I have been taking Actonel (and for the last 6 months Foxamax) for over 5 years. As time passes, I seem to be getting more g/i upsets. I attributed this to food poisoning or inability to tolerate more than one glass of wine, but today in mentioning this to my doctor, she said I should not take Fosamax on an empty stomach. She said to eat first and then take it. Since this seems to be against the instructions on the drug, I would like to know if this will make Fosamax less effective? Also, will taking Fosamax with food cause more g/i distress rather than less?
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Q: my doctor said to take fosamax after eating to alleviate stomach distress.Is it still effective?
Answers (2)
7/20/09 6:23pm
Hi kika, welcome and thanks for your question. I'm stumped, I've never heard of anyone suggesting to take Actonel, Fosamax or Boniva with food. All I've heard is that food will interfere with the absorption of the drug and it won't work. Could you get a second opinion from another Dr? I would be very hesitant to follow this advice, for other reasons as well, since food in the stomach while taking this medication could cause more gi problems than you'd normally have. Since this contradicts the drug co's info, I would call your pharmacist and ask this question, and then try to get a second medical opinion. Let us know what the pharmacist says since this is quite unusual advice.
Good luck and I hope you get the correct information on this!! If you hava any other questions just post again.
7/25/09 12:26am
Hi Kika,
I only took 2 oral doses of Fosamax and my stomach was on fire so I stopped. But I took it on an empty stomach like the instructions said and then did not lay down for 30 minutes. If you want to continue taking Fosamax you might ask your doctor about taking a PPI medication that helps protect your stomach by reducing the acid in your stomach. I don't know if it's prescribed for this or not but you could ask.
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By kika— Last Modified: 12/22/10, First Published: 07/20/09
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