Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S

Description

About

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones causing a decrease in its mineral content and mass changing its overall density and structure resulting in fragile bones making them fracture prone. It mostly affects women more than men and is most often related to aging, menopause, long-term treatment with steroids, and hypogonadism. Bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed to people suffering from this disease. Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is a combination medicine containing Bisphosphonate and vitamin D used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at risk of developing osteoporosis, to enhance bone density in osteoporotic men. Additionally, cholecalciferol being Vitamin D helps strengthen bone even further through calcium and mineral absorption.

Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is chemically composed of Alendronate which works to stop the resorption of bone by directly binding to a key mineral of the bone called Hydroxyapatite and stops the breakdown of these minerals, imposing an anti-resorptive effect. Among many diagnostic methods currently being used, the DXA scan is the most important evaluation and diagnostic method for osteoporosis which must be done before prescribing any Bisphosphonates. This scan may be repeated every year to assess your condition. And Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is generally given for longer durations lasting up to 3 to 5 years or as prescribed by a doctor. 

Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is available in the form of oral tablets which should be taken orally 30 minutes before a meal, once a week. Despite its many benefits, Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is not prescribed to patients under the age of 18 nor is it prescribed to women who are pregnant, lactating, or trying to conceive. Please note that before using any Bisphosphonate get your dental work done since Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S may affect the formation of new bone in the jaw which may be particularly a problem in case of tooth extractions causing bone damage and necrosis. The Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is to be stored away from direct sunlight at room temperature and kept away from moisture. Most common side effects observed with Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S include diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, joint pain/swelling, or acid reflux, among others. 

Indications

Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S can be used to treat:

• Osteoporosis related to menopause, aging, steroid use, etc
• Patients susceptible to osteoporosis (as preventive measures)
• To increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis 

How Does Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S Work

Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S works by two basic mechanisms, firstly targeting the osteoclast cells also known as Bone eating cells, present in the bone. Osteoclasts are responsible for the resorption of bone in the body. By inhibiting or slowing down their actions, Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S can regulate and maintain a good bone structure and quality. Cholecalciferol on the other hand helps the gut absorb calcium and phosphorus efficiently in our bloodstream, making bones stronger.

How To Use Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S

Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is to be ingested whole with a glass of regular/plain water, without crushing it or splitting the tablets in half. It is imperative that Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is taken without food, preferably an hour or so before the patient has their breakfast, first meal or liquid, or medicine of the day. Medicine is usually taken once a week for your condition. Patients are asked to not lie down or recline too low after swallowing Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S but rather maintain an upright position to aid the tablet’s passage into the stomach and intestines.

It is advised to not stop treatment abruptly without consulting a doctor as the risk of bone resorption is significantly increased without the drug. It is normal to experience changes in the snugness of your body after a minimum of 2 weeks. In severe circumstances, the changes in the body brought about by Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S may take many weeks or maybe months to experience. During the treatment, the doctor may alter the dosage (either increase or decrease) after a period of a few weeks depending on the patient’s response to treatment and any adverse effects felt by the patient.

It is advised that the drug is taken on the same day each week, an alarm or mobile phone application can be placed to remind patients to take Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S at the proper time each day. Take it as per prescription, do not take more than advised but increasing the dose has proven to cause severe side effects.

Dosage

Available Potency and forms of Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S 

Tablet – 70 mg / 70 mcg

Adult Dosage

A tablet, first thing in the morning on empty stomach, is commonly prescribed to be ingested once a week 

Child Dosage

Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is not prescribed to patients aged 18 years and below

Elderly Dosage

In general, the dose remains the same as in adults however, it is important to monitor carefully in cases of decreased kidney and liver function. Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S may not be effectively removed from the body and so, in such cases, the doctor may prescribe an altered dose of the Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S or another medicine.

Pregnancy Use And Lactation

Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is categorized as Pregnancy Category C and is not considered safe to be prescribed to pregnant and breastfeeding women. If you are undergoing treatment with Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S and become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately, the doctor will ask you to stop using Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S or prescribe a suitable alternative.

Contraindications

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S:

• Allergic reaction to Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S or any other drug or ingredient
• Pregnancy 
• Lactating mothers
• Moderate to severe heart diseases/impairment 
• Moderate to severe food pipe (esophageal) diseases/impairment such as achalasia 
• Digestive disorders
• Moderate to severe kidney diseases/impairment 
• Moderate to the severe stomach to intestinal diseases/impairment 
• Hypocalcemia 
• Moderate to severe dental pain or infection 
• Inability to sit upright for at least 30 minutes
• Chronic smoker 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before using Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S:

• Please read the label carefully, since Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S may contain contents that may cause you allergies
• Ensure you have normal calcium levels since Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S can decrease calcium levels
• Smoking is not recommended, breathing difficulties, oral hygiene/diseases can our with Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S
• When taking Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S at your chosen time of the week please consume it with a glass of plain water. Avoid using mineral water or other kinds of drinks for these may interfere with the absorption of this medicine
• Mild to moderate heart diseases/impairment 
• Mild to moderate kidney diseases/impairment 
• Mild to moderate difficulty in swallowing food 
• Acid reflux or regurgitation 
• Dental health maintenance must be ensured. Do regular dental follow-ups to avoid future problems
• If you are advised tooth extraction, always tell your dentist about Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S since it can cause impairment of healing, particularly high risk if you are also undergoing chemotherapy 
• All of your major dental workups must be done before starting Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S
• You may require to have minerals/electrolyte levels in your blood checked periodically during the treatment
• If you notice any unusual pain in bones particularly long bones of the legs or pain in the groin area, immediately report to your doctor 
• Vitamin D levels in the blood must also be checked in 6 – 12 weeks after starting treatment, or alteration of doses to avoid excess of this mineral called Hypervitaminosis D
• Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S may affect some laboratory-based tests including serum cholesterol or triglycerides. Always provide a list of medicines to your doctor or laboratory personnel
• In case you are taking other vitamins or mineral supplements such as calcium, multivitamins, etc ensure a gap of 3 – 4 hours to allow adequate absorption of Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S. All other drugs known to interact must also be taken after a gap of a few hours

