Manufacturer
Hovid
Contents
Alendronate
Indication
Hovid Alendronate is in the group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Hovid Alendronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures.
Instruction
Take Hovid Alendronate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Hovid Alendronate tablets are taken either once each day or once each week.
Take the Hovid Alendronate tablet first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything or take any other medicine. If you take a Hovid Alendronate tablet only once a week, take it on the same day each week and always first thing in the morning.
Take each Hovid Alendronate tablet with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Use only plain water (not mineral water) when taking a tablet. Do not crush, chew, or suck the Fosamax tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
After taking a Hovid Alendronate tablet, carefully follow these instructions:
Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking Hovid Alendronate.
Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water.
Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking Hovid Alendronate. It may be best to take your other medicines at a different time of the day. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines.
To be sure Hovid Alendronate is helping your condition, your bone mineral density will need to be tested on a regular basis. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Hovid Alendronate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
If you take Hovid Alendronate tablets once daily: If you forget to take this medicine first thing in the morning, do not take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.
If you take Fosamax tablets once a week: If you forget to take Fosamax on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular weekly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.
Drug interaction
Intravenous ranitidine (Histac) increases blood levels of alendronate. Antacids, Ca2+-supplements, or medicines that contain calcium, aluminum, magnesium reduce absorption of Hovid Alendronate. Aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) co-administered with Hovid Alendronate may increase risk of stomach and intestinal side effects.
Malaysia
