Fosamax (Alendronate)

Fosamax
4.329 ratingsReviews
Generic:
Alendronate
Indications:
bone loss osteoporosis Paget's disease
Analogs:
Fosavance Risedronate Ibandronate Zoledronic Acid Denosumab Raloxifene Teriparatide Abaloparatide Romosozumab Etidronate Binosto Actonel Atelvia Boniva Reclast Aclasta Prolia Forteo Tymlos Evenity Evista Miacalcin
AdultsPregnancyAllergiesDiabetesBreastfeedingChildrenDriving

Dosages

Fosamax 35 mg

Quantity Price per tablet You save Total price
12 $3.75 - $45.00
24 $2.63 $27.00 $63.00
36 $2.06 $61.00 $74.00
48 $1.88 $90.00 $90.00
60 $1.73 $121.00 $104.00
96 $1.55 $211.00 $149.00

Fosamax 70 mg

Quantity Price per tablet You save Total price
30 $6.17 - $185.00
60 $4.35 $109.00 $261.00
90 $3.74 $218.00 $337.00
120 $3.45 $326.00 $414.00

Manufacturers

Abiogen PharmaAccord HealthcareAliud PharmaApotexCipla LimitedMerck Sharp & DohmeOrganon CanadaratiopharmSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.Teva CanadaTeva UK

Payment & Shipping

Package Example

Your order is carefully packed and ships within 24 hours. Here's the typical package.

Sized like a regular personal letter (9.4x4.3x0.3 inches), with no indication of its contents.

Front View
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Side View
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Back View
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Shipping Times
Shipping MethodEstimated delivery
Express Free for orders over $300.00Estimated delivery to the U.S.: 4-7 days
Standard Free for orders over $200.00Estimated delivery to the U.S.: 14-21 days
EMSUSPS
Payment Methods
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Discount Coupons

  • Independence Day - July 4, 2026 10% JULY410
  • Labor Day - September 7, 2026 7% LABOR07
  • Thanksgiving - November 26, 2026 9% THANKS09

Brand Names

Also known as (by country):
CountryBrand Names
United Kingdom
Alendronic Acid Accord Alendronic Acid Teva
Canada
Apo-Alendronate Teva-Alendronate

FAQ

In the United States, alendronate requires a prescription when purchased from a local pharmacy. Our store policy allows you to order it without a prescription and have it sent by mail.

Alendronate tablets should be swallowed whole with plain water; do not chew or suck them. Do not crush or split a tablet unless a clinician or pharmacist confirms that the specific product can be altered. Because alendronate can irritate the esophagus, it is important to be able to swallow it with water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterward.

Not necessarily. Tablet color, shape, size, imprint, packaging, and inactive ingredients can differ between products. The exact brand, manufacturer, and appearance supplied for an order are not guaranteed; check the received package for the active ingredient, strength, dosage form, manufacturer, lot number, and expiration date.

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to prevent or treat osteoporosis, including osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men. It may also be used for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and Paget disease of bone. It helps reduce bone breakdown and can lower fracture risk in appropriate patients.

Description

General Information

Fosamax (Alendronate) is a medicine of the bisphosphonate pharmacological class. It is frequently used to treat disorders affecting the bones, such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is characterized by bone thinning, which increases the risk of fractures.

Fosamax prevents osteoclasts-cells that tear down bone tissue-from doing their job. Alendronate helps maintain or improve bone density by slowing down bone resorption, lowering the risk of fractures.

It is usually taken orally, and you must adhere to your doctor's instructions and the recommended dosage. It is important to share any concerns or questions you may have with your doctor because, like any drug, there is a chance of side effects.

Fosamax Ingredients

Alendronate sodium is the primary component. This medication, a bisphosphonate, is used to treat osteoporosis, among other bone disorders. Alendronate prevents osteoclast activity, which is the action of the cells that degrade bone tissue. Alendronate helps people with illnesses that cause bone loss by slowing down the resorption of bone, which increases bone density and lowers the risk of fractures.

Usually, alendronate sodium is used in place of Alendronate. Oral administration is recommended for the sodium salt version.

