The prescription drug Fosamax (the generic is alendronate sodium) is a medication which has been prescribed to hundreds of thousands of postmenopausal women to treat osteoporosis and help increase bone mass thereby reducing the chance of spinal or non-spinal fractures. Fosamax has also been prescribed to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. Brand name Fosamax is manufactured in the United States by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
35 years of empty sella, hi prolactin, testosterone injections, osteopenia, broken ribs and recently hip - and now at age 67 two of my children ages 33 and 36 flunk Dexa scans and are prescribed fosamax, which they refuse to take until hyperparathyroid is ruled out. I get labs showing PTHs of 63/(15-65), 51 and 45, with ionized calciums of 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 on scale 4.5 - 5.6. Three endos and 2 GPs say it's all coincidental. Should we get treatment in Europe?
I hope you can help me with this issue, I had surgery for "bone spurs" on my left elbow at the end of february 08. I am a (was) a really keen and weight lifter and lifted what most people consider heavy weights.
I had the procedure as my extension on the left arm was becoming limited.
I wanted the procedure to be able to straighten my arm so I could perform better in the gym.
I know that the early hysterectomy has caused my bone issues(been on Fosamax and actually just started Reclast this week -2.7) but I wonder if it is effecting the breast? I went in for my annual mamo last week and have been called back yet again. New spot directly under the nipple, same breast. Sheduled US for next week. So two mamos and 2 call backs...I am nervous..is this common, should I be worried, is this what I have to look forward to every year...
I am a "heart patient" and have been taking Fosamax to improve bone density. Lately I have seen several things that implied I might not should be taking Fosamax. I would enjoy hearing some opinions on this matter.
Thanks.
Hi spitfire...eek I did the same thing after fosamax. My former GP told me I had early bone loss (I cant remember the name she gave it) after a bone scan, then after seeinig my ENT about the issue he told me my esophagus was actually irritated from the med. And of course the "panic" when you feel as if you cant swallow only makes it worse. He looked at me as if I was nuts when I told him I was even on the fosamax, and recommended I stop it altogether.
MY FRIEND HAD TO HAVE INVASION DENTAL WORK, BUT WHEN THE DENTIST DISCOVERED THAT SHE WAS ON FOSAMAX AND HAD BEEN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, HE INSISTED THAT SHE TAKE A HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED BLOOD TEST. SHE HAD DIFFICULTY FINDING A LAB THAT WAS FAMILIAR WITH THE TEST AND ONE THAT PERFORMED THE TEST. THE RESULTS OF THE TEST INDICATED THAT HER JAW BONE WAS NOT SUFFICIENTLY STRONG[?
I do want to caution your use of the Fosamax though. New studies have shown issues with femur bone fractures (brittle bone) and esophagal problems.
There are other ways to strengthen bones naturally without taking biphosphonates.
I'd get your vitamin D & calcium levels checked too since an underactive thryoid can cause problems with metabolism/regeneration of bone (so can too much thryoid hormone!) That is what makes Hashis difficult to deal with due to the hyper/hypo rollercoaster.
I had a MRI and the results were that I have tiny bone spurs and buldging disk at c6...my family dr wants me tosee a neuo surgeon vs my Orthopedic dr who has referred me to a neurologist that specializes in ms dx...since the tremors my legs are somewhat under control ..but when my arm is turned a certain way the shaking tirns to flopping..I have three daughters to care for and I haven't the strength to fully brush my7year olds hair due to fatigue ...help!?
hi, just came over your post, i just had surgery last tues.15, i had 2 fusions and they "cleaned " out the bone spurs, omg i felt relief after i came out of surgery, no more shotting pains , feeling like my arm was asleep and lots of pain in my neck and shoulders. i know what your feeling, the bone spurs are pushing against your spine and sending pain singals to your brain. i lived with it for about a year, i tried p/t, and a few other things but found no relief..
These medications have been shown to increase bone mass, prevent bone loss, and to decrease the incidence of bone fractures. Fosamax and Actonal have the advantage of a once-a-week administration, as opposed to the alternative of daily administration. Biphosphonates should be taken on an empty stomach, along with at least 8 ounces of water. The patient should swallow the tablet while in an upright position and not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this drug.
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