Fosamax Uses

Fosamax uses are primarily focused on treating osteoporosis and Paget's disease of the bone. In postmenopausal women, the drug is also approved to prevent osteoporosis. "Off-label" Fosamax uses include the treatment of high calcium levels in the blood and cancer that has spread to the bones. The drug is not approved for use in children.

 

Fosamax Uses: An Overview

Fosamax® (alendronate sodium) is a prescription medication that is part of a group of medications known as bisphosphonates. It is approved for the following uses:
 
  • Preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
  • Treating osteoporosis in men and women who take steroids
  • Treating osteoporosis in men
  • Treating Paget's disease of the bone in men and women.
     

Fosamax Uses for Paget's Disease

Normally, bone is continuously being broken down and rebuilt. Paget's disease of the bone is a condition involving rapid breakdown of bone combined with abnormal reformation. The abnormally reformed bone is weaker than normal. Symptoms of Paget's disease can include pain and bent or broken bones. Bisphosphonates such as Fosamax can help slow down the rate at which bone breaks down and can also help the body to build bone more normally.
 
Not all people with Paget's disease need to be treated with a bisphosphonate. Fosamax is recommended for people who:
 
  • Have very high alkaline phosphatase levels (a measure of the disease's severity)
  • Have Paget's disease symptoms
  • Are at risk for future complications of Paget's disease.
 
(Fosamax Uses Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;