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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Polly Frowde,

Medication: Alendronate

Medication: Alendronate

Your cat has been prescribed alendronate to reduce their blood calcium levels and/or to help alleviate pain associated with bone disease, particularly bone cancer.

Key points: 
• Lowers blood calcium levels.
• There are no licensed veterinary products containing alendronate. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug which contains alendronate and explain off-license prescribing to you.
• Dosage: varies between preparations. Follow your veterinarian’s directions. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name

  • Alendronate (al-en-dro-nayt).

Brand name

  • Fosamax (human preparation).
  • Alendroic acid (human preparation).

Class of medication

  • Biphosphonate. This medication lowers blood calcium by reducing the release of calcium from bones.

Storage

  • Store at room temperature.

Why has my cat been prescribed alendronate?

Your veterinarian has prescribed alendronate to reduce your pet’s blood calcium levels and/or to help alleviate pain associated with bone disease.

How is the medication given?

Alendronate is given by mouth and usually achieves more effective blood concentrations if given without food. Preparations vary and dosing frequency/optimum timing of administration in relation to food will be advised by your veterinarian.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Possible side-effects include vomiting and stomach ulcers – this may manifest as your pet seeming quiet, off food and/or uncomfortable. Esophagitis is a potential complication following prolonged contact of medication with the esophagus – this can be minimized by administering medication with a water ‘chaser’.

Alendronate may lower your pet’s blood calcium levels and if these levels go too low, you may see signs such as reduced appetite, teeth grinding, twitching (especially of the face and head), hiccups and even collapse and seizures. Alendronate can cause bones to soften and become painful or fracture easily (more likely with chronic therapy). Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Certain medications must be avoided or used with caution in a patient receiving alendronate, these include: calcium supplements, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Alendronate should not be used in patients with kidney disease or with pre-existing gastrointestinal ulceration.

Alendronate should not be used in animals that have previously had an allergic reaction to alendronate.

How long will my cat need to receive this medication?

Alendronate should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused alendronate safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save alendronate for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.

My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Alendronate should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my cat need to be monitored while on alendronate?

Your veterinarian may need to regularly check your pet during treatment and may require blood tests to check blood calcium levels.

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on alendronate can be found on the package inserts.

Europe & UK

  • There are no licensed veterinary products containing alendronate available in the UK and Europe.

US

  • There are no licensed veterinary products containing alendronate available in the US.

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.

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