You should not take alendronate if you have problems with your esophagus, or low levels of calcium in your blood.
Do not take alendronate if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.
Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. Stop using alendronate and call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or pain when swallowing.
Also call your doctor if you have muscle spasms, numbness or tingling (in hands and feet or around the mouth), new or unusual hip pain, or severe pain in your joints, bones, or muscles.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take alendronate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or
problems with the muscles in your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach).
Do not take alendronate if you cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes. Alendronate can cause serious problems in the stomach or esophagus. You must stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking  alendronate.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
trouble swallowing;
problems with your stomach or digestion;
hypocalcemia;
a dental problem (you may need a dental exam before you begin taking alendronate);
kidney disease; or
any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).
The effervescent tablet contains a lot of sodium. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet before using this form of alendronate.
This medicine may cause jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis). The risk is highest in people with cancer, blood cell disorders, pre-existing dental problems, or people treated with steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation. Ask your doctor about your own risk.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
