medication information
This medicine is used to prevent osteoporosis (brittle bones) in postmenopausal women.
how to take this medication
How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine may be taken any time of the day with or without food. Stop taking this medicine 72 hours before and during prolonged immobilization such as postsurgical recovery and prolonged bed rest. Avoid prolonged restriction of movement during travel because of increased blood-clotting risk.This medicine does not reduce hot flashes or flushes associated with estrogen deficiency. Hot flashes may occur upon beginning therapy. Take additional calcium and vitamin D if daily dietary intake is inadequate. Consider weight-bearing exercise and reduction of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. This medicine should not be taken if you have not gone through menopause. This medicine may cause an increased risk of blood clots, especially during the first 4 months of treatment. Read the package insert before beginning this medicine and re-read upon prescription renewal. Do not stop or change the amount of medicine you are taking unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Patients with other medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements without talking with your doctor.
side effects
Every medicine can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your health care provider if any of the following occurs: Common: Hot flashes; leg cramps; infection; flu syndrome; chest pain; fever;migraine; nausea; indigestion; vomiting; gas; gastrointestinal disorders;stomach ache; weight gain; swelling of the hands or feet; joint pain; muscle pain; depression; sleeplessness; sinus inflammation; sore throat; increased cough; laryngitis; rash; sweating; vaginal inflammation; urinary tract infection;bladder inflammation; vaginal discharge; breast pain; vaginal bleeding.
precautions
Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are taking any prescription medicine, especially estrogen replacement therapy, or nonprescription medicine or dietary supplements; if you have any other medical conditions (eg, congestive heart failure, cancer)
overdose
Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken or given too much of this medicine.
notes
If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
missed dosage
If a dose is missed, take or give it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next visit.
storage
Store at room temperature (59 to 86 degrees F). |
