Fosamax, also known as alendronate sodium, is a biphosphonate drug that strengthens the bones in patients with osteoporosis. However, this drug has been in the news lately due to the rising cases of atypical fracture sustained by its users along with its cousin drug Fosamax Plus D. People with bone disorders such as Paget’s Disease and osteoporosis are the ones most affected with this issue. But did you know that diabetics can also be affected by Fosamax?
Research is still being done in order to probe the depths associated with Fosamax and diabetes. It cannot be denied that Fosamax has very good side effects despite these issues. However, as it goes with any medication, this can also bring out adverse effects especially on the gastrointestinal tract. And a Fosamax overdose can always happen.
Depending on the amount taken as well as contributing factors such as other medications and substances, the impact of Fosamax overdose may differ. Nevertheless, there most common symptoms of Fosamax overdose are:
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Low level of calcium (hypocalcemia) or phosphate (hypophosphatemia) in the blood
- Painful esophageal, stomach, or intestinal lesions
The management for Fosamax overdose will also differ, but the patients should not be forced to vomit because the drug may be corrosive to the gastrointestinal drug especially the esophagus. Drinking milk or taking antacids (medications that neutralizes stomach acidity) may help in binding the drug in the stomach and preventing absorption to the bloodstream.
Treatment may also include supportive measures, which consists of correcting the symptoms due to the excessive amounts of drug taken. These supportive treatment options may include:
- Watchful checking of the heart rate, blood pressure and respiration or breathing
- Fluid replacement therapy through an intravenous (IV) line
- Intravenous calcium therapy to correct hypocalcemia
- Other treatments depending on the symptoms manifested
It is important that affected individuals should seek medical attention immediately if they believe that they may have overdosed on Fosamax.
Adhering to the doctro’s order is the most important thing to do whenever one is in a Fosamax therapy. Skipping a dose and waiting for the next schedule the next morning must be remembered when a missed daily dose happens. Take the medication the next morning after they remembered about their therapy and just resume with their usual schedule for the next dose if ever a weekly dosed was missed. It is advisable that they should never double their dose.
An overdose is a serious consequence, as were most Fosamax complaints or side effects. The bad health effects that one will experience is never justifiable by a Fosamax lawsuit. Prevention must always be remembered.
References:
theprovince.com/health/another+reason+avoid+diabetes/5598894/story.html
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