Binosto (alendronate) belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates (bis FOS fo nayts). It alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Alendronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures.
Binosto effervescent tablet are used in women to treat or prevent osteoporosis that is caused by menopause.
Binosto is also used to increase bone mass in men who have osteoporosis.
Important information
You should not take Binosto if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.
Do not take an Binosto tablet if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Binosto if you are allergic to alendronate, or if you have low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia), or a problem with the movement of muscles in your esophagus.
Do not take Binosto if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach). You will need to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
To make sure Binosto is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
In rare cases, this medicine may cause bone loss (osteonecrosis) in the jaw. Symptoms include jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work. The longer you use Binosto, the more likely you are to develop this condition.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw may be more likely if you have cancer or received chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids. Other risk factors include blood clotting disorders, anemia (low red blood cells), and a pre existing dental problem.
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
It is not known whether Binosto will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether alendronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Binosto?
Take Binosto exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Binosto is taken once a week in the morning and must be taken at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule, then take the effervescent tablet on the same day every week.
To use the Binosto effervescent tablet, dissolve the tablet in at least 4 ounces of plain water at room temperature. Wait at least 5 minutes after the bubbling (effervescence) stops for the tablet to completely dissolve in the water. Stir the liquid medicine for about 10 seconds. Drink all of the liquid medicine in the glass. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away. Do NOT dissolve Binosto in mineral or flavored water, coffee, tea, soda, or juice.
After taking Binosto, carefully follow these instructions:
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Do not lie down or recline for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine.
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Do not eat or drink anything other than plain water. Binosto works only if you take it on an empty stomach.
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Do not take any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking Binosto. It may be best to take your other medicines at a different time of the day. Talk with your doctor about the best dosing schedule for your other medicines.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your bone mineral density will need to be tested on a regular basis. You may not need to take Binosto for longer than 3 to 5 years if you take it for osteoporosis. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need to have any dental work (especially surgery), tell the dentist ahead of time that you are using Binosto. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Binosto is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet changes, exercise, and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take Binosto on your scheduled day, take it first thing in the morning on the day after you remember the missed dose. Then return to your regular weekly schedule on your chosen dose day. Do not take two (2) tablets in one day.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Drink a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center or emergency room right away. Do not make yourself vomit and do not lie down.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, tight muscles in your face, seizure (convulsions), irritability, and unusual thoughts or behavior.
What should I avoid?
Avoid taking any other medicines including vitamins, calcium, or antacids for at least 30 minutes after taking Binosto. Some medicines can make it harder for your body to absorb Binosto.
Binosto side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of an allergic reaction to Binosto: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Binosto and call your doctor at once if you have:
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chest pain, new or worsening heartburn;
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difficulty or pain when swallowing;
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pain or burning under the ribs or in the back;
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severe heartburn, burning pain in your upper stomach, or coughing up blood;
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new or worsening heartburn;
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severe joint, bone, or muscle pain, new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip;
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fever, body aches, flu symptoms; or
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jaw pain, numbness, or swelling.
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new or unusual pain in your thigh or hip;
Common Binosto side effects may include:
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mild heartburn, bloating;
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mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
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diarrhea, gas, or constipation;
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mild joint pain or swelling;
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swelling in your hands or feet; or
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dizziness, eye pain, headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Binosto?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Binosto, especially:
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levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, and others); or
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NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with alendronate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