How the Medicine Looks like

Tablets for Oral Use

Tablets: white round uncoated (5 mg), white oval wax polished (10 mg), white oval uncoated (35 mg), white triangular uncoated (40 mg), and white oval uncoated (70 mg) pills. Different brands may produce pills that look different.

Oral Remedy

Raspberry-flavored, colorless, and clear oral solution (70 mg/bottle).

Applications

Fosamax is used to prevent osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause. Alendronate can also be used to treat osteoporosis in men and women who have it due to medications or natural causes. Fosamax is also used to treat bone-related Paget's disease. It stops bone deterioration and raises bone density (thickness) to make bones stronger and less prone to breaking.

How to Take 

Dosage Strength Formulation Typical Dosage Schedule
5 mg Tablet Once daily or once weekly
10 mg Tablet Once daily or once weekly
35 mg Tablet Once weekly
70 mg Tablet Once weekly

Depending on the prescribed dosage, tablets should be taken once daily or once every week. They should be taken with a full glass of water (6-8 ounces) first thing in the morning. Wait at least thirty minutes after taking Alendronate before consuming food, liquids, or other medications. This includes vitamins, antacids, and calcium supplements. The best results from the medicine are obtained when the stomach is empty. Swallow the pills whole; do not chew or suck on them. After taking this medication, stay off the bed for at least thirty minutes. After taking the oral solution, sip at least 1/4 of a cup (2 oz or 60ml) of water.

Precautions

Fosamax should not be taken if you are expecting or nursing a baby. It should also be avoided if you have kidney illness or issues with your stomach or intestines. Inform your physician if you experience any of these issues or if you find it difficult to remain upright for at least thirty minutes at a time.

It is not recommended to take Fosamax along with any other medications. When taking these pills, avoid taking antacids or any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, or magnesium. If you must take other prescriptions, wait at least one to two hours after taking Alendronate before taking them. If you are unsure of how or when to take your drugs, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.

Your doctor could advise you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements in addition to Fosamax. If you do, remember to take these vitamins later in the day than you take Risedronate. Avoid taking calcium and vitamin D if you have high blood calcium levels.

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Keep out of children's reach.

For further information about this drug, please call your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS PREVENTION WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
COMMON:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Stomach pain

Chest pain, heartburn

Esophageal irritation (difficulty or pain upon swallowing)

Take tablet with a full glass of water

Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking the tablet

Tell your doctor or nurse if these symptoms bother you

Tell your doctor or nurse if these become a problem

RARE:

Mouth irritation

Muscle pain, Joint pain

Rash, itching or eye pain

Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew or split the tablet.

Tell your doctor or nurse if this bothers you.

One or two regular strength acetaminophen tablets (Tylenol®) may help.

Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible

Restrictions

Certain circumstances or contraindications exist for alendronate use; therefore, it might not be appropriate for everyone. 

Hypersensitivity: Fosamax or any of its constituents should not be used by anyone with a known hypersensitivity or allergy.

Abnormalities of the esophagus: Fosamax may cause irritation to the esophagus. As a result, people with esophageal emptying disorders such as strictures or achalasia should use the medicine with caution.

Inability to stand or sit upright: Alendronate should not be taken by patients who cannot stand or sit upright for at least thirty minutes. Maintaining an upright position both during and after taking the drug is crucial to lowering the risk of esophageal irritation.

Reduced renal function: Since the kidneys eliminate Fosamax, people with significant renal impairment may need to change their dosage or not take the drug.

Deficiency in calcium and vitamin D: The medicine's efficacy depends on a sufficient intake of these nutrients. People with deficiencies can require supplements.

Before beginning treatment or any new medicine, you should always tell your healthcare practitioner about your medical history, including any current problems or medications you are taking. This will make the treatment more suitable and safe for you.

It's critical to get emergency medical assistance right away if you suspect an overdose or if you suffer symptoms like nausea, indigestion, chest discomfort, or stomach pain, as well as trouble swallowing. Severe side effects, including ulceration and esophageal irritation, might result from using too much Fosamax.

