Contains the active ingredient alendronate acid (as alendronate sodium) and colecalciferol
(vitamin D3)
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about this medicine. It does not contain
all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor
or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking
this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What this medicine is used for
The name of your medicine is APO-Alendronate Plus D3 tablets. It contains the active
ingredient alendronate sodium and colecalciferol (vitamin D3).
The alendronate in this medicine belongs to a group of non-hormonal medicines called
bisphosphonates.
It is used to:
treat osteoporosis
provide additional vitamin D
Osteoporosis is a disease which causes bones to become more porous, gradually making
them weaker, more brittle and likely to break. Osteoporosis is caused by changes in
the way bone is normally maintained.
Until our late 20s, while bones are still developing, we gain bone by building more
than we lose. From then until about age 35 the process is usually in balance, so that
the amount of bone lost is about equal to the amount that is replaced. After about
age 35 this balance is disturbed, with bone loss occurring at a slightly faster rate
than it can be replaced. In women, after menopause, hormonal changes cause bone loss
at an even faster rate. When bone loss is excessive, bones can become thinner and
weaker, and therefore are more likely to break.
Early on, osteoporosis usually has no symptoms. However, if left untreated it can
result in broken bones, also called fractures. Although fractures usually cause pain,
fractures of the bones of the spine may go unnoticed until they cause height loss.
Fractures may occur during normal, everyday activity, such as lifting, or from minor
injury that would not ordinarily fracture normal bone. Fractures usually occur at
the hip, spine, or wrist and can lead not only to pain, but also to considerable deformity
and disability, such as stooped posture from curvature of the spine, and loss of mobility.
The alendronate in this medicine works by slowing down the process of old bone being
removed, which allows the bone-forming cells time to rebuild normal bone. Alendronate
not only helps prevent the loss of bone but helps to rebuild bone and make bone less
likely to fracture.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient required for calcium absorption and healthy bones.
Too little vitamin D leads to inadequate calcium absorption and low phosphate-minerals
that make bones strong. Even if you are eating a diet rich in calcium or taking a
calcium supplement, your body cannot absorb calcium properly unless you have enough
vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels may lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Severe vitamin
D deficiency may cause muscle weakness which can lead to falls and a higher risk of
fracture.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed
for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another reason.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
There is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.
This medicine should not be used in children.
Before you take this medicine
You should know that in some people, Alendronate Plus D3 can irritate or burn the
food pipe (also called oesophagus). The chances of this happening should be reduced
when you follow the instructions for 'How to take this medicine' in this leaflet.
When you must not take it
Do not take this medicine if you have an allergy to:
any medicine containing alendronate or vitamin D
any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
shortness of breath
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin
Do not take this medicine if:
you have certain disorders of the food pipe (oesophagus) including those that cause
difficulty in swallowing
you are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes
your doctor has told you that you currently have low blood calcium
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant.
It may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.
Do not breastfeed if you are taking this medicine.
Alendronate and colecalciferol (vitamin D3) in this medicine may pass into breast
milk and there is a possibility that your baby may be affected.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging
is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives
or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
kidney disease
swallowing or digestive problems, such as ulcers
dental or jaw-bone problems or are planning to have a course of dental surgery
Tell your doctor if you currently smoke or have been a smoker in the past.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start
taking this medicine.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food
shop.
Some medicines are likely to interfere with the absorption of Alendronate Plus D3.
These include:
antacids, used to treat indigestion
calcium supplements
vitamins
These medicines may be affected by Alendronate Plus D3 or may affect how well it works.
Therefore, take this medicine at least 30 minutes before taking any of these or other
medicines to make sure there is no problem with absorption.
You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different
medicines.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or
avoid while taking this medicine.
How to take this medicine
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
How much to take
The usual dose of Alendronate Plus D3 is one tablet once a week.
How to take it
Swallow one tablet whole with a full glass of plain water.
Do not take any food, medicines or drinks other than plain tap water with this medicine.
It is important to take Alendronate Plus D3 with plain water only, not mineral water.
Food, other drugs, mineral water and other drinks including fruit juices, coffee and
tea, will reduce the effect of this medicine by interfering with the absorption into
the body.
Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after swallowing Alendronate Plus D3 and do not
take any food, medicines or drinks other than plain tap water during this time.
Do not lie down immediately after swallowing it.
It is important to stay upright (sitting, standing or walking around) for at least
30 minutes after swallowing your tablet.
It is also very important to stay upright until after you have eaten your first food
of the day.
These actions will help make sure your tablet reaches your stomach quickly and help
reduce the potential for irritation to your food pipe (oesophagus).
Do not chew or suck on a tablet of Alendronate Plus D3.
