Farley Granger
08-09-2003, 07:22 PM
Splitting the Fosamax pill may work for some, but could be dangerous for
others.
The reason: The pill is designed to easily slip through your plumbing into
your stomach. Splitting the pill could cause it to hang up in your
esophagus (the pipe that runs from your mouth to your stomach.) That's the
primary reason they want you to drink plenty of water when taking it.
The chemical alendronate (the generic name for Fosamax) is very close to
another medication called pamindronate (brand name Aredia). The difference
is a single -OH in its chemical chain. Pamindronate can not be tolorated
taken orally and must be injected. (Its indicated for bone cancer) So,
while splitting might be ok, if someone has had esophageal problems in the
past, they may want to think twice before doing it.
Farley
"---MIKE---" <twinmountain@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:8061-3F30E499-2@storefull-2311.public.lawson.webtv.net...
> My doctor prescribed the 35mg/week Fosamax for osteopenia My last
> supply was 40mg (from Canada) but that is no longer available. They
> also don't have 35mg. Can the 70mg pills be split? If not, could a
> 70mg pill be taken every other week and still be effective? Please
> don't tell me I need 70mg every week - my doctor says no. I see my
> doctor next week but I would like to get other opinions too.
>
>
> -MIKE
>
others.
The reason: The pill is designed to easily slip through your plumbing into
your stomach. Splitting the pill could cause it to hang up in your
esophagus (the pipe that runs from your mouth to your stomach.) That's the
primary reason they want you to drink plenty of water when taking it.
The chemical alendronate (the generic name for Fosamax) is very close to
another medication called pamindronate (brand name Aredia). The difference
is a single -OH in its chemical chain. Pamindronate can not be tolorated
taken orally and must be injected. (Its indicated for bone cancer) So,
while splitting might be ok, if someone has had esophageal problems in the
past, they may want to think twice before doing it.
Farley
"---MIKE---" <twinmountain@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:8061-3F30E499-2@storefull-2311.public.lawson.webtv.net...
> My doctor prescribed the 35mg/week Fosamax for osteopenia My last
> supply was 40mg (from Canada) but that is no longer available. They
> also don't have 35mg. Can the 70mg pills be split? If not, could a
> 70mg pill be taken every other week and still be effective? Please
> don't tell me I need 70mg every week - my doctor says no. I see my
> doctor next week but I would like to get other opinions too.
>
>
> -MIKE
>