- Chronic Care
- Osteoporosis
Fosamax
Fosamax (alendronate) prescription available online
If you are suffering from osteoporosis, Fosamax can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Fosamax from a board-certified doctor online.*
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FDA-approved for osteoporosis and paget's disease of bone
Available as a tablet
Can help slow bone loss and prevent bone fractures
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Fosamax
Fosamax (alendronate), a biphosphonate medication, helps treat osteoporosis. It works to slow down osteoclasts to slow bone loss and prevent bone fractures.
Fosamax is only available by prescription. It is available under the generic name alendronate.
Fosamax is prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Fosamax, complete the entire course of bisphosphonate therapy unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your osteoporosis treatment, the bisphosphonate may not fully treat your osteoporosis.
Fosamax uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for Fosamax, but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.
Your PlushCare doctor may prescribe Fosamax for any of the following reasons, or other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Osteoporosis
Fosamax is FDA-approved to treat osteoporosis. Fosamax can help prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women, increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, and treat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
Paget's disease of bone
Fosamax is FDA-approved to treat Paget's disease of bone. Paget's disease of bone interferes with the body's normal bone formation process, causing bones to become fragile. Fosamax helps slow bone turnover and prevent bone fractures.
Fosamax side effects
The side effects associated with taking Fosamax are typically mild. Individuals taking Fosamax report a variety of side effects, and side effects may vary from patient to patient.
The side effects of Fosamax may include:Heartburn or upset stomach
Stomach pain
Diarrhea or constipation
Headaches
Joint or muscle pain
Bone pain
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Chest pain or worsening heartburn
Trouble swallowing
Severe heartburn or stomach pain
Severe muscle, bone, or joint pain
Low calcium levels
Call your doctor if you notice any adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Fosamax is FDA-approved to improve bone density in children with Paget's disease of bone.
How to take Fosamax
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Fosamax prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Fosamax can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. Take Fosamax first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. If you only take Fosamax once per week, take it on the same day each week in the morning.
Take Fosamax with a full glass of plain water. Avoid taking Fosamax with mineral water, tea, soda, or juice.
What to avoid while taking Fosamax
Fosamax has several drug interactions. Don’t change what you're taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.
Drug interactions with Fosamax include calcium supplements, antacids, intravenous ranitidine, and aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some of the drug interactions include:
Celexa (celecoxib)
Talk to your doctor about drinking while taking Fosamax. Alcohol may increase your risk of stomach-related side effects.
Medication alternatives to Fosamax
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another bisphosphonate or an osteoporosis prescription in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Osteoporosis
Risedronate (Actonel)
Ibandronate (Boniva)
Zoledronic acid (Zometa, Reclast)
Teriparatide (Bonsity, Forteo)
Abaloparatide (Tymlos)
Paget's disease of bone
Zoledronic acid (Zometa, Reclast)
Pamidronate (Aredia)
Ibandronate (Boniva)
Fosamax prescription FAQs
How much does Fosamax cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, Fosamax Plus D costs around $225.75 for four 70 mg tablets. Fortunately, generic medications, such as alendronate, offer an affordable alternative.
How can I refill my Fosamax prescription?
To refill your Fosamax prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Who should not take Fosamax?
You should avoid taking alendronate (Fosamax) if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
Hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood)
Abnormalities related to the esophagus
Inability to sit upright for at least 30 minutes
Disorders affecting mineral metabolism, such as vitamin D deficiency
What happens if I miss a dose of Fosamax?
If you forget to take Fosamax first thing in the morning, don't take it later in the day. Wait until the following morning and skip the missed dose. Avoid taking two doses in one day.
What happens if I take too much Fosamax?
If you've taken too much Fosamax, drink a full glass of milk and seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Do not make yourself vomit or lie down.
How long should you remain upright after taking Fosamax?
You should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate (Fosamax).
How long should you wait to eat after taking Fosamax?
You should wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications.
3 simple steps to request your Fosamax prescription today
Step 1
Book a Fosamax prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Fosamax prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Fosamax prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Fosamax prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Fosamax prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Fosamax prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information
Children's Minnesota. Alendronate. Accessed on September 5, 2022. https://www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials/childrensmn/article/16490/alendronate/
Food and Drug Administration. Fosamax (alendronate sodium) prescription label. Accessed on September 5, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021575s017lbl.pdf
Mayo Clinic. Osteoporosis treatment: Medications can help. Accessed on September 5, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.