A once-weekly 70-mg tablet of alendronate is now available for patients with osteoporosis ("Osteoporosis," January); a 10-mg daily dose was previously the only option. The weekly dosing schedule is an important alternative, because it offers the potential for better compliance with the prescribed regimen, which requires that alendronate be taken with 6 to 8 oz. of water 30 minutes before breakfast, and that patients refrain from lying down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.

Judith A. Casale, RN