Alendronate and cholecalciferol and Zostrix

• Generic Name: alendronate / cholecalciferol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Fosamax Plus D

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate (bis FOS fo nayt) medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures.

Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D, and is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Alendronate and cholecalciferol is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis.

Alendronate and cholecalciferol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: capsaicin topical
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Capsicum Oleoresin, Capsin, Capzasin Back and Body, Capzasin-HP, Capzasin-P, Castiva Warming, Icy Hot PM, Icy Hot with Capsaicin, Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin, Qutenza, Salonpas Gel-Patch, Salonpas Pain Patch with Capsaicin, Sloan's Liniment, Trixaicin, Zostrix, Capzasin-P, Theragen HP, Zostrix Arthritis Pain Relief, Zostrix Foot Pain Relief, Zostrix HP

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Capsaicin is used in medicated creams and lotions to relieve muscle or joint pain.

Capsaicin used on the body causes a sensation of heat that activates certain nerve cells. With regular use of capsaicin, this heating effect reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that acts as a pain messenger in the body.

Zostrix is used for temporary relief of muscle or joint pain caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, bruising, or backaches. This medicine is also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people who have had herpes zoster, or "shingles."

Zostrix may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.