CompositionFosavance 70mg/5600iu Tablet 4 is used to treat osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) in women after the menopause and in men, reducing the risk of spine and hip fractures. It is a combination medicine containing alendronate 70mg, a bisphosphonate, and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 2800 IU.
Alendronate slows the cells that break down bone, helping to keep bones strong, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. It is taken once a week, on the same day each week. Take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of plain water, while sitting or standing, and stay upright for at least 30 minutes. Do not eat, drink anything other than water, or take other medicines, including calcium, during that time.
Getting enough calcium from food, doing weight-bearing exercise such as walking, not smoking, limiting alcohol and preventing falls at home support bone health.
Do not take this medicine if you have low blood calcium, severe kidney disease, problems with your food pipe that slow emptying, or cannot sit or stand upright for 30 minutes. Before starting, tell your doctor about any swallowing problems, stomach ulcers, dental problems or planned dental treatment, as this medicine can rarely affect the jaw bone; tell your dentist that you take it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Seek medical help for chest pain, pain or difficulty swallowing, new heartburn, jaw pain or loose teeth, or new pain in the thigh, hip or groin. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor advises you to do so.
