Alendronate
bisphosphonate · osteoporosis
Third-party optionWhat this medicine is for
Pharmacologically, Alendronate relates to the category “bisphosphonate (osteoporosis)”. This medicine strengthens the solidity of the bone and reduces the risk of fracture.
In the case of Alendronate, this means: Strengthens bone and reduces the risk of fracture. It is generally taken over the long term, within regular monitoring, and is not stopped on your own initiative.
Under which brands it is found
In France, about 18 reimbursable presentations containing Alendronate are recorded. It is found under several brand names and as generics.
- Acide Alendronique Arrow Lab
- Acide Alendronique Biogaran
- Acide Alendronique Cristers
- Acide Alendronique Eg
- Acide Alendronique Teva Sante
- Acide Alendronique Viatris
- Acide Alendronique Zentiva
- Acide Alendronique/Cholecalciferol (Vitamine D3) Cristers
- Acide Alendronique/Cholecalciferol (Vitamine D3) Eg
- Acide Alendronique/Vitamine D3 Arrow
- Acide Alendronique/Vitamine D3 Teva Sante
- and other presentations
Generics and the original brand are equivalent for the active substance; only the appearance, the name or the excipients may differ.
Supplements to consider
None of our references covers Alendronate. What could be considered are 2 separate single-ingredient supplements, to be bought and taken each on its own.
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, involved in bone health. Calcium citrate is well absorbed, including away from meals, whereas carbonate requires an acidic environment for its absorption.
Preferred form calcium citrate (does not depend on gastric acidity)
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. The D3 form (cholecalciferol) is the one adopted by most guidelines. It is better absorbed when taken during a meal that contains fats.
Preferred form D3 (cholecalciferol), during a fatty meal
Further reading
The literature on the nutrient
- Calcium citrate: from biochemistry and physiology to clinical applications
- Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and risk of fractures: an updated meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation
- Cholecalciferol or Calcifediol in the Management of Vitamin D Deficiency
- The Role of Vitamin D in Health and Disease: A Narrative Review on the Mechanisms Linking Vitamin D with Disease and the Effects of Supplementation
These studies concern the nutrient itself, its role, its forms, its bioavailability. They do not concern this medicine and assert no link between it and a nutrient requirement.
Talk about it in the community
A space to share among people who are affected: the early days, the habits built up over the years, what each person has found to live better with it. Shared experiences, nothing medical.
Related molecules
To explore within the « Bones and joints » family and its neighbours.
See the entire « Bones and joints » family · Back to the atlas