Fosamax vs. Reclast, Zometa

• Are Fosamax and Reclast, Zometa the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Fosamax?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Reclast, Zometa?
• What Is Fosamax?
• What Is Reclast, Zometa?
• What Drugs Interact with Fosamax?
• What Drugs Interact with Reclast, Zometa?
• How Should Fosamax Be Taken?
• How Should Reclast, Zometa Be Taken?

Fosamax(alendronatesodium) andReclast,Zometa(zoledronic acid) are bisphosphonates used to treat and preventosteoporosis, and to treat Paget'sdisease.

Reclast, Zometa is also used to treat highbloodlevels ofcalciumcaused bycancersuch ashypercalcemiaofmalignancy,multiple myeloma(a type ofbone marrowcancer), or cancer that has spread from elsewhereinthe body to thebone.

Commonside effectsof Fosamax include:

• gas,
• constipation,
• heartburn,
• diarrhea,
• bloating,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomachpain,
• jointpain or swelling,
• swelling in your hands orfeet,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• eyepain,
• back pain, or
• weakness.

Serious side effects of Fosamax include:

• severe pain (joints, bone,muscle,jaw, back or heartburn),
• chest pain,
• difficulty swallowing,
• bloody stools,
• eye pain,
• skinblisters, and
• swelling of the face,tongue, orthroat.

Common side effects of Reclast, Zometa include:

• nausea,
• tiredness,
• flu-like symptoms (e.g.,fever,chills, muscle/joint aches),
• cough,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• vision problems,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• joint or muscle pain, or
• injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling).

Fosamax (alendronate sodium) is abisphosphonatethat is a specific inhibitor ofosteoclast-mediated boneresorptionused to both treat and prevent osteoporosis, and to treat Paget's disease.

Reclast, Zometa is aprescriptionmedicine used to:

• Treat or prevent osteoporosis in women aftermenopause. Reclast, Zometa helps reduce the chance of having a hip or spinalfracture(break).
• Increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
• 治疗或预防骨质疏松症男性或女性en who will be takingcorticosteroidmedicines for at least one year.
• Treat certain men and women who have Paget's disease of the bone.

It is not known how long Reclast, Zometa works for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. You should see yourdoctorregularly to determine if Reclast, Zometa is still right for you.

Reclast, Zometa is not for use in children.

Fosamax may interact withaspirinor otherNSAIDs(non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs).

Reclast, Zometa may interact with different drugs. Reclast, Zometa may interact withdiuretics(waterpills), antibiotics, other medicines that can harm your kidneys, cancer medicines, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Fosamax is available in atabletororalliquid form. Each bottle of the oral solution contains 91.35mgof alendronate monosodiumsalttrihydrate, which is themolarequivalent to 70 mg of the drug. The recommended initial dosage is one 70 mg molar equivalent tablet or oral liquid bottle once weekly or one 10 mg molar equivalent tablet per day. Fosamax must be taken at least one-half hour before the firstfood, beverage, ormedicationof the day with plain water only to avoid any reduction ingastrointestinaladsorption.

• Your doctor will tell you how often you will receive Reclast, Zometa.
• Reclast, Zometa is given by infusion into yourvein(intravenously). Your infusion should last at least 15 minutes.
• Before you receive Reclast, Zometa, drink at least 2 glasses of fluid (such as water) within a few hours as directed by your doctor.
• You may eat before your treatment with Reclast, Zometa.
• If you miss a dose of Reclast, Zometa, call your doctor or healthcare provider to schedule your next dose.