What Is Alendronate and Cholecalciferol Used For?

Alendronate and cholecalciferol is used for treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and increasing bone mass in men with osteoporosis. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend the drug for "off-label" uses. Common off-label alendronate and cholecalciferol uses include preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at risk for the condition and treating or preventing osteoporosis that is due to steroid use.

 

What Is Alendronate and Cholecalciferol Used For? -- An Overview

Alendronate and cholecalciferol (Fosamax Plus D™) is a combination medication that contains a bisphosphonate and vitamin D. It is approved for the following uses:
 
  • Treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
  • Increasing bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
     

Why Is Alendronate and Cholecalciferol Used for Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, which means "porous bone," is a disease characterized by low bone mass (bone thinning) that leads to fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Men as well as women are affected by this condition. Fortunately, osteoporosis is a disease that can be prevented and treated.
 
Common causes of osteoporosis include:
 
  • Age-related bone loss
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Long-term corticosteroid use
  • Certain diseases.
     
Race and ethnicity may play a role in developing osteoporosis as well, but more research is needed to determine the connection.
 
Often, osteoporosis treatment is not started until a bone is broken, as there are usually no symptoms of osteoporosis. However, treatment may be started earlier if the disease is detected using a test (see Diagnosing Osteoporosis).
 
(What Is Alendronate and Cholecalciferol Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;