Alendronic Acid Tablet

[arjay]

Once a week I have to take a 70mg alendronic acid tablet on an empty stomach.(an anti-osteoporosis tablet)
After taking it, I have to maintain an upright position for 30 minutes.
Does anybody know why I have to stay upright and what would happen if I were to lie down?
Staying upright is no problem as I usually take the tablet whilst I am reading the newspaper.

[Zacs-Master]

I would imagine that it helps to target the tablet for maximum effect in your system.

[Sqad]

Alendronic acid may cause irritation and perhaps ulcers in the oesophagus (gullet) and this is made worse if the medication "seeps" back from the stomach into the oesophagus.

Standing upright.......reduces the chance of "seepage."
Lying down.......aids and increases "seepage."

[Elina]

That was helpful, my brother is on these.

[NoMercy]

There is a risk that Alendronate may cause GI upset so we usually advise patients to maintain an upright position for an hour after taking it.

Are you taking Adcal or Fultium D3 with it?

And how long have you been taking it? Current advice is to take bisphosphonates for 5 years before taking a 2-year drug holiday and then recommencing for a further 5 years. You would only skip the drug holiday if you were over 75 and severely osteoporotic.

[arjay]

Thank you Zacs-Master,Elinaand No Mercy for your prompt and helpful answers

[Sqad]

It's a pleasure......LOL