Alendronate and Cholecalciferol Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Do not take cholestyramine, mineral oil, magnesium-containing antacids, or orlistat with this medicine.

• If you are taking other sources of vitamin D, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have had high calcium levels, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have gastrointestinal disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have leukemia or lymphoma, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have sarcoidosis, talk with healthcare provider.

• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain or heartburn.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• High calcium level. Signs include weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, nausea and vomiting, constipation, or bone pain.

• Bone, joint, or muscle pain can rarely occur.

• Jaw bone damage can rarely occur.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Chest pain.

• Severe belly pain.

• Difficulty swallowing.

• Severe jaw pain.

• Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.