Tag: Alendronate

Fosamax, or alendronate, is poorly absorbed by the body, with less than 1% of the drug reaching the bloodstream. To maximize its effectiveness, it is critical to know what vitamins should I avoid with Fosamax, specifically those containing minerals that interfere with absorption.

Studies show that bisphosphonates, the drug class to which Fosamax (alendronate) belongs, can reduce vertebral fractures by as much as 70% in certain patients. While Fosamax does not directly stimulate new bone growth, its mechanism of action effectively helps to build bone mass by slowing down the rate of bone breakdown. This action allows the body's natural bone-forming processes to catch up, leading to an overall increase in bone density and strength.

According to the National Institutes of Health, adequate calcium and vitamin D are essential for effective bisphosphonate therapy, which includes alendronate. So, do you need to increase calcium when taking alendronate, and if so, how should you do it to maximize treatment benefits?

Oral alendronate has a very low absorption rate, typically less than 1%, which is significantly decreased by food and certain beverages. This poor bioavailability makes understanding what foods should I avoid when taking alendronate absolutely essential for the medication's intended effect.