General Instructions for Patient Taking Oral Bisphosphonate for Osteoporosis

Bisphosphonate being taken

Does the patient take the drug on an empty stomach after an overnight fast?

Does the patient swallow the medication while standing or sitting upright?

Does the patient chew the tablets or let them dissolve while in the mouth?

Does the patient take the pill(s) with at least 8 oz (236 mL) of plain water?

Number of minutes that the person stays erect after taking the pills

Does the person eat or drink anything other than water while staying erect?

Does the person delay taking any medica-tion containing cations (calcium, iron, others) until later in the day?