Introduction
Alen D is prescribed to treat osteoporosis. It prevents bone loss and helps in thickening of the bones. It also strengthens the muscles to support the body. It is a potent medicine used to prevent bone loss in women after menopause by rebuilding their bones.
Alen D is best taken in an empty stomach. You should take it regularly at a fixed time each day. Taking it at the same time every day will help you remember to take it. It may take several days to get the full benefit of this drug. Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you it is alright to stop. This medicine may only be part of a treatment program that may also include changes to your diet and taking other medicines and vitamin supplements.
The most common side effects of this medicine include headache, back pain, musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, indigestion, heartburn, and diarrhea. These are generally mild and usually resolve on their own. If they do not go away or get worse, you should let your doctor know. Your doctor may be able to suggest ways of preventing or reducing the side effects.
Before using this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any medical conditions or disorders. To make sure the medicine is safe for you, let your doctor also know all the other medicines you are taking. You may need frequent medical tests to check your kidney function and mineral levels while on treatment with this medicine. You should avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol, as it can cause bone loss. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctors before using this medicine.
Side effects of Alen D
Common
- Headache
- Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
- Back pain
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
How to use Alen D
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Alen D is to be taken empty stomach.
How Alen D works
Alen D is a combination of two medicines: Alendronic Acid and Vitamin D3 which treat osteoporosis. Alendronic Acid is a bisphosphonate. It works by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause destruction of bone. This strengthens the bone and minimizes the risk of fractures. Vitamin D3 helps protect your bones, both by increasing calcium absorption and by supporting muscles needed to avoid falls.
Indication
Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: One tablet once weekly.
Treatment to increase bonemass in men with osteoporosis: One tablet once weekly.
Hepatic Impairment No dosage adjustment needed.
Administration
Concomitant iron, calcium supplements and antacids hinder alendronate absorption. Concomitant aspirin or NSAIDs may increase the incidence of adverse GI effects.
Adult Dose
Upper GI disorders (discontinue if symptoms worsen); history of ulcers, active GI bleeding. Correct vitamin D and calcium deficiency before starting therapy. To be taken half an hr before breakfast and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after admin. Not recommended for use in patients with CrCl <35 ml/min.
Renal Dose
Alendronic acid reduces bone resorption by inhibiting the action of osteoclasts.
Precaution
Osteopetrosis, postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone
Side Effect
Dosing in elderly and renal insufficiency: No dosage adjustment is necessary for the elderly or for patients with mild-to-moderate renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance 35 to 60 mL/min).
CrCl (ml/min)
<35 Not recommended.
Pregnancy Category Note
The most common side-effect is digestive reactions. These reactions include irritation, inflammation, or ulcers of the esophagus, which may sometimes bleed. This may occur especially if patients do not drink a full glass of water or if they lie down in less than 30 minutes or before their first food of the day.
Less common side-effects are nausea, vomiting, a full or bloated feeling in the stomach, constipation, diarrhea, black or bloody stools, gas, headache, a changed sense of taste, and bone, muscle, or joint pain.
Interaction
Hypocalcaemia; oesophageal abnormalities and factors which delay oesophageal emptying; severe renal impairment; hypersensitivity; inability to stand or sit upright for <30 min. Pregnancy, lactation.