A Study to Compare the Efficacy of Alendronate With and Without Calcium or Calcium Alone In the Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women (0217-088)(COMPLETED)

A Triple-Blind, Randomized, Active-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Multicenter Study to Evaluate and Compare the Efficacy and Tolerability of Alendronate Sodium With Calcium Supplementation in the Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women

The purpose of this study is to see how well alendronate and calcium as compared to calcium alone increase bone density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

Inclusion Criteria :

• Patient is postmenopausal (or surgically menopausal) for at least 5 years.
• Patient must be diagnosed with osteoporosis
• Patient has spinal anatomy suitable for DEXA of the lumbar spine

Exclusion Criteria :

• Patient is receiving or has received treatment prior to randomization which might influence bone turnover
• Patient has a history of or evidence for metabolic bone disease (other than postmenopausal bone loss)
• Patient is receiving or is expected to receive during the course of the study any medication (other than study medication) which might alter bone or calcium metabolism