If someone overdoses, they shouldn't induce vomiting unless a medical practitioner instructs them to do so. Supportive care will be given, along with precautions to safeguard the gastrointestinal system and esophagus.

Adhere to the suggested administration instructions and maintain the authorized Alendronate dosage. Contact your healthcare practitioner right away if you have questions regarding your medication or if you inadvertently take more than the recommended amount.

How to Store

Keep Fosamax at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Keep it away from anything hotter than 25°C (77°F).

Preserve the drug in its original container and shield it from moisture. Keep it out of the bathroom and other moist areas.

This medicine and other drugs should be kept out of the reach of kids and animals. To avoid unintentional consumption, think about utilizing childproof containers.

Verify the medicine's expiration date on the container. It should not be used after the expiration date.

Whenever your pharmacist or healthcare practitioner gives you particular storage instructions, always heed their advice. Speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you need help storing your medication or if it has been exposed to adverse conditions. Never use medication that is broken, discolored, or smells strange.

FAQ

For what duration is Fosamax recommended? 

The length of your Fosamax therapy may change based on your unique medical situation and how you react to the drug. Your healthcare professional will decide how long your treatment should last. You must heed their advice and don't stop taking Fosamax without first talking to them.

Is it safe to consume alcohol when taking Fosamax?

Drinking too much alcohol can make some adverse effects, like stomach irritation, more likely. Speaking with your healthcare physician about alcohol intake is crucial, particularly if you have concerns or a history of alcohol-related problems.

What happens if I forget to take my Fosamax dose? 

Unless it's almost time for your next planned dose, take the missed Fosamax as soon as you remember. If that's the case, proceed with your usual dosing regimen and omit the missing dose. Never take two doses to make up for something you forgot to take. See your pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice if you are unclear about what to do.

Medically reviewed by
Jennifer Bowles
Pharmacologist
Updated August 11, 2026

Customer questions

Asked by Customer, Phoenix, United States

Where should I look for the lot number and expiration date when my tablets arrive?

Answered by Support team

Check the outer carton and the blister or bottle label, if present. The exact location varies by manufacturer, but the package should identify the product and show a lot number and expiration date.

Asked by Customer, Philadelphia, United States

My package was left outside in Philadelphia during very hot weather. Can I still use the alendronate tablets?

Answered by Support team

Because the actual temperature and length of exposure are unknown, we cannot confirm stability. Keep the package, inspect the tablets and packaging for damage or moisture, and compare the labeled storage requirements: 68°F to 77°F, with permitted excursions from 59°F to 86°F, before using it.

Asked by Customer, Austin, United States

I receive mail at a PO Box in Austin. Can I use it for my order?

Answered by Support team

Please enter the PO Box at checkout and use it only if it is accepted in the available address options. Address eligibility can depend on the shipping option selected.

Asked by Customer, San Francisco, United States

I take my alendronate tablet once a week and forgot it yesterday. Should I take two tablets next week?

Answered by Support team
Medical reviewed by Jennifer Bowles

No. For a missed once-weekly dose, the usual instruction is to take one tablet on the morning after you remember, then resume your regular weekly schedule. Do not take two tablets on the same day.

Product specifications

Active ingredientAlendronate
Drug classBisphosphonate
Dosage formTablet
Available strengths35 mg, 70 mg
RouteOral
StorageStore at room temperature, 68°F to 77°F; excursions permitted to 59°F to 86°F. Keep tablets in a well-closed container in a dry place, away from light.
ATC codeM05BA04

Regulatory information

United States: Fosamax status
FDA statusFosamax (alendronate sodium) oral tablets are FDA-approved prescription medicines in the United States; the 35 mg and 70 mg tablet strengths are included in the U.S. product labeling.
Prescription statusA prescription from a licensed health care professional is required in the United States.
Official prescribing informationThe current U.S. prescribing information is available through the National Library of Medicine's DailyMed database.
Adverse-event reportingSuspected serious adverse events may be reported to the FDA MedWatch program.

More information