BisphosphonatePrescription only
Alendronate
Tablet
Quick Summary
Alendronate slows bone loss.
Osteoporosis
Steroid-related bone loss
Medical Uses
Osteoporosis: Preventing fractures.
Steroid-related bone loss: Prevention.
How it's taken
Take first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of plain water, stay upright for 30 minutes and don't eat until then.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Heartburn
Or swallowing pain.
Bone or muscle pain
Sometimes.
Tummy upset
Sometimes.
Interactions
Calcium, antacids and iron
Take at a different time.
Critical Warnings
Jaw problems
Rare; keep good dental care and tell your dentist.
Thigh pain
Report new thigh or groin pain.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Alendronate: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Alendronic acid: medicine to treat and prevent osteoporosis(opens in a new tab) · NHS