Interactions With Other Medications

Please tell your doctor about the use of the following before using Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S:

• Antacids 
• Calcium supplements 
• Certain NSAIDs like ibuprofen
• Laxatives 
• Aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin, tobramycin, etc.
• Corticosteroids like prednisolone, dexamethasone
• Iron chelators like deferasirox
• Vitamin or mineral supplements 

Adverse Effects

Common Adverse Effects

Like most medicines, Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S has certain side effects which include:

• Stomach problems (such as cramps, nausea, and or diarrhea)
• Headache 
• Flu-like symptoms 
• Hair loss
• Heartburn/ indigestion 
• Fatigue 
• Skin rash 

These effects tend to be mild and resolve in a few days of taking Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S.

Rare Adverse Effects

If any of the following adverse effects are seen or felt, the patient is advised to immediately contact their doctor.

• Dental aches and pains 
• Muscular aches 
• Joint pain 
• Pain in the ear
• Pruritus 
• Joint pain
• Muscle cramps 
• Paresthesia 
• Impaired wound healing especially in the jaw
• Oral ulcers 
• Compromised/ mobile teeth
• Metallic taste
• Shortness of breath 
• Hypervitaminosis D (increased thirst, urination, loss of weight, etc.)

How To Cope With Some Of The Adverse Effects

• Headaches – In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea – Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water.
• Heartburn – This can be dealt with by chewing on mint-flavored gum that’ll help neutralize the acid in the body. Standing up straighter, adding ginger to the daily diet, elevating the patient’s upper body, and having licorice supplements has shown to provide relief.
• Skin Rash – This can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream. Apply a cold compress to the rash helps reduce itchiness and redness caused by the rash. An antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.
• Fatigue – Patients experiencing this adverse effect are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.

FAQ’S

#1. How To Store Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S?

Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is to be kept away from the reach of children, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity as that tends to ruin certain drugs.

#2. What If I Take Too Much Of Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S?

Patients are asked to immediately drink a full glass of milk and to kindly contact their doctor or a nearby hospital right away. The amount of medication that can result in severe side effects varies from person to person. An overdose results in slowing down of heart rate and difficulty breathing accompanied by dizziness and fainting spells.

#3. What If I Miss A Dose Of Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S?

If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next dosage time or the next day, do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule.

#4. How Is Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S Supposed To Be Taken?

Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is to be ingested whole, without crushing it or splitting the tablets in half. It is imperative that Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S be ingested without food, preferably an hour or so before the patient has their breakfast. Patients are asked to not lie down after swallowing Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S but rather to remain sitting or standing up straight.

#5. Can I Take Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S During My Pregnancy?

No, Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is deemed unsafe to be ingested during pregnancy.

#6. Is It Safe To Have Painkillers While Taking Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S?

Not all pain killers are safe to be ingested while undergoing treatment with Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S. NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen) painkillers have been shown to interact with Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S. You may take paracetamol as a painkiller if needed.

#7. What Lab Tests Will Be Prescribed While Undergoing Treatment With Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S And How Often?

Patients are advised to have their kidney and liver function tests done periodically along with blood tests to keep a check on serum potassium, calcium levels. DEXA scans are also advised to be done annually to monitor bone density levels.

#8. Is It Safe To Have Antacids For Indigestion Along With Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S?

No, As certain antacids containing magnesium and/or aluminum may interact with the absorption of Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S by the body and are therefore advised to ask your doctor first for a suitable medicine or take a minimum of 2 hours before the intake of Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S.

#9. Is Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S Safe To Give To Elderly Patients?

Yes. This drug can be easily and safely prescribed to patients above 18 years of age. For elderly patients the dosage of the drug may be lower than normal due to decreased kidney function, Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S may not be effectively removed from the body and so, in such cases, the doctor may prescribe an altered dose of the Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S.

#10. What If I Forget To Take The Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S?

It is advised that the drug is taken at the same time each day to have sustained levels in the blood, an alarm can be placed to remind patients to take Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S at the proper time and at least an hour before having any meal. If a patient misses a dose of Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S, they should take it immediately but if the time for the next dose of the drug is near then it’s beneficial for patients to skip the missed dose and take the tablets as per schedule, doubling of doses has proven to cause severe side effects.

#11. Are there any lifestyle changes that I need to make for my condition?

If you are suffering from osteoporosis or a condition that affects your bone strength, try to avoid activities that are likely to cause trauma to your bones both inside and outside your home. Try to incorporate a healthy balanced diet, taking sunbath or sun exposure a few times a week also helps the body make Vitamin D naturally.

#12. For How Long Will I Have To Take Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S?

Drate Plus D 70mg/70mcg(2800IU) Tablet 4 ‘S is generally taken for longer durations which may last up to 3 to 5 years.