Alendronate-Cholecalciferol: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

ABOUT THIS MEDICATION

What the medication is used for:

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL is the brand name for a tablet that contains alendronate sodium and cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) as the active ingredients. It is available only on prescription from your doctor. Alendronate sodium is a member of a class of non-hormonal drugs called bisphosphonates. Cholecalciferol is the natural form of vitamin D.

Your doctor has prescribed ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL because you have a disease known as osteoporosis. ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL is indicated for treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and in men.

Since it is not known how long ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL should be continued for osteoporosis, you should discuss the need to stay on this medication with your doctor regularly to determine if ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL is still right for you.

What it does:

How is normal bone maintained?

Bone undergoes a normal process of rebuilding that occurs

continuously throughout your skeleton. First, old bone is removed (resorbed), then new bone is laid down (formed). This balanced process of resorbing and forming bone keeps your skeleton healthy and strong.

What is osteoporosis and why should it be treated?

Osteoporosis is a thinning and weakening of the bones. It is common in women after menopause and may also occur in men. Osteoporosis often occurs in women several years after the menopause, which occurs when the ovaries stop producing the female hormone, estrogen, or are removed (which may occur, for example, at the time of a hysterectomy). The earlier a woman reaches the menopause, the greater the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can also occur in men due to several causes, including aging and/or a low level of the male hormone, testosterone. In all instances, bone is removed faster than it is formed, so bone loss occurs and bones become weaker. Therefore, maintaining bone mass and preventing further bone loss are important to keep your skeleton healthy. Early on, osteoporosis usually has no symptoms. If left untreated, however, it can result in fractures (broken bones). Although fractures usually cause pain, fractures of the bones of the spine may go unnoticed until they cause height loss. Fractures may occur during normal, everyday activity, such as lifting, or from minor injury that would not ordinarily fracture normal bone. Fractures usually occur at the hip, spine, or wrist and can lead not only to pain, but also to considerable deformity and disability (such as stooped posture from curvature of the spine, and loss of mobility).

What should I know about vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, required for calcium absorption and healthy bones. The main source is through exposure to summer sunlight, which makes vitamin D in our skin. Winter sunlight in Canada is too weak to produce vitamin D. Even in the summer, clothing or sun block can prevent enough sunlight from getting through. In addition, as people age, their skin becomes less able to make vitamin D. Very few foods are natural sources of vitamin D. Some foods

(for example, milk, select brands of orange juice and breakfast cereals) are fortified with vitamin D.

Too little vitamin D leads to inadequate calcium absorption and low phosphate – the minerals that make bones strong. Even if you are eating a diet rich in calcium or taking a calcium supplement, your body cannot absorb calcium properly unless you have enough vitamin D. Too little vitamin D may lead to bone loss and osteoporosis, and severe vitamin D deficiency may cause muscle weakness which can lead to falls, and greater risk of fracture. Vitamin D supplements reduce these risks and their consequences.

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL alone should not be used to treat vitamin D deficiency.

How can ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL treat your osteoporosis?

Your doctor has prescribed ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL to treat your osteoporosis. The alendronate sodium component of ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL not only prevents the loss of bone but actually helps to rebuild bone you may have lost and increases your bone mass. This makes bone stronger and less likely to fracture. Thus, ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL reverses the progression of osteoporosis.

If you are over the age of 70, home bound, or suffer from a long-

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL (alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol)

term illness, you may need to receive vitamin D in addition to that provided in ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL. Because winter sunlight in Canada is too weak to produce vitamin D, most people living in Canada may also need additional vitamin D.

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL does not contain calcium. Your doctor may recommend calcium supplements.

In addition, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following lifestyle changes:

Stop smoking. Smoking appears to increase the rate at which you lose bone and, therefore, may increase your risk of fracture.

Exercise. Like muscles, bones need exercise to stay strong and healthy. Consult your doctor before you begin any exercise program.

Eat a balanced diet. Your doctor can advise you whether to modify your diet or to take any dietary supplements.

