Fosavance
Fosavance has been launched by MSD. This product contains Alendronate 70mg and colecalciferol 70micrograms in a once a week tablet. It will be priced at the same level as Fosamax, that is an NHS List price of £22.80 for 4 tablets.
It is licensed for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in patients at risk of vitamin D insufficiency. Further information is available in the Summary of Product Characteristics.
At present, Bisphosphonates (like Alendronate) are recommended for use in addition to a suitable Calcium and Vitamin D supplement. This product is being promoted based upon the fact that population data in the UK shows that the vast majority of people obtain sufficient calcium from their diet. The exception to this appears to be female patients who are aged over 65 and who live alone.
This product is an attempt at patent extension by the manufacturers of Fosamax as the patent is due to expire very soon. The place for this product remains unclear at present as supplementation with Calcium and Vitamin D supplements is the current empirical treatment.
Additionally, it may be difficult to assess the risk of Vitamin D insufficiency in order to comply with the product license. The skin produces Vitamin D naturally during exposure to sunlight.
Action: This product should not be used in preference to standard treatment (Calcium and Vitamin D supplement with or without a Bisphosphonate) until further data can demonstrate that Calcium supplementation is not required in patients who have already suffered an osteoporotic bone fracture, especially as patients with "postmenopausal osteoporosis" are likely to be female patients who are over 65 and living alone.
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I have been taking FOSAVANCE for several months and have recently had gastric problems -- discomfort, flatulance, loose stools. Is this likely to be a result of the medication? I have stopped taking FOSAVANCE for two weeks now to see if there is any improvement. How long should I wait to see if things improve? I am 63 years old and FOSAVANCE was recommended because of a family history of osteoporosis.
Comment by CHRISTINE ELLIS — January 15, 2009 #
Sally,
I have not heard any suggestion that Fosavance is to be withdrawn however alendronate would do the same job one tenth the price on the UK market.
It may be that your doctor is being encourage to prescribe with 'value for money' in mind, I would suggest you discuss your concerns with your doctor and would strongly advise against buying over the internet.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — November 18, 2008 #
I have heard that Fosavance is to be withdrawn and a cheaper Alendonic acid is to replace it---Is this true? If so will I be able to buy it over the internet? I would appreciate your advice.
Comment by Sally Phillips — November 17, 2008 #
Thank you so much. I am grateful for your help. E Gladwin
Comment by Mrs Gladwin — November 17, 2008 #
Mrs Gladwin,
From the informaiton you have provided Fosavance does seem an unusual choice at this stage and the treatment you have been given would not be a recommendation based on recently published guidelines here in the UK.
I would suggest that you speak to your doctor about your concerns and also ask for a justification of the treatment compared to the alternatives.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — November 11, 2008 #
I have been prescribed Fosavance, together with a calcium supplement as a result of a DEXA scan that shows I have borderline Osteopenia (T-score of lumbar spine -1.1). I am 43 years old and not yet reached menopause. I have never taken drugs for anything before - is Fosavance really necessary at this stage? (I am living abroad and don't know the doctor).
Comment by Mrs Gladwin — November 11, 2008 #
Marjorie,
You have been prescribed this drug to strengthen your bones to reduce your risk of having further fractures should you fall.
There is a distinct possibility that the prednisone has made your bones weaker but the biggest causative factor was your fall. If you can do anything to reduce your chance of falling again including looking at your home, other medicines you take and your footwear and so on then you should. You may also find this article a good read.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — January 19, 2008 #
I have just been prescribed this drug after bone scan revealed that I had 5 fractures one wrist and four in the back -ribs, spine , etc. after a fall. I did not get a bone density after until I had been taking prednisone for an auto-immune disease for over a year. I am 80 years old but the bone density was ok, until the prednisone - I am assumming the fosanavance will help to cure the bone loss. Is this correct?
Comment by Marjorie Spooner — January 19, 2008 #
Eileen,
The difference is simply the addition of colecalciferol into the Fosavance. Other than that the products are the same.
I'd have to say that "toxic" is a bit of a strong word to choose to describe Fosamax. If it were genuinely toxic it would not be on the market. Of course, like all medicines it will have side effects that affect some individuals.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — August 18, 2007 #
Sounds like this is the same as Fosamax which I stopped taking months ago as it is toxic...please explain what the difference is between Fosamax and Fosavance??? Thanks Eileen Storzuk - Canada
Comment by eileen storzuk — August 18, 2007 #