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Global Patient Feedback for Fosamax (Alendronate) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
There is a very valuable blood test that will tell you if you have sufficient levels of vitamin D. Go for the best test - your doctor should know what it is. There is now some significant research that shows the value of D levels. What does this have to do with Fosamax? I am reading a lot here about people taking calcium and vitamin D to alleviate their osteoporosis issues. You need to know if you are actually getting enough or if your body is metabolizing these supplements.
There is also another factor - magnesium. You simply will not metabolize your calcium without a lot of magnesium. What is added to a multi vitamin is not enough. Therefore, you can be taking all the calcium in the world but may not be metabolizing it well. You cannot take magnesium at the same time as Fosamax or Synthroid. Take the magnesium at bedtime. It will help you sleep also. It also has been advised for people with migraines.
I am the exception to everything written. I was taking 1500 - 2000 mg of calcium plus 800 mg. of magnesium per day and had an amazing bone loss in one year anyway. I have now added vitamin D (even though I live in Florida) and Fosamax. I will see in 6 months if I improve at all. I also get a fair amount of weight bearing exercise. Some of us need extraordinary measures to stem bone loss. Don't assume anything. Get the tests done and watch it carefully.
Do your research online. There is plenty written about vitamin D, calcium and magnesium. You can Google the combination of the three and probably will get a lot of information. Do not rely on your doctor to provide this info. Once I asked him, he agreed that I needed the blood work for vitamin D but never offered it. A great, well informed person at an independent health food store also can be a great resource as can your pharmacist.
Thanks to everyone for their information posted here. It has been helpful to me.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-13 08:45:59
Question/Comment:
I was prescribed 20mg Alendronic acid by a member of my endocronologist's team because of pain in my lower back caused by degenerative bone desease which is a result of a hormone defeciency. I was on it for about 4 months and was very pleased with the initial results in that it took the debilitating stabbing back pain completely away. After another appointment at the hospital and after seeing my actual doctor she advised me to come off the alendronate because of possible side effect of jaw desease and her insistance that the pain relief after taking the medication was merely a coincidence. I was worried about this but i did not want the pain to come back as it always drained me of mental energy but i agreed to stop the alendronate and insisted i would go back on it if the pain returned. within a week the pain returned and i couldnt get hold of my doctor at the hospital (2 calls no return calls) so i contacted my gp who advised me to start taking it again which i did as the pain was getting worse again. The pain again disappeared and after seeing another different doctor at the hospital 3 months later i was again advised to stop it and the side effect were explained to me.
Well now i am pain free in my back but am starting to get aches in my jaw and slight throbbing in areas of my mouth were i have had teeth removed. I am now in a quandry as to what to do stop the alendronate and have back pain again or continue taking it and risk getting some sort of jaw desease? i think im probably going to stop taking it so as not to create more problems!!!
43yr old male
44 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-03 05:57:37
Question/Comment:
I've been taking alendronic acid now for two years. Over the last year I have suffered pain in my legs with twitching and cramps both day and night. More recently I've had muscualr and bone pain throughout my body which is worse in my back. All these symptoms are worsened by exercise. I also have occasional palpitations at night. My hair has thinned and I have night sweats.
I was prescribed the medication for osteoporis found when I broke my ankle. I had an early menopause in my twenties with was probably the cause.
I've also reacted badly to other osteoporosis medications such as Raloxifene.
Any advice would be welcomed.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-08 06:03:26
Answer/Reply:
I am no longer taking Femera
70 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-15 17:48:21
Question/Comment:
I have been given a prescription for alendronate because I was prescibed predisinole steroids for polymyalgia rheumatica. I am really scared to take it after reading about side effects. How quickly can oesteoporosis take a hold when on steroids - I will be on them for 6 months I started on 20mg then 15mg then 10mg slowly decreasing the dose to 5mg per day for a further 6 months. I would like to hear your opinion.
Gloria
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-08 05:52:20
Question/Comment:
I took Fosamax for 4 years, until I had to have a tooth extraction, My dentist expressed a great reluctance to do it. He said that due to the Fosamax, an extraction had the possibility of leading to necrosis of the jaw. The deed was done, and I am alright. I've had several other dentists express the same fear. My personal physician was unaware of the potential risks when she prescribed it. After doing some research, she stopped prescribing biphosphonates. I have found information re: the connection between Fosomax and necrosis of the jaw on the internet. I don't understand why this info is largely not known to the general public. I am hoping I can find another drug that will treat my osteoporosis safely.