Reduce the use of alcohol. When it should not be used:

Do not take ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL if you:

• Have certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach).
• Are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
• Are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Have low blood calcium.
• Have SEVERE kidney disease. If you have any doubts if this applies to you, speak to your doctor.

What the medicinal ingredients are:

Each tablet of ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL (70 mg/2800 IU) contains 70 mg of alendronate and 70 mcg of cholecalciferol (2800 IU of vitamin D₃).

Each tablet of ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL (70 mg/5600 IU) contains 70 mg of alendronate and 140 mcg of cholecalciferol (5600 IU of vitamin D₃).

What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:

butylated hydroxytoluene, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, gelatin, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, medium chain triglycerides, microcrystalline cellulose, modified food starch (corn), sodium aluminum silicate and sucrose.

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL tablets are gluten free.

What dosage forms it comes in:

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL (70 mg/2800 IU) is available as a white to off-white, modified capsule-shaped tablet, with code 710 on one side.

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL (70 mg/5600 IU) is available as a white to off-white, modified rectangle-shaped tablet, with code 270 on one side.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS BEFORE you use

BEFORE you use ALENDRONATE -CHOLECALCIFEROL talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have cancer, gum disease, poor oral hygiene, or diabetes.
• get chemotherapy, radiotherapy,
• take corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs
• take angiogenesis inhibitors; they are drugs that slow down the growth of new blood vessels and are used mostly to treat cancer (e.g. bevacizumab).
• are or have been a smoker,
• are a heavy alcohol user.

If you have any of these conditions you, have a dental ckeck-up before starting ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL.

• have or have had, any medical problems including known kidney disease.
• have or have had any dental problems.
• haveany allergies.
• have any swallowing or digestive problems.

Digestive problems

Some patients may experience digestive problems while taking

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL, which may be severe, including irritation or ulceration of the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach), which can cause chest pain, heartburn or difficulty or pain upon swallowing. These reactions may occur especially if patients do not drink the recommended amount of water with

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL and/or if they lie down in less than 30 minutes or before their first food of the day.

Talk to your doctor:

• If you have ear pain and/or discharge from the ear while taking ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL as these could be signs of bone damage in the ear.

Use in pregnancy and breast-feeding

Do not take ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Use in children

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL is not indicated for anyone under 18 years of age and should not be given to them.

Use in elderly

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL works equally well in, and is equally well tolerated by, patients older and younger than 65 years of age.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL (alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol)

There have been side effects reported with ALENDRONATE-

CHOLECALCIFEROL that may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Individual responses to ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL may vary.

INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION

You should always tell your doctor about all drugs you are taking or plan to take, including those obtained without a prescription, vitamins, and herbal products.

It is likely that calcium supplements, antacids, and some oral medicines will interfere with the absorption of alendronate if taken at the same time of the day. You must wait at least one- half hour after taking ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL before taking any other oral medication.

It is likely that certain medicines or food additives may prevent the vitamin D in ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL from getting into your body, including artificial fat substitutes, mineral oils, orlistat and the cholesterol-lowering medicines, cholestyramine and colestipol. Medicines for seizures (convulsions), cimetidine and thiazides (diuretic) may decrease the effectiveness of vitamin D.

PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION

Usual dose:

How should I take ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL?

These are the important things you must do to help make sure

you will benefit from ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL:

1. 1. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule. Every week, take one ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL tablet on your chosen day.
2. 2. After getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage, or other medication, swallow your ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL tablet with a full glass (200-250 mL) of plain water only.

Do not take ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL with:

• Mineral water
• Coffee or tea
• Juice

Although it has not been tested, because of high mineral content, “hard water” may decrease absorption of ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL. If your normal drinking water is classified as “hard water”, you should consider taking this medication with distilled water (i.e., not mineral water).

Do not chew or suck on a tablet of ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL.

