects

Constipation
Increase fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Maintain regular meal times and avoid skipping meals. Exercise regularly to promote bowel movements. Establish a bathroom routine and avoid ignoring the urge to go. Avoid processed foods and prioritize probiotic-rich foods for gut health. Consult your doctor if constipation persists.

Diarrhea
Drink plenty of clear fluids, like water, diluted fruit juices, or oral rehydration solutions, to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they can worsen dehydration. Gradually take bland, low-fiber foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast to help firm up stools. Probiotics, found in yogurt or supplements, may help restore the balance of gut bacteria. Practice good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. Consult your doctor if diarrhea worsens.

Dizziness Or Drowsiness
Ensure proper hydration, as dehydration can cause dizziness. Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium foods, which can exacerbate symptoms. Engage in physical therapy or vestibular rehabilitation exercises designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness. Move slowly when changing positions, such as standing up or lying down, to avoid triggering dizziness. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress, which can contribute to dizziness. Consult your doctor if dizziness persists.

Nausea And Vomiting
Stay hydrated with small sips of clear fluids like water, ginger ale, or electrolyte solutions. Avoid consuming large meals; instead, opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods. Ginger, peppermint, or chamomile tea may help soothe the stomach. Rest in a comfortable position, preferably with your head elevated, to ease symptoms. Consult your doctor if nausea and vomiting persist.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
ContraindicatedOSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedOSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if your abilities are affected by OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET.

Alcohol
ContraindicatedAvoid drinking alcohol while taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET.

Kidney
Use with CautionOSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients who have or have ever had any kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET if you are allergic to alendronic acid.

Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedOSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionOSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET should be used with caution with elderly patients. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Others
OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
- Have certain diseases of the food pipe, such as difficulty swallowing or narrowing of the food pipe
- Have low blood calcium levels
- Are not able to stand or sit straight for a minimum of 30 minutes
Before taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- Have Barrett’s oesophagus (a condition in which there are changes seen in the cells of the lower food pipe)
- Have had surgery of the stomach or food pipe (this does not include pyroplasty, a surgery of the widening of the stomach outlet)
- Have or had low vitamin D levels in the body
- Have hypoparathyroidism (a condition in which the parathyroid gland does not work properly)
- Have had dental management or are planning to undergo any dental surgery
- Have had pain, swelling, and numbness in the jaw or felt the loosening of a tooth or a heavy jaw feeling
- Have cancer, are undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or are taking steroids
- Have not been receiving regular dental care, smoke, or have a mouth infection
- Have inflammation of the lining of the stomach or the first section of the small intestine
- Have a stomach ulcer or other digestive problems, such as bleeding in the stomach
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ex. aspirin and ibuprofen)
B. Drug-Food Interactions:
OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET takes longer to work if taken with a heavy meal or after drinks. It is advised to take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET on an empty stomach or for at least 30 minutes before taking any food or drink.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of an overdose are heartburn, stomach upset, inflammation of the stomach or food pipe, cramps in the stomach or in the muscle, fits, and weakness.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Alendronic acid |
Pharmacological Category | : | Bisphosphonates |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Osteoporosis, Paget’s Disease |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Oral Jelly |
More Information
Storage
- Keep OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET out of reach of children
- Store OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET at room temperature
FAQs About OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET
Q: Who should not take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET?
A: OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET should not be used in patients who are not able to swallow or have any problems with the food pipe that hinder swallowing (such as narrowing of the gullet). It should also not be used by patients who can sit or stand constantly for 30 minutes. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant must not take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET without consulting their doctor.
Q: What is the use of OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET?
A: OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET is used to manage bone problems such as osteoporosis caused by aging, menopause, or excessive corticosteroid use. It can also be used to manage Paget’s disease.
Q: Why is OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET taken once a week?
A: It is because OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET contains a medicine called alendronic acid, which acts by blocking the actions of bone-killing cells (osteoclasts). Since the process of replacing the older bone cells with newer ones takes around 2-3 weeks for completion, taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET once a week would make it stay on the affected bone sites for a sustained period and effectively stop bone destruction.
Q: What are the side effects of OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET?
A: The most common side effects of OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET are headache, dizziness, stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, or acid reflux. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects trouble you. You should also inform your doctor immediately if you experience any oral problems such as tooth pain, swelling, or loosening after taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET.
Q: Why am I instructed to stand upright for a few minutes after taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET?
A: You need to stand upright for a few minutes after taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET so that the medicine does not come back up again from your food pipe and does not harm you.
Q: How do I take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET?
A: Take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass full of plain water. Take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET on an empty stomach and wait at least 30 minutes before taking any food, drink, or medicine. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine. Your doctor will decide the appropriate dose and duration of therapy for you depending on your age, body weight, and health condition.
Q: Can elderly patients take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET?
A: Yes, elderly patients can take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET after consulting their doctor.
Q: Can OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET cause hair loss?
A: Yes. OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET may cause hair loss in some individuals, although not everybody gets them. Regularly wash your hair and moisturize it. Avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair, as it can aggravate your hair fall. Consult your doctor if the symptom bothers you.
Q: Can OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET manage osteoporosis?
A: Yes. OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET helps in managing osteoporosis and helps in gaining back lost bone mass. However, consult your doctor before taking.
Q: Can OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET be taken daily?
A: Take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Your doctor will instruct you on how many days you may need to take this medicine. Strictly follow the instructions given by your doctor.
Q: What precautions do I need to follow while taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET?
A: Take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET on an empty stomach or at least have a time gap of 30 minutes between your first meal and the medicine. Do not take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET before going to bed or just after getting up in the morning. Sit, stand, or walk straight for at least 30 minutes after taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET. Do not lie down. Do not take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET if you are taking any painkiller such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Before taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have trouble swallowing.
Q: Will taking a higher dose of OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET be more effective?
A: No. Taking a higher dose of OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET will not be effective. Stick to the dosage that your doctor has prescribed to you. If the prescribed dose is not effective for you, consult your doctor for advice. Your doctor will increase the dose or suggest an alternative therapy, depending on your health condition.
Q: How does OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET work?
A: OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET works by binding itself to the bone surface and by stopping the action of bone-eating cells. This helps in managing bone loss and the risk of fracture. It also improves bone mass and makes your bones stronger.
Q: Can OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET cause dental problems?
A: Yes. OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET may cause dental problems such as jaw inflammation, pain, and loosening of teeth. Therefore, consult your doctor immediately if you experience any such symptoms.
Q: Can I stop taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET once my symptoms subside?
A: No. Do not stop taking OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET without consulting your doctor once your symptoms subside, as it may reverse the healed condition. Continue to take OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET as long as instructed by your doctor.
Q: Can OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET cause weight gain?
A: It is unlikely that OSTEOFOS 70MG TABLET would cause an increase in weight in patients. However, it may cause peripheral edema (accumulation of fluid in the body) in some patients, which may make them feel that they have gained a lot of weight.
References
1. K.D. Tripathi. Drugs effecting Calcium balance. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh Edition. 2013. Page – 344-345.
2. M. Sharpe, S Noble and C M Spencer. Alendronate: an update of its use in osteoporosis. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. 2001. [Accessed on 13th June 2024] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11434454/
3. Milpharm Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in October 2022]. [Accessed on 13th June 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5206.pdf
4. Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in October 2021]. [Accessed on 13th June 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3945.pdf
5. Cipla Ltd. Osteofos Tablets (Alendronate). Ciplamed.com. [Revised in January 2021] [Accessed on 13th June 2024] https://www.ciplamed.com/product-index/osteofos-tablets
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