Fonat (Alendronate Sodium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Fonat Used For?
Fonat contains alendronate sodium and belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. It is specifically designed to treat osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
Primary Uses
Fonat is used to treat osteoporosis, a condition caused by changes in the way bone is normally maintained. This condition makes bones thinner, weaker, and more likely to fracture.
How It Works
Fonat works by slowing down the process of old bone being removed, which allows bone-forming cells time to rebuild normal bone. It not only helps prevent bone loss but actually helps rebuild bone and makes bones less likely to fracture. The medication starts working on bone cells immediately, but measurable effects on bone mass may not be seen for several months or more.
Good to know: Fonat is not addictive and helps prevent or reverse the progression of osteoporosis.
How to Take Fonat
Fonat must be taken exactly as prescribed to work properly and reduce the risk of side effects. The timing and method of taking this medication are very important.
Dosage Instructions
Take one 70mg tablet once per week on the same day each week. Take it in the morning after getting up – never at bedtime. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of plain water only. Do not chew or suck on the tablet. Stay upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after swallowing. Do not eat, drink anything other than plain water, or take other medications during this 30-minute period. Food, other drinks, and medications will reduce the effectiveness of Fonat.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your weekly dose, skip the missed tablet and take one tablet the following morning after you remember. If you take the missed tablet after eating or drinking, it may not work as well. It’s better to skip the missed dose and continue with your regular weekly schedule. Never take two tablets on the same day to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Never take two tablets on the same day to make up for a missed dose. This could be dangerous.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Stomach pain and gas
- Heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headache
- Unusual tiredness
- Muscle, joint, or bone aches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Joint swelling
- Dizziness or spinning sensation
- Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- Hair loss
- Changes in sense of taste
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Skin rash or itchiness
- Mouth ulcers
- Blurred vision, eye pain, or redness
- Jaw or dental problems
- New or unusual pain in hips or thigh
- Tingling sensation in fingers or around the mouth
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Chest pain
- New or worsening heartburn
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, throat, or tongue causing difficulty breathing
- Pinkish, itchy swellings on the skin
- Severe skin reactions
- Black tar-like and/or bloody stools
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Fonat should not be used, and others where special caution is needed.
Who Should Not Take Fonat
Do not take Fonat if you are allergic to alendronate sodium or any ingredients in the medication, have certain disorders of the food pipe (esophagus) that cause swallowing difficulty, cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, have low blood calcium levels, or if your dentist advises you to consult your doctor first.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, swallowing or digestive problems such as ulcers, dental or jaw-bone problems, are planning dental surgery, currently smoke or have been a smoker, or have any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Fonat if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The medication has not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you become pregnant while taking Fonat, stop taking the tablets and contact your doctor immediately.
Esophageal Irritation Risk: Fonat can irritate or burn the food pipe (esophagus) in some people. Following the dosing instructions carefully reduces this risk.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Fonat and affect how it works. It’s important to take Fonat at the right time to avoid these interactions.
Timing is crucial: Take Fonat at least 30 minutes before taking any other medicines to ensure proper absorption.
- Antacids (medicines used to treat indigestion)
- Calcium supplements
- Vitamins
Alcohol & Driving
There are important considerations regarding alcohol consumption and driving while taking Fonat.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. If you drink excessively on a regular basis, you may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Your doctor may advise you to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Fonat affects you. Some side effects have been reported that may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and individual responses may vary.
Storage
Keep Fonat tablets in the blister pack until it’s time to take them. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from light, moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you take too many tablets at one time, drink a full glass of milk immediately. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down. Seek urgent medical attention by calling the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contacting your doctor, or going to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fonat starts working on bone cells immediately, but measurable effects on bone mass may not be seen for several months or more. It’s important to continue taking it as prescribed for long-term bone health benefits.
No, Fonat must be taken on an empty stomach with plain water only. Food, drinks other than plain water, and other medicines will reduce its effectiveness. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fonat before eating or drinking anything else.
No, Fonat is not addictive. It’s a bisphosphonate medication that works by helping to rebuild and strengthen bones.
Do not stop taking Fonat or change the dosage without first checking with your doctor. Fonat can only treat osteoporosis by helping prevent further bone loss and continuing to rebuild bone if you take it consistently every week.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Excessive regular drinking may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, and your doctor may advise you to reduce your alcohol consumption.
Skip the missed tablet and take one tablet the following morning after you remember. Never take two tablets on the same day to make up for a missed dose. Continue with your regular weekly schedule on your chosen day.
Staying upright (sitting, standing, or walking) for at least 30 minutes after taking Fonat helps ensure the tablet reaches your stomach quickly and reduces the risk of irritation or burning of the food pipe (esophagus).
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.