In 2011, the agency voiced concerns that taking the drugs long-term may actually make bones weaker and increase the risk of rare but serious side effects such as atypical fractures of the thigh bone, esophageal cancer and osteonecrosis of the jaw, a rare but painful condition in which the jaw bone crumbles. To investigate, the FDA reviewed data from women who had taken the drugs for six to 10 years.
Fosamax has been linked in long-term users to the development of low-impact femoral fractures. In the event of a fracture fosamax may interfere with remodeling and healing. However, the decision to continue or quit would need to be taken by his treating doctor; keeping in view the initial condition for which it was advised and the risks Vs benefits. You may like to discus in detail with his treating doctor.
Hope this is helpful.
Take care!
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.
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.
Hello Emanuelle,
I definitely feel for your concern. Although I am 36 I have pretty severe osteoporosis and at one time was recommended to take medication for it. I have several spinal injuries which have resulted in Degenerative Disk Disease, other joint syndromes and overall bone density loss.
I had not personally heard of the the fractures (femur) from the Fosamax, but I did hear of the other risk factors for some of the older drugs.
DEXA scan showed increased bone density loss to that of a DEXA scan done before bc (ordered by gastro due to 30+ yrs of steroids). BC surgeon prescribed Fosamax and Calcichew/Vit.D3. A bone scan showed osteo arthritis in both hips, hands and feet. No meds prescribed. I am on weekly injections of 12.5 mg methotrexate for Crohn's.
My GP suggested I stop the Arimidex for 3-4 weeks to see if the pain diminished, which miraculously it has.
Well depression and pain go together as well as anxiety. I have myofascial pain as well and osteophytes. I'm sorry about the fractures. Can you take fosamax? I'm glad the epidural block helped so much. PT just damaged me more. Accuputure didn't help much. I understand you wanting to help yourself . I can't get dressed on my own yet and have no pain meds. I was on many things and really bad reaction to them . I have to ask my husband for help all the time and he is tired.
I need your expert opinion on something: I'm taking weekly generic Fosamax, daily 1200 calcium, daily 1400 D, and every other week 50,000 D. I hit menoapuse about 4 years ago. I have some pretty bad arthritis in my R hip, but my L is much more normal, though not totally normal. I walk briskly and climb stairs 5 days a week.
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> 2-3 years ago I had taken the high dose D for 1 year, so my scores momentarily shot way up. Then last year my osteoporosis scores dropped 0.1 or 0.
So I told my doctor that I wanted to increase my intake of calcium and do a wait and see on the Fosamax. She told me that she's not worried about me for now but for what may happen to me in 20 years. The scenario sounded horrible--breaking a hip and dying--if I didn't start treatment now. But she conceded and we agreed that I would be screened again in a couple of years.
I am amazed at how the pharmaceutical companies drive diagnosis.
Not long ago a report was released about a possible link between these drugs and esophagal cancer - and also femur fractures because long term use of these drugs can actually cause brittle bones.
The new recommendation from doctors (including my new primary care) is to not use them more than 5 years.
Sorry to throw some scare out there - but I've spent 5 years reading all I can about osteoporosis, and those drugs would be the very last option for me. I stress, for "me".
My mom is taking Fosamax [Alendronic Acid], she is taking it exactly as directed and is still getting terriible burning in her esophagus. She is really suffering. She says there are no alternative medications she can switch to.
Are there any remedys she can take to help ease the burning in her esophagus? Supplements, Vitamins, anything like that?
Any help anyone can give me would be greatle appreciated, as i Said, she is really suffering
Thanks in Advance!
Do you mean Fosamax (alendronate)? If you do, its for treating bone problems like Osteoperosis by adding bone mass and slows bone loss. I use it for Osteopenia.
This happened two days ago when I was out walking in the yard, on uneven ground. After the fall my low back began to hurt terribly along with my pelvis and left thigh (front of thigh mostly). Well I'm starting back into PT for the forth time today but doubtful this will help.
Anyone else had a similar experience?
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...
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?
When I ran cross-country in high school and college (7 and 6 years ago, respectively), I experienced 2 metatarsal stress fractures (one in each foot, subsequent years) and had low bone density (osteopenia) as a result of an eating disorder. I had been on fosamax for awhile, take calcium, and my weight is back to normal, so supposedly my bone density is fine now. I was also not running like I had in the past, but took regular walks and we blamed the pain on worn out tennis shoes.
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