Fosamax is arguably the most popular bone-strengthening drug prescribed for bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteitis deformans – Paget's disease. A lot of reports, both good and bad, have been brought including the link between Fosamax and esophageal cancer which FDA recently reviewed. As Fosamax is already well-received by the public, Fosamax Plus D is often underrated, though it may have comparable efficacy with the former with its sister drug.

Fosamax Plus D is otherwise known by its generic version alendronate sodium and cholecalciferol. Alendronate is a biphosphonate that acts on the bone resorption of matured bone tissues which is part of the bone cycle. Bone breakdown is reduced which apparently increases the density of the bone.

Cholecalciferol, on the other hand, is the form of vitamin D after it has been synthesized by the sunlight. It is the precursor of the calcium-regulating hormone called calcitriol. This hormone is in charge for the regulation of calcium in the blood by:

Increasing the absorption of calcium from the small intestine
Decreasing the calcium excretion to the urine by the kidney
Increasing the release of calcium into the blood from bone

Fosamax Plus D won the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as treatment for osteoporosis in menopausal women and also in men who are having low bone mineral density. But, patients suffering from diseases where there is excessive production of vitamin D, e.g. leukemia, giving this drug is contraindicated. Additionally, patients suffering from renal failure are not advised to take this drug.

Dosing instructions for Fosamax Plus D is very much alike with that of Fosamax. You need to take the drug after rising from the bed and at least 30 minutes before eating your first food or taking your first drink or other medications. Administer the drug with a full glass of plain water only, not even mineral water, and remain standing or sitting upright for at least half an hour after drinking the medicine.

Because alendronate is also found in Fosamax Plus D, it may yield the same side effects as with Fosamax primarily for that reason. In addition, there may be a need to check the level of vitamin D in your blood as this drug contains a week worth of recommended vitamin D intake and overdose of this vitamin may occur. This matter need to be talked with your physician.

Since this drug practically has the identical material with Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D may also bring about unfavorable effects such as atypical fracture of the thigh bone and osteonecrosis (tissue death) of the jawbone. Several people have filed a Fosamax lawsuit against Merck, the drug manufacturer.