70 yr. old female
71 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-07 22:34:27
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Fosamax for approx 8-10 yrs. I have severe joint & muscle pain but chalk the pain up to all the chemotherapy treatments I had 4 yrs ago. My dentist also showed concerns about possible necrosis of the jaw if any tooth extraction was needed. She advised me that the benefits of Fosamax outweigh the negative effects and commented that even if I discontinued using the drug, it would still be in my system for years afterward. It is my dentist's belief that she will save a tooth even if she has to perform a root canal to prevent any possibility of jaw necrosis due to tooth extraction.
64 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-15 16:40:08
Answer/Reply:
I TOOK THE RED RICE YEAST AND WAS TOLD NOT TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE- THEN I WAS TOLD TO TAKE GEMFIBROZIL FOR CHOLESTROL. I TOOK THAT AND NOW MY MUSCLES ARE IN PAIN AND ARE WEAKER. WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY STRENGTH? I NOW TAKE RED MEGA KRILL OIL. IM HOPING THIS WILL BE BETTER-IT SAYS ITS 3X BETTER THAN FISH OIL. AS FAR AS THE FISHY SMELL- FISH OIL IS ALSO SOLD WITHOUT ANY AFTERTASTE OR FISHY SMELL. I AM 70 YRS OLS
LYNN OF SPRING HILL,FLA.
73 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-27 14:41:36
Question/Comment:
I don't know how anyone can say they feel wonderful taking this drug because my doctor said that it has nothing to do with pain which I have in my bones especially my knees. It doesn't make me feel any different then before so we may be taking this drug that could be harming us when all we really need is 2 pills of calcium with vitamin D a day. I'm willing to check my bone density while taking calcium and I bet the bone density will improve more then with taking the Fosomax.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-24 08:36:31
Answer/Reply:
I had a bone density test done and found that my bone condition was severe. I was given Fosamax and took it faithfuly for about 4 or 5 years. I then had another bone density test done and found a significant improvement. A year later, my doctor ordered another one and there didn't seem to be much difference from the last one, so he took me off of it because of acid reflux. Fosamax is hard on the stomach and it's to be taken with 8 ounces of water first thing in the morning and 30 minutes to an hour before you can eat or drink anything. I can see where it would be hard on the stomach, but previsec was taking care of that. I am due to due see my doctor before long. I am going to tell him that while taking fosamax, all my bones weren't hurting the way they are now. I want to go back to Fosamax. It does help to rebuild the bone. Maybe not back to what they were before menapause, but certainly better than they were without Fosamax. I am approaching 77 years of age and need all the help I can get.
77 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-27 17:20:20
Answer/Reply:
Wow, I just found out after taking Fosomax for a while that I have acid reflux. I will have to ask my doctor about the timing of these medicines and the acid reflux. Thank you for letting me know about that.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-29 17:42:51
Answer/Reply:
You are so right. The Fosomax did nothing for my knees and bones. I feel no different. I've been on Fosomax for 4 years and every bone density test is the same, so why am I taking it? I heard that the only thing that can help your bones and knees are glucosamine and chondroitin but I havent tried it yet. I take 2 calcium with vitaming D pills a day also and my bone density test is this August. If it changed for the better I just might say good-bye to Fosomax. I am 56 also.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-23 16:39:39
Answer/Reply:
I am 52 and I take Fosomax once a week because I have osteopenia plus take 1800 mg of calcium and over 1000 mg of Vitamin D. It seems to help with my pain but maybe that is just in my head. Thank you for letting us know about this. My brother-in-law couldn't take it because he had most of the side effects.
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-29 17:39:33
Question/Comment:
47 year old female
I have been taking Fosamx for 4 years, my bone denisty has increased some. During my recent doctor visit I was told that when taking this drug you do not lose bone strength, but you also do not rebulid it. This causes minor fractures not to heal. The doctor suggested after 5 years I should take a vacation from this drug to rebuild any unhealed injuries.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-29 12:19:12
Question/Comment:
47 year old female
I have been taking Fosamx for 4 years, my bone denisty has increased some. During my recent doctor visit I was told that when taking this drug you do not lose bone strength, but you also do not rebulid it. This causes minor fractures not to heal. The doctor suggested after 5 years I should take a vacation from this drug to rebuild any unhealed injuries.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-29 12:10:43
Answer/Reply:
I am 56 and have been taking Fosomax for 4 years also. My bone density is still the same, no improvement. However, every bone in my body hurts and they ruled out arthritis. However, I did start taking Caltrate with Vitamin D so when I go to the doctor in May I will find out if my bone density improved. If it did then I don't even think we should be taking Fosomax especially since it really did nothing for us. I have a feeling all we really need to Calcium and Vitamin D. Will get back to you with my results.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-24 08:17:06
Question/Comment:
I also have been taking Fosamax With D but this year changed to the generic due to cost savings. Now take D 1000 on a daily basis. I also found improvement in the last bone scan which indicated osteopenia an improvement over the osteoporosis which was first indicated. I have been on the medication for 6 years with no problems. I always take on an empty stomach with a full 8 oz glass of water and do not lie down after taking the dose for at least one half hour. I believe this is indicated on the label but not sure.
