Drate Tablet 70mg

About Drate Tablet 70mg

What is Drate Tablet 70mg used for

Contains alendronate sodium, a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis.

Prescribed to lower the risk of hip and spine fractures.

Also used to increase bone mass in patients on long term steroid therapy.

How does it work

Slows down osteoclasts, the cells that break down old bone tissue.

This allows bone building cells to work more effectively, gradually increasing bone density.

Who should not use it

Patients who cannot stand or sit upright for 30 minutes should not take this medicine.

People with esophageal narrowing, achalasia, or Barrett's esophagus need an alternative.

Patients with low blood calcium or severe kidney impairment should avoid it until corrected.

Drate Tablet 70mg and bone health in Pakistan

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread across Pakistan, which weakens the medicine's benefit if untreated.

Doctors often recommend calcium and vitamin D alongside this medicine.

Patients should mention any planned dental extractions to their dentist.

Drate Tablet 70mg formula

• Alendronate Sodium

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Drate Tablet 70mg?

• Take first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before food, drink, or other medicine.
• Full glass of plain water, never mineral water, juice, tea, or coffee.
• Upright position for at least 30 minutes after the dose.
• Once a week use, on the same day each week.
• Lying down immediately after the dose is not advised.

Drug Interactions

• Calcium supplements and antacids: Reduce absorption if taken too close together.
• NSAIDs: Can add to the stomach irritation risk.
• Aspirin: High-dose combined may increase GI side effects.
• Other oral medicines: Anything within 30 minutes reduces absorption.

Risks and warnings

• Esophageal irritation: Can irritate the food pipe if not swallowed correctly.
• Kidney function: Significant kidney impairment needs dose adjustment.
• Jaw bone problems: Rare cases reported, mostly after dental extractions during long term use.
• Calcium and vitamin D levels: Low blood calcium must be corrected before starting.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not recommended due to limited safety data.

• Stomach pain, indigestion, or nausea
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Difficulty swallowing or chest pain if not taken correctly
• Muscle, joint, or bone pain
• Headache
• Rare cases of jaw bone problems with long term use
• Rare atypical thigh bone fractures with prolonged treatment

Storage Conditions

• Room temperature, ideally below 30 degrees Celsius.
• Protection from moisture, dry cabinet away from the bathroom.
• Strip should stay sealed until dose is due.
• Always kept out of reach of children.
• Unused or expired tablets disposed of safely.