Patient Guide. This PATIENT GUIDE comes with your Binosto 70mg Effervescent Tablets pack. Please read it carefully.

Transcription

1 Patient Guide This PATIENT GUIDE comes with your Binosto 70mg Effervescent Tablets pack. Please read it carefully. BIN Patient Leaflet DL (Logo).indd 1 17/12/ :29

2 Binosto 70mg Effervescent Tablets (alendronic acid) You have been prescribed Binosto 70mg Effervescent Tablets by your doctor. They will have decided that you need Binosto because you have been diagnosed with a condition called osteoporosis. This PATIENT GUIDE provides you with information about Binosto and how you should take it. It also tells you a little about osteoporosis and provides you with useful information sources, such as websites, that may prove useful. Please make sure to also read the Patient Information Leaflet that came with your Binosto pack. What is Binosto? Binosto is a round whitish effervescent tablet that contains the active ingredient alendronic acid. Alendronic acid belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates, a type of medicine that has been specifically designed to help stop or prevent the effects that osteoporosis can have on your bones. Bisphosphonates slow the process that leads to bone being broken down by the body. This helps stop bone from becoming fragile and so decreases the risk of fractures. Binosto dissolves in water to produce an effervescent solution that you drink. The normal dosage is usually one tablet once a week, though your doctor will advise you on what they feel is most suitable for you and your bones. The dispensing label on the outside of the pack will confirm the dosage your doctor has prescribed for you. You can only get Binosto with a prescription from your doctor. BIN Patient Leaflet DL (Logo).indd /12/ :29

3 Why have I been prescribed Binosto? Binosto is prescribed for women who have been diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes a decline in bone mineral density, which results in your bones becoming weak and fragile. Weak bones are more likely to break or fracture. Binosto is a medicine designed to prevent this decline in bone strength, and help reduce risk of fracture. If you have been diagnosed as having osteoporosis it may be because you have already suffered a bone fracture. Taking Binosto, along with adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D, may prevent any further fractures from happening. Bone density comparison How does Binosto work? Binosto works by slowing down the body s process of breaking down old bone, giving the bone-forming cells time to rebuild normal bone. Of course, to rebuild normal bone, your body needs good, regular sources of calcium and vitamin D, so your doctor may prescribe these for you to take alongside your Binosto prescription. When and how to take Binosto Unless otherwise stated, your doctor will have prescribed you one Binosto tablet to be taken once a week. In some circumstances the active ingredient in Binosto, called alendronic acid, can cause gastric side effects. Alendronic acid is also known to interact with some other medicines and foods. Although Binosto has been formulated to limit the potential for gastric side effects, you still need to take it as directed. NORMAL BONE DENSITY OSTEOPOROSIS 1 Before breakfast, dissolve one tablet in 120ml of water (not sparkling). It is important that the tablet is dissolved completely, as this ensures the whole tablet goes straight into your stomach and prevents any residual tablet lying in your oesophagus when you swallow it. Never chew or suck your Binosto tablet. 2 Swallow the whole water mixture, followed by at least 30ml (one third of a glass) of plain water. Additional plain water can be taken if required. 3 Afterwards, it is important to sit or stand upright, and avoid eating anything for the next 30 minutes. This should help the medicine reach your stomach and reduce the risk of unpleasant side effects, or interactions with food or other medicines. If you forget to take your tablet on the right day, don t worry, you can take it the next morning you remember. Then continue with your prescribed (weekly or otherwise) dose as before. However, do not take two tablets together. BIN Patient Leaflet DL (Logo).indd /12/ :29

4 Are there any side-effects? The possible side-effects of taking Binosto are mainly gastro-intestinal, such as stomach pain, dyspepsia (wind/indigestion), acid reflux and feelings of nausea. Taking your medicine as described above and carefully following the instructions in the patient information leaflet should minimise these effects. However if you experience any of these side effects, please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Please read your Package Leaflet for more information on side-effects. What else can I do to help strengthen my bones? Healthy eating and good exercise are the best starting points for maintaining healthy bones. Like the rest of your body, the health and strength of your bones will benefit from a balanced diet that contains protein, calcium and vitamin D. You can get these from foodstuffs such as dairy products, oily fish, eggs and fortified cereals. Some patients may find it difficult to get sufficient calcium and/or vitamin D from their diet so it may be an idea to talk with your doctor about having a calcium and/or vitamin D supplement prescribed alongside Binosto. You can also report side-effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at By reporting side-effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. Do not stop taking Binosto unless your doctor tells you to do so. What happens if I stop taking it? The effects of not taking your Binosto tablets will develop over a medium to long period of time. As the body begins to break down bone structure again, your bones will weaken and can become susceptible to fracture. Fractures can cause you undue pain and discomfort but also may result in long-term consequences on mobility. Remember do not stop taking Binosto unless your doctor tells you to do so. The type of exercise where you support the weight of your own body, such as jogging or walking, can be especially useful for bone health. Only do such activities if you feel fit enough to do so. Further advice on self-help can be obtained from the National Osteoporosis Society website More useful information is also available on where you can sign up for a reminder service and access more information about Binosto and osteoporosis. You ll be asked to type in the batch code found on your Binosto pack (next to the expiry date) just to confirm you have been prescribed Binosto. BIN Patient Leaflet DL (Logo).indd /12/ :29

5 Further information This leaflet is also available in several other languages as well as in large font for the partially sighted. For further information on Binosto, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking your medication unless your doctor tells you to. Alternatively contact: Internis Pharmaceuticals Ltd. c/o Thornton & Ross Linthwaite Huddersfield HD7 5QH Tel: This PATIENT GUIDE has been produced as a service to medicine by Internis Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Should you need further information about osteoporosis or feel the need to talk to someone about your diagnosis, the National Osteoporosis Society has a helpline staffed by specialist nurses. Just call them on or send an enquiry to nurses@nos.org.uk. Date of preparation: December BIN-0008 BIN Patient Leaflet DL (Logo).indd 8 17/12/ :29