76 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-23 10:25:39
Answer/Reply:
Is D1000 a vitamin or is it the generic name for the Fosamax with D?
61 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-27 18:14:22
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
D1000 is a vitamin supplement. The generic name for Fosamax is Alendronate. Fosamax with D contains vitamin D. It comes in two different doses of Vitamin D - 2800 IU and 5600 IU. If your physician prescribes Fosamax with D, he or she will select the dose based on your vitamin D level in your body.
Posted: 2009-03-27 19:33:41
Answer/Reply:
You're right, you should only take Fosamax on an empty stomach followed by water & don't lie down for 30 min after. It is indicated in patent information. I take weekly solution but have to follow the same instructions.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 16:42:22
Question/Comment:
I am a 52yr. old male w/severe asthma. I have been taking Fosamax for about 6-7yrs. for Osteoporosis (severe side-effect of long-term use of Predisone). I still take predisone, 20mg. every other day to help maintain my asthma, along with other meds.
I have bone density scans every 2yrs. My last check-up showed an increse of bone-density! I am no longer am catogorized with Osteoporosis, I have Osteopinia which is an improvement.
I do have a racing heart at times and sweats.
It did help.
Alan A.
53 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-23 14:08:45
Question/Comment:
I have been on Fosamax for 7 years. I developed infection in roof of my mouth. Was put on antibiotics and referred to oral surgeon. Kept on antibiotics and was told it was not healing because of Fosamax. I have taken myself off of it because common sense tells me to. I will go back to oral surgeon again after 12 days on the antibiotic and hope for the best. This drug is very dangerous. So beware. It is not pleasent to have this in the bony structure of the roof of your mouth. I do not have any other dental problems. Where do you report a side affect like this ? ???? It definitely needs to be reported 1-20-09 female
86 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-20 18:06:05
Answer/Reply:
I am a 74 year old female and have been on Fosamax probably 3 years somewhat reluctantly. I fought going on it because I had read that it could cause bone deterioration in the jaw and I have had previous dental problems. My doctor said it was a very small percentage of people that was afflicted with jaw bone deterioration. I have only had one bone scan as I didn't believe the Fosamax would make that much difference, if any, in only 3 years. I also take Calcium with vitamin D. I don't know where you might report a side affect but maybe call the State Board of Health and they could give you leads.
75 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-18 16:38:53
Answer/Reply:
I'm fighting going on Fosamax b/c I found out I had osteoporsis while undergoing lots of dental work and my mouth was healing very slow so the dentist sent me to the reg doc. I was sent for the bone scan. But b/c my jaw bone is soft and I have very little of it it was decided by the dentist and I since my mouth was healing so slowly that it would be best for me to wait to begin my treatment w/the Fosamax until all my dental work (extractions) was finished and my mouth healed. But I'm still not really comfortable taking it b/c I've read too much maybe about the small % of people that end up w/necrosis of their jaw bone. Since we are all slaves to our insurance companies tho, it is almost necessary to start w/Fosamax or one of the others that is just as dangerous. Maybe there is some kind of number for the FDA for this kind of thing.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 01:31:48
Question/Comment:
63 year-old female
I took Fosamax for about 9 years with a slight increase in bone density - 2%. The next time I had a bone density scan I had also increased 2%, but I not been on the drug for the previous year. I stopped mostly because it was causing my gums to bleed - a lot. Now that I have been off it, my hair has grown back a little thicker. I had not linked my hair thinning to the drug. I also am not having the heart palpitations that I had while on it.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-19 11:31:42
Question/Comment:
I get headaches 12 or so hours after taking - but not every time I take it & also notice fast heartbeat at night -- think maybe risks out weigh benefits
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-04 23:09:36
Question/Comment:
I started having problems with my heart racing after taking the drug.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-11 05:07:11
Question/Comment:
Are there any positive results from anyone on FOSAMAX that it helped to heal their
osteoporosis?
51 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-14 11:29:35
Answer/Reply:
I am 53 years old, female. I've been taking Fosamax for approx 1 1/2 years. Originally, my bone density test showed that I had osteopenia. I was very concerned because my mother suffered terribly from osteoarthritis and osteoperosis. My most recent bone density test showed that my levels improved into the nornal range. I am continuing to take Fosamax once a week only as a precaution, right now, because my mother had such a severe case of it.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-19 12:00:23
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Fosamax for about 5 yrs. now and the last time I had a bone density scan done it showed a lot of impovement in my bones, so yes I will keep taking it even with some of the side effects.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-08 21:38:11
Answer/Reply:
Yes, I have taken Fosamax for 5 years and was rated osteoporosis, now it is Osteopenia, which is a sugnificant improvement. I am very thankful
70 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-06 08:47:39
Question/Comment:
I was very hesitant to take Fosomax though my doctor had said I had severe Osteoporosis and was at risk for a broken hip, etc. My main concern was reading that Fosomax could cause degeneration of the jaw bone. This brought up the question of how could Fosomax help strengthen bones if it could cause jaw bone degeneration. I still am not comfortable taking it.
