subject: Ways In Dealing With Fosamax Overdose [print this page] Fosamax, also known as alendronate sodium, is a biphosphonate drug that strengthens the bones in patients with osteoporosis. Yet this drug is now sharing the limelight with Fosamax Plus D because of increasing reports of atypical type of femoral fracture from its long-term customers. People who are most affected about this issue are those with bone disorders such as Pagets Disease and osteoporosis. On the other hand, it has alos been found out that Fosamax can also affect diabetes.
The depths associated with Fosamax and diabetes are now being probed through research. 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. A Fosamax overdose should also be one of the things we should be careful about.
The effects of a Fosamax overdose may vary according to a number of factors which includes the amount of Fosamax taken and whether it was taken with other medications or substances. Furthermore, the most common manifestations of the Fosamax overdose are as follows:
Heartburn or indigestion
Calcium and/or phosphate levels in the blood are below normal range (hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia respectively)
Ulcerations in the esophagus (tube connecting the mouth to the stomach), stomach or intestine
Treating Fosamax overdose will also vary, nonetheless, compelling one to vomit should be avoided as the medication itself can damage the gastrointestinal tract particularly 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. The supportive care for the patients may include:
Watchful checking of the heart rate, blood pressure and respiration or breathing
Fluid replacement therapy through an intravenous (IV) line
Intravenous therapy of calcium to improve calcium levels in the blood
Other measures depending on the symptoms
If they believe that they may have overdosed on Fosamax, affected individuals should seek medical attention immediately.
Adhering to the doctros order is the most important thing to do whenever one is in a Fosamax therapy. If they missed a daily dose, they need to skip the dose and just wait for the next schedule the next morning. If ever a weekly dosed was missed, take the medication the next morning after they remembered about their therapy and just resume with their usual schedule for the next dose. It is advisable that they should never double their dose.
Fosamax overdose is a serious situation which should not be taken lightly like Fosamax complaints and side effects. The bad health effects that one will experience is never justifiable by a Fosamax lawsuit. Prevention must be remembered.
