What side effects can this medication cause?

Alendronate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• stomach pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• bloating or fullness in the stomach
• change in ability to taste food
• bone, muscle, or joint pain
• headache
• dizziness
• flu-like symptoms

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately before you take any more alendronate:

• new or worsening heartburn
• difficulty swallowing
• pain on swallowing
• chest pain
• bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• black, tarry, or bloody stools
• fever
• blisters or peeling skin
• rash (may be made worse by sunlight)
• itching
• hives
• swelling of eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• difficulty breathing
• hoarseness
• painful or swollen gums
• loosening of the teeth
• numbness or heavy feeling in the jaw
• poor healing of the jaw
• eye pain

Alendronate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.