Gatofos 35 Tablet belongs to the group of fortified bisphosphonates used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of the bone. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. Paget’s disease of the bone is a disorder in which the replacement of old bone cells by new bone cells is disrupted and dysregulated. 

Gatofos 35 Tablet contains Alendronic acid, which promotes bone integrity by regulating bone cell turnover and preventing bone cell destruction by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts. Gatofos 35 Tablet strengthens bones, thereby reducing the risk of fractures.

Take Gatofos 35 Tablet as prescribed. In some cases, Gatofos 35 Tablet may cause side effects such as muscle or joint pain, nausea, indigestion, gas and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. 

It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components. Keep your doctor informed if you suffer from any oesophageal disorders, jaw problems, peptic ulcer disease, kidney disease, low blood calcium, low Vitamin D, if you are a smoker or have had a history of smoking, or if you have been immobilised for some time and are unable to sit upright. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Gatofos 35 Tablet contains Alendronic acid, a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. It is used primarily to strengthen bones, joints, muscles and in the treatment of bone disease. Gatofos 35 Tablet works by preventing bone destruction and resorption, thereby retaining the normal density of bones. It slows down the activity of bone-destroying cells (osteoclasts), which tend to be in overdrive in case of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and Paget’s. Hence, Gatofos 35 Tablet is useful in strengthening and restoring the integrity and health of weak bones.

Take it on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes before food or beverages, for better absorption or take it as advised by the doctor. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. Take it while sitting upright or standing. Try staying upright, and do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking it. Do not take it at bedtime or just before waking up.

• Muscle or joint pain
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Gas
• Headache

Avoid taking Gatofos 35 Tablet if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you suffer from any oesophageal disorders, jaw problems, peptic ulcer disease, kidney disease, low blood calcium, low Vitamin D, digestive problems, hyperparathyroidism, cancer, mouth infection, are on chemotherapy or radiotherapy, if you smoke, or if you have been immobilised for some time and are unable to sit upright. Keep your doctor informed if you have recently had any surgery or are about to undergo surgery or a dental procedure. Offer a detailed medical history and inform the doctor, especially if you are on steroids, antacids, antibiotics like gentamycin or amikacin, calcium supplements, laxatives containing magnesium, aspirin or any painkillers. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Gatofos 35 Tablet may interact with calcium supplements, antacids (magnesium hydroxide, ranitidine, cimetidine, omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole), magnesium-containing laxatives (magnesium citrate), anti-cancer drugs (bevacizumab, thalidomide), steroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone), NSAIDs/painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen), antibiotics (gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin) and chelating agent (desferrioxamine).    

Drug-Food Interactions: Do not take Gatofos 35 Tablet with mineral water, tea, coffee and juice.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Gatofos 35 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, hypocalcemia, hypoparathyroidism, rickets, osteomalacia, kidney disease, cancer, peptic ulcer disease, oesophageal disorders like Barrett’s oesophagus and any disease-causing jaw pain.

• MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE
• RANITIDINE
• CIMETIDINE
• OMEPRAZOLE
• ESOMEPRAZOLE
• LANSOPRAZOLE
• PANTOPRAZOLE
• BEVACIZUMAB
• MAGNESIUM CITRATE+POTASSIUM CITRATE
• THALIDOMIDE
• PREDNISOLONE
• DEXAMETHASONE
• ASPIRIN
• IBUPROFEN
• GENTAMICIN
• AMIKACIN
• TOBRAMYCIN
• DESFERRIOXAMINE

• Load up on Vitamin D rich foods such as oily fish, egg yolks, spinach, broccoli, salmon and orange juice to promote bone health.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Doing weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, tennis, or even dance can be very useful in promoting overall bone health. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired or suffer from severely brittle bones. 
• Muscle training activities such as yoga and Pilates can also be very helpful.
• Spend time under the sun (however, with proper sunscreen) for quality intake of Vitamin D.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption and stop smoking as these may have a negative effect on bone health. Smokers tend to have lower bone density than non-smokers. 

• In case you miss a dose of Gatofos 35 Tablet, skip it and resume when it is time for the second dose. Do not ever take a double dose.
• Sit upright or stand while taking Gatofos 35 Tablet.
• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Gatofos 35 Tablet. 
• If you accidentally take extra doses of Gatofos 35 Tablet, please inform your doctor or go to a hospital immediately. Some of the symptoms of an overdose can be toothache, jaw pain, feeling sick, dizziness, mood changes, ear pain, blurring of vision, headache.

Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a state in which the bones become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures. It is often brought about by disease and age (menopausal osteoporosis). In osteoporosis, the activity of bone-destroying cells surpasses the activity of bone-forming cells. Most people do not suffer from any symptoms until there’s a fracture and bones literally start to break. 

Paget’s Disease of the Bone: Paget’s disease is a disorder in which bone remodelling and the equilibrium between bone-forming and bone-destroying cells is disrupted, causing more bone cells to be destroyed than it is produced. It is also called osteitis deformans because it may produce bone deformities. Paget’s disease may be silent and produce no symptoms, or it may cause deformity, pain, swelling and fractures in the affected area.