Alendronate News: Drug Helps Bones Even When It Runs Out Millions of women take alendronate, a drug that is designed to strengthen bones, fight osteoporosis and prevent bone fractures. Fosamax Vacation OK? An article in the December 27, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that the effects of 5 years of treatment with Fosamax (alendronate) were... Osteoporosis Drug has Lasting Effects Five years may be long enough for some women taking alendronate to treat osteoporosis.