Dear ejk -
It is most unlikely that Fosamax poses a harm specific to the
diagnosis of meningioma.
In order to get approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, a
pharmaceutical company has to submit information about who should not
take a new drug, and the medical problems that may arise for people
taking the drug.
The MERCK PHARMACUETICAL COMPANY, which produces Fosamax, warns that
people with following conditions should NOT take Fosamax:
Certain abnormalities of the esophagus;
Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes;
Hypersensitivity to any component of the Fosamax tablet;
Abnormally low calcium concentrations in the blood.
Prescribing Information/Merck/Contraindications
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/fosamax/hcp/product_info/pi/pi_contraind.html
The Merck company has also issued the following warnings about taking
Fosamax:
Fosamax may cause irritation of the lining of part of the digestive
tract.
The drug may cause esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), ulcers
or erosions of the esophagus.
The risk of esophagus problems seems to be greater in people who lie
down after taking Fosamax:
The risk of esophagus problems seems to be greater in people who do
not drink a full glass (6- 8 oz) of water after taking Fosamax;
The risk of esophagus problems seems to be greater in people who
continue to take Fosamax after developing symptoms of esophageal
irritation.
Prescribing Information/Merck/Warnings
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/fosamax/hcp/product_info/pi/pi_warnings.html
Merck adds that it is important that the people for whom Fosamax is
prescribed be given and follow the instructions for taking the drug.
It is also important that physicians use caution in prescribing the
Fosamax to people with existing esophagus problems like difficulty in
swallowing, diseases of the esophagus, gastritis, duodenitis, or
ulcers.
Prescribing Information/Merck/Precautions
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/fosamax/hcp/product_info/pi/pi_precautions.html
The US NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE (Medline Plus Health Information)
posts the following advice for people who are considering alendronate
(the main ingredient of Fosamax:
"Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must
be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and
your doctor will make. For alendronate, the following should be
considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to alendronate. Also tell your health care
professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as
foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Diet—Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on
any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet. Your doctor
may recommend that you eat a balanced diet with an adequate amount of
calcium and vitamin D (found in milk or other dairy products).
Pregnancy—Alendronate has not been studied in pregnant women. However,
studies in animals have shown that alendronate causes birth defects
and other pregnancy problems. Before taking this medicine, make sure
your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding—It is not known whether alendronate passes into breast
milk. However, this medicine has been reported to pass into the milk
of lactating rats....
Older adults—This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to
cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does
in younger adults.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together
at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may
want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When
you are taking alendronate, it is especially important that your
health care professional know if you are taking the following:
o Aspirin or products that contain aspirin—Use with alendronate may
cause or make esophagus, intestine, or stomach problems worse
Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may
affect the use of alendronate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you
have any other medical problems, especially:
o Digestion problems—Taking alendronate may be harmful to the
esophagus, intestine, or stomach
o Esophagus problems or
o Intestine problems or
o Stomach problems—Alendronate may make these conditions worse
o Kidney problems—The effects of alendronate may be increased"
Medline Plus Health Information
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202794.html
I hope this information has been helpful.
All the best,
Alanna-ga |
