The most widely used bone-strengthening drug, Fosamax, is prescribed as treatment for bone problems such osteoporosis and osteitis deformans (Pagets disease) where there is a decrease in bone density. It has received both positive and negative feedbacks including the recently reviewed
link between Fosamax and esophageal cancer. While Fosamax has been widely received by the many, its cousin drug Fosamax Plus D deserves equal attention for its probably equivalent effect.
The generic counterpart of Fosamax Plus D is alendronate sodium and cholecalciferol. As a biphosphonate, alendronate works by altering the bone cycle particularly on the bone resorption process. Bone loss is condensed while apparently bone density is enhanced.
On a different note, cholecalciferol, is the form of vitamin D after being acted upon by sunlight. It is later translated in to calcitriol which is the active calcium regulating hormone. This hormone is in charge for the regulation of calcium in the blood by:
Increasing the absorption of calcium from the small intestine
Decreasing the calcium excretion to the urine by the kidney
Increasing the release of calcium into the blood from bone
Fosamax Plus D has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be given as treatment for osteoporosis in menopausal women and also in men to increase their bone density. But, patients suffering from diseases where there is excessive production of vitamin D, e.g. leukemia, giving this drug is contraindicated. Moreover, this is also not recommended to patients with renal insufficiency or renal failure.
Instructions on the dosage of the drug is similar to that with Fosamax. Take the drug first thing in the morning after rising up and at least 30 minutes before your first meal, drink or other drugs. Administer the drug with a full glass of plain water only, not even mineral water, and remain standing or sitting upright for at least half an hour after drinking the medicine.
The side effects of Fosamax are also the same side effects you may experience with Fosamax Plus D mainly because both medication contain alendronate. In addition, there may be a need to check the level of vitamin D in your blood as this drug contains a week worth of recommended vitamin D intake and overdose of this vitamin may occur. These concerns need to be discussed with your physician.
Due to the similarity contents with Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D may also cause serious adverse effects like low-impact thigh bone fracture and osteonecrosis of the jaw. These have been the grounds for those who have filed a
Fosamax lawsuit.