3.After swallowing your ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL tablet, do not lie down - stay fully upright (sitting, standing or walking) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after your first food of the day.

1. 4. Do not take ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL at bedtime or before getting up for the day.

The above actions will help the ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL tablet reach your stomach quickly and help reduce the potential for irritation of your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach).

1. 5. After swallowing your ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL tablet, wait at least 30 minutes before taking your first food, beverage, or other medication of the day, including antacids, calcium supplements and vitamins. ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL is effective only if taken when your stomach is empty.
2. 6. If you develop difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn, stop taking ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL immediately and call your doctor.
3. 7. It is important that you continue taking ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL for as long as your doctor prescribes it. ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL can treat your osteoporosis only if you continue to take it.

It is important to take ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL over the long-term to continue to help rebuild bone you may have lost. It is, therefore, important to follow your doctor's instructions for taking ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL without skipping doses or varying from your prescribed treatment schedule. It is also important to continue to follow your doctor's advice on lifestyle changes.

Overdose:

If you take too many tablets, drink a full glass of milk and contact your doctor immediately. Do not induce vomiting. Do not lie down.

Missed dose:

If you miss a dose, just take one ALENDRONATE-

CHOLECALCIFEROL tablet on the morning after you remember. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Return to taking one tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on your chosen day.

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately , even if there are no symptoms.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL (alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol)

This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL contact your doctor or pharmacist.

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL may have unintended or undesirable effects.

• digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation..
• disorders of your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach) including irritation which can cause chest pain, heartburn or difficulty or pain upon swallowing. Esophageal reactions may worsen if patients continue to take after developing symptoms suggesting irritation of the esophagus

If you develop difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn, stop taking ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL immediately and call your doctor.

• bone, muscle and/or joint pain which is rarely severe.
• joint swelling or swelling in their hands or legs.
• Transient flu-like symptoms (rarely with fever).
• rash that may be made worse by sunlight, hair loss
• allergic reactions such as hives or, rarely, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat, which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing, may occur.
• dizziness, vertigo (spinning sensation) or a changed sense of taste.
• symptoms of low blood calcium (for example, numbness or tingling around the mouth or in the hands or feet; muscle spasms in the face, hands, or feet).
• mouth ulcers have occurred when the tablet was chewed or dissolved in the mouth.

If any of these affects you severely, talk to your pharmacist.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ

ALENDRONATE-CHOLECALCIFEROL (alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol)

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REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS

You can help improve the safe use of health products for

Canadians by reporting serious and unexpected side effects

to Health Canada. Your report may help to identify new side effects and change the product safety information.

3 ways to report:

• Online at MedEffect (http://hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/index-eng.php);
• By calling 1-866-234-2345 (toll-free);

• By completing a Consumer Side Effect Reporting Form

  and sending it by:

  • Fax to 1-866-678-6789 (toll-free), or

  • Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program

    Health Canada

    Postal Locator 0701E

    Ottawa, ON

    K1A 0K9

Postage paid labels and the Consumer Side Effect Reporting Form are available at MedEffect (http://hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/index-eng.php).

NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

Should be stored at 25°C but can be kept between 15°C and

30°C. Protect from moisture and light. Store tablets in the original blister package until time of use.

Do not use this medicine after the month and year written after

EXP (expiry date) on the container.

Remember to keep ALENDRONATE- CHOLECALCIFEROL and all medications safely away from children.

NOTE: This INFORMATION FOR THE CONSUMER leaflet provides you with the most current information at the time of printing.

The most current infofmation, the Consumer Information Leaflet plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found at: http://www.merck.ca or by contacting the sponsor, Merck Canada Inc.:

By toll-free telephone: 1-800-567-2594

By toll-free fax: 1-877-428-8675

By regular mail:

Merck Canada Inc.

Medical Information Center

16750 route Transcanadienne

Kirkland, QC H9H 4M7

Last revised: April 25, 2016

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Used under license.

© 2011, 2015 Merck Canada Inc.All rights reserved.

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