PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney conditions, low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), trouble swallowing, stomach or esophagus disorders (e.g., ulcers, esophagitis), any allergies. It is important to not smoke and to limit the amount of alcohol used as these can increase the risk of osteoporosis. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you use, especially of: aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), iron supplements, vitamins with minerals, sucralfate, antacids (especially those containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum), calcium supplements. Check the label on all nonprescription pain relievers, as they may contain pain relievers/fever reducers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. Consult your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This medication may interfere with certain medical tests. Make sure that laboratory and medical personnel know that you are using this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include severe muscle weakness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory or medical tests will be performed to monitor your progress. It is very important to not take this medication with anything other than water. Even juice and coffee have been found to interfere with its absorption. Exercising regularly and acquiring calcium in the diet via eating well-balanced meals can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

MISSED DOSE: If you take this daily: if you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you take this weekly: if you miss a dose, take the medicine in the morning, then resume your usual weekly schedule on your chosen day. Do not double the dose on the same day.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.