Mouth ulcers may occur if the tablet is chewed or dissolved in the mouth.
When to take it
Take Alendronate Plus D3 after getting up for the day. Do not take it at bedtime.
Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule. Every week, take one tablet
of Alendronate Plus D3 on your chosen day.
Alendronate Plus D3 is effective only if taken when your stomach is empty. Food, drinks
other than plain water, and other medicines will lessen the effect of Alendronate
Plus D3 by interfering with its absorption into the body.
How long to take it for
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
Alendronate Plus D3 can only treat your osteoporosis, by helping prevent further loss
of bone and continuing to rebuild bone, if you take it every week.
It is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.
If you forget to take it
If you miss a tablet, take one tablet on the morning after you remember.
Do not take two tablets on the same day to make up for missed doses.
This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
Return to taking one tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on your chosen day.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13
11 26) for advice or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you
think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine. Do this even
if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
If you take too many tablets at one time, drink a full glass of milk. Do not induce
vomiting. Do not lie down.
While you are taking this medicine
Things you must do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist
that you are taking this medicine.
Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking
this medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking
this medicine.
It may affect other medicines used during surgery.
Tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine if:
you develop difficulty or pain upon swallowing, chest pain, or new or worsening heartburn
you develop a toothache or require a dental procedure
you develop new or unusual pain in your leg
Rarely, patients have experienced fracture in a specific part of the thigh bone.
If you become pregnant or start to breastfeed while taking this medicine, tell your
doctor immediately.
If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this
medicine.
It may interfere with the results of some tests.
Keep all your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Your doctor may do some tests from time to time to make sure the medicine is working
and to prevent unwanted side effects.
Make sure you have an adequate intake of calcium in your diet. Your doctor, dietician
or pharmacist can tell you what foods you should eat.
Things you must not do
Do not take this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects
you.
There have been side effects reported with this medicine that may affect your ability
to drive or operate machinery.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are taking this medicine.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious but most of the time
they are not.
Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any
of them.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
stomach pain, gas in the stomach or bowel, wind
an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach or belching after eating, also called dyspepsia
or heartburn
feeling sick (nausea), vomiting
constipation, diarrhoea
headache
aching muscles, joints and/or bones, which rarely can be severe
flu-like symptoms typically at the start of treatment, such as aching muscles, generally
feeling unwell and rarely fever
swelling of joints
dizziness or spinning sensation
unusual tiredness or weakness
swelling of hands, ankles or feet
hair loss
changed sense of taste
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
skin rash or redness of the skin (sometimes made worse by sunlight), itchiness
mouth ulcers
blurred vision, pain or redness in the eye
symptoms of low blood calcium levels including muscle cramps or spasms or tingling
sensation in the fingers or around the mouth
discomfort or pressure of the ears, including possible discharge
new or unusual pain in your hip or thigh
difficulty or pain upon swallowing
chest pain
new or worsening heartburn
These side effects may be due to irritation or ulceration of the food pipe. They may
worsen if you continue taking the tablets.
jaw-bone or dental problems (including toothache) – jaw-bone problems may include
infection, and delayed healing after a tooth extraction or other work that involves
drilling into the jaw-bone
The above list includes serious side effects that may require medical attention.
If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and
Emergency at your nearest hospital:
symptoms of an allergic reaction including cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or
difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of
the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin
black tar-like and/or bloody stools
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention
or hospitalisation.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
Storage and disposal
Storage
Keep your medicine in its original packaging until it is time to take it.
If you take your medicine out of its original packaging it may not keep well.
Keep your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature will stay below 25°C.
Do not store your medicine, or any other medicine, in the bathroom or near a sink.
Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep this medicine where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed,
ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Product description
What APO-Alendronate Plus D3 APOTEX tablets looks like
70mg/70mcg tablets:
White to off-white biconvex, oval shaped tablet. Engraved "APO" on one side, "A-D28"
on the other side. AUST R 220372.
Blister Pack of 4
70mg/140 mcg tablets:
White to off-white, rectangular, biconvex tablet. Engraved "APO" on one side, "ALE-D56"
on the other side. AUST R 220376
Blister Pack of 4
* Not all strengths, pack types and/or pack sizes may be available.
Ingredients
Each tablet contains 70 mg alendronate acid (as alendronate sodium) and 70 mcg or
140 mcg colecalciferol (vitamin D3) as the active ingredients.
It also contains the following inactive ingredients:
mannitol
microcrystalline cellulose
colloidal anhydrous silica
magnesium stearate
hypromellose
butylated hydroxytoluene.
Sponsor
Apotex Pty Ltd
16 Giffnock Avenue
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
APO and APOTEX are registered trademarks of Apotex Inc.
This leaflet was last updated in: August 2019.