75 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-30 11:30:14
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I AM TAKING FOSAMAX OVER 5 YEARS. IS THERE A TIME LIMIT TO TAKE FOSAMAX WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS?
Posted: 2008-10-01 11:45:48
Question/Comment:
I have read that Fosamax can cause spontaneous fractures of the femur in women who have taken Fosamax for 5 years or longer. I have also read that Fosamax can cause atrial fibrillation. I have been taking Fosamax for almost 6 years and now wonder just how safe it is.
63 year old female
65 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-22 18:56:40
Answer/Reply:
I also take Fosamax and had a fracture in the femur. I am very worried about taking this drug even though my doctor said they are all alike. I'm at the point where I'm afriad of my next fracture.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-12 11:31:03
Question/Comment:
I stopped taking Fosamax after I read that it was responsible for Necrosis of the Jaw in SOME people. Does anyone know how great the risk is?
71 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-02 22:03:54
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Fosamax is safe for most of the people who take it. However, it may increase the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, a rare jaw disorder which causes “death of the bone†resulting in pain, swelling, infection and exposed bone.
There have been several reports of a possible link between bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Most of these cases involved people with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy and intravenous bisphosphonates. However, a small number of cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw have been reported in people taking oral bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, for osteroporosis. These cases were primarily seen in patients with active dental disease or a recent dental procedure such as tooth extraction.
Posted: 2008-06-14 19:14:48
Answer/Reply:
before taking it for the first time, your doctor may order a test known as a Bone Scan for a full diagnosis, then it will be up to them to decide if it's right for you.
25 year old Male
Posted: 2008-07-20 23:59:20
Answer/Reply:
I will be taking my first dose tomorrow. The one thing my doctor stressed when she prescribed this is, if I have the slightest pain in my jaw to immediately stop taking it.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-08 00:13:30
Question/Comment:
I am 46 years old and recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. I started Fosamax one week ago. I had significant side effects. Alot of nausea, more heartburn than I already had. By the 6th day, I was starting to vomit and having to take an anti-nausea pill to control my stomach. That evening, I started having chest pains that I had never had before. My blood pressure, which is under control by medicine, started reading 145/95. I had every bone, every joint and every muscle in my body in pain. My doctor told me to stop taking Fosamax.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2008-05-15 19:19:37
Answer/Reply:
Wow! I didn't realize that you could get these kinds of side effects from Fosamax. Bless your heart! I have been taking Fosamax once a week for close to 2 years now, and when I went to get my bone density test done after being on it for 1 year..I was told my osteoporosis was worse than the previous year. I was unhappy to hear this. The only side effects I usually get from the Fosamax is occasioanl nausea, slight headache, and some bone pain. Other than that, I usually don't have too much problem from it. I'm just not sure I like taking this kind of medication. Bone cancer runs heavily in my family. My mother, grandmother, and a 1st cousin all died from bone cancer. My grandmother's started out as osteoporosis. She became bedridden from osteoporosis a few years after diagnosis, became bed bound for 3 years and ultimately died from complications caused by osteoporosis. I certainly hate to hear I have this awful disease. We women have to make sure and take extra good care of ourselves. Good luck to you!
53 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-19 00:30:59
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
2 years ago my sister (79) fell and broke both her leg bones just above the ankle. One of the first questions her doctor asked was if she was taking Fosamax. She was. He told her her bones were like cardboard and possible Fosamax was the reason.
I have moderate osteoporosis and I take Evista which has never caused any side effects.
83 year old\Female
Posted: 2008-07-21 00:01:48
Question/Comment:
Worried that the latest small-scxale studies indicate a correlation with atrial fibrillation. I started AF 3 years ago, , having taken Fosamax for 10 yearswhen it was not known there was a posssible link
62 year old Male
Posted: 2008-05-08 14:18:09
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Have headaches,never before in my life that I had headaches,I am 79yrs young&now have Aches&pains freequently,stiff joints,soulder pain&so on.Thank you.
Posted: 2008-09-25 09:23:53
Question/Comment:
Find out if is okay to take a drug you only need to take monthly.
57 year old Male
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
I recommend it. It has improved my condition.
81 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
If you have osteoporitis you have to do something along with exercise
71 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
consultwithyourphysicianbeforetaking
71 year old Male
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
Fosamax has greatly improved my bone density.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
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