Do not take Alendronic Acid oral solution if:-

• you are allergic (hypersensitive) to alendronic acid or any ingredients of Alendronic Acid 70mg Oral Solution listed in section 6.
• you have certain problems with your gullet (oesophagus – the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach) such as narrowing or difficulty swallowing liquids
• your doctor has told you that you have low blood calcium
• if you cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes

If you think any of these apply to you, do not take the solution. Talk to your doctor first and follow the advice given.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Alendronic Acid oral solution if:

• you suffer from kidney problems
• you have any allergies
• you have any swallowing or digestive problems
• your doctor has told you that you have Barrett’s oesophagus (a condition associated with changes in the cells that line the lower oesophagus)
• you have low blood calcium levels
• you have poor dental health
• you have a planned dental extraction
• you have cancer
• you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone or dexamethasone)
• you don’t receive routine dental care
• you have gum disease
• you are or have been a smoker (as this may increase the risk of dental problems)

You may be advised to have a dental check-up before starting treatment with Alendronic Acid oral solution. Appropriate preventive dental care, as recommended by the dentist, should be followed during treatment. You should contact your doctor or dentist if you experience any problems with your mouth or teeth such as loose teeth, pain or swelling.

Irritation, inflammation or ulceration of the gullet (oesophagus – the tube that connects your mouth with your stomach) often with symptoms of chest pain, heartburn, or difficulty or pain upon swallowing may occur, especially if patients lie down after taking Alendronic Acid oral solution. These side effects may worsen if patients continue to take Alendronic Acid oral solution after developing these symptoms.

Children and adolescents

Alendronic Acid oral solution should not be given to children and adolescents under the age of 18 years due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy.

Other medicines and Alendronic Acid oral solution

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medications.

It is likely that calcium supplements, antacids, and some oral medicines will interfere with the absorption of Alendronic Acid oral solution if taken at the same time. Therefore, it is important that you follow the advice given in section 3. HOW TO TAKE ALENDRONIC ACID ORAL SOLUTION.

Certain medicines for rheumatism or long-term pain called NSAIDs (e.g. aspirin or ibuprofen) might cause digestive problems. Therefore, caution should be used when these medicines are taken at the same time as Alendronic Acid oral solution.

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Alendronic Acid oral solution with food and drink and alcohol

It is likely that food and beverages (including mineral water) will make Alendronic Acid oral solution less effective if taken at the same time. Therefore, it is important that you follow the advice given in section 3. HOW TO TAKE ALENDRONIC ACID ORAL SOLUTION

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Alendronic Acid oral solution is only intended for use in postmenopausal women.

You should not take Alendronic Acid oral solution if you are or think you may be pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Driving and using machines

There have been side effects (including blurred vision, dizziness and severe bone, muscle or joint pain) reported with alendronic acid that may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Individual responses to alendronic acid may vary (See Section 4 POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS).

Important information about some of the ingredients of Alendronic Acid oral solution

This medicinal product contains sunset yellow (E110), methyl- and propyl-parahydroxybenzoates (E218, E216) that may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). Allergy is more common if you are allergic to aspirin. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

This medicinal product contains 0.15 vol % ethanol (alcohol) i.e. up to 115 mg per dose, equivalent to 3 ml beer, 1.3 ml wine per dose. This may be harmful to those suffering from alcoholism and also should be taken into account in high risk groups such as patients with liver disease or epilepsy.