| Key to ratings for fosamax: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
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| 1 | osteoporosis | Horrible flu symptoms, became worse each of the four weeks I took Fosamax. I ached all over, felt nauseated, exhausted, couldn't sleep, felt feverish. The first day was fine, the next mornng (day 2), I was slammed by what felt like flu, days 3 and 4 were just as bad. Each week the side effects were more pronounced. I will not keep taking it. | Horrible drug. I've never experienced side effects like this with ANY medication. | F | 54 | 4 weeks | 11/19/2009 | 3 | Osteopenia | My doctor prescribed the generic version of Fosamax 4 months ago after I experienced severe body aches from Fosamax/Plus Vit D. I have a very low tolerance for medications, so I figured the generic wouldn't work either. After taking it for a few weeks, I didn't notice any "major" side effects--only itchy skin and a little bloating. However, about 2 months ago, I started dealing with insomnia that has begun to alter my quality of life. I'm not functioning well at work anymore, my once "regular" exercise routine is no longer a routine because of lack of energy. It wasn't until I visited this site that I finally understand what could be the problem. I will begin now to wean myself from the drug to see if my insomnia goes away. At least I'm hopeful! Thanks for your honest comments. | I'm hesitant about quitting Fosamax, since I've fractured 2 bones within the past 2 years. However, this insomnia is causing too many other problems. I will increase my intake of natural calcium and Vit D...and hopefully get back to my cardio workouts and strength training. | F | 49 | 4 months | 11/17/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | SEVERE DEEP Bilateral hip and lower back pain. | The pain was horrible and mega doses of pain meds didn't touch it. So glad I found this site. Stopped taking it 2 weeks ago and am starting to feel better. | F | 54 | 2 months | 11/11/2009 | 1 | osteoperosis | crushing pain in middle of upper chest, lots of belching which would help relieve pain, pain came on a couple of times a day for more than a week after taking only 1 dose of fosamax, pain was often in the morning when I first got out of bed, also day after lst dose dealt with nausea | F | 67 | 1 days | 11/9/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Flu like symptoms. Dizziness, queasy stomach. Usually have SO much energy but not now. Just feel like crap. Going to stop it and see if I improve. | F | 63 | 8 days | 11/8/2009 | 5 | mild to moderate bone loss | None, unless I forget and eat something in the half-hour after I take it. | When I had my first bone scan at age 48, my bones were fine. At 50, I had mild to moderate bone loss in both hips. Started Fosamax. At 53, I had very mild bone loss in one hip. I am still taking it and plan to take it forever--my mother and both grandmothers had terrible osteoporosis, both grandmothers broke hips. I ride horses and have no desire to see my bones shatter. I think it's a great drug for people who can tolerate it. I don't know where I'd be today without it. | F | 55 | 5 years | 11/7/2009 | 3 | Osteopenia | Aching and swelling in legs especially knees, pain in shoulders, hips and feet. | For the past 18 months I have been seeing orthopedics, rheumatologists and endocrinologists. I have had physical therapy, MRIs, sonograms and batteries of blood test for auto-immune diseases to figure out what was wrong with me. Everyone knew I was taking Fosamax. No one suggested I stop and see if my symptoms improve. I was always very active and full of energy. Now I can barely get myself moving and it takes everything in me to get motivated. I'm tired and depressed. My cousin suggested I stop the Fosamax as she developed severe chest pain when she was on it. I have been taking the 70mg weekly doses but I have decided to stop it and wait and see what happens. I'd rather use natural methods to help my bones and feel my old self again. | F | 58 | 10 years | 11/7/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I began Fosomax a year ago. I immediately developed severe hip joint pain. Went through physical therapy because my doctor didn't think it was a side effect. However, I did quit taking it. After several months, my hip joint pains diminished and I went back on Fosomax. Almost immediately I developed such bad back, neck, shoulder pain in my joints and muscles. I think that the joint pain starts and then inflames the muscles, which takes months to heal. I quit taking Fosomax and will never go back on it. | I took it in two segments, trying to heal my body in between. | F | 56 | 8 weeks | 11/6/2009 | 1 | bone loss | Took the first tablet (weekly Fosamax) Tues. morning. I took it with a large glass of water and nothing to eat for over half an hour. Made sure I sat up or got up and moved around in that half hour. I did not seem to have any bad effects but by Wed. evening I started to feel very tired and have a headache. It came and went so I knew it was not a migraine that I will sometimes have. They come the same way but always stay for 2 days. Thursday the tiredness and occasional headache continued and by the afternoon the heartburn started. I had to take something for that to feel a little better. This is the first time in my entire life I have experienced heartburn. It continued through the night and I still have it today (Friday). I also have a pain in my back and muscle cramps in my upper right arm. I am not going to take any more Fosamax, especially after reading everyone else's comments. I am a very energetic person but had to cancel today's activities due to how I am feeling. Before I reti | F | 58 | 1 days | 11/6/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Severe pain in ribs and back lasting a day or so along with severe headache, followed by a night of diarrhea and shivering. Next day woke with swelling and pain in hands. Decided to stop using drug after one try. It's not worth it to lose quality of life. | Called doctor to report adverse reaction and was told to stop taking Fosamax and switch to Actonel. Still thinking about that, as Actonel has side effects as well. | F | 65 | 1 days | 11/4/2009 | 1 | bone density decreased | I have had blurred vision, flu-like symptoms, achiness through hips and legs, swollen hands in the morning,headache, chest pressure, many symptoms! I was first told that it could be the side effects of my fosamax by a friend who heard the disclaimers on the radio. I also have rheumatoid arthritis, so having to deal with this extra pain has really caused me much concern and worry. It all started with what I call spasms of my throat (esophagus). I told my doctor, but he didn't seem concerned. Now, I'm taking 2 drugs for the acid reflux which has gotten so much worse. Does anyone have any helpful hints to rid our bodies of this med that is taking a toll on so many people? Shouldn't there be somewhere to help us get rid of the residual effects of this drug rather than just putting in the time?! | There should be more testing on this drug. This has hurt many people and destroyed quality of life. | F | 60 | 10 weeks | 11/1/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | I took my first dose last Sunday. I was fine all day, went to bed, and then I WOKE UP. From the bottom of my throat to the tops of my thighs, I felt like like someone beat the crap out of me...like a bad case of lactic acid all over the core of my body (bones and muscles). I couldn't go to work for two days...that is how long it took for the drug to get through my system. I almost died when I read that someone else had that reaction. I WILL NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. I too am taking 1500mg of caclum and 5000mg of D3. This drug should be taken off the market. Look at the reactions - can you imagine what it does to a person long term? | F | 56 | 1 days | 10/31/2009 | 2 | osteopenia | No real side effects but the result has been a flop. | I have been taking Fosomax from 2006-2009 and had a Dex scan this October that actually showed that I lost more bone density, how can that be? this does not seem right at all. Please write in if you have had the same kind of results after a long period of taking this drug. | F | 50 | 10/22/2009 | 1 | osteopaenia | Took Fosamax for about a year. Developed arthritis in thumb , which popped a lot, and a bump on the joint. Also had gastric pain.Quit taking Fosamax and after 3 months, the bump went away and the popping and pain. Gastric pain went away too. Unfortunately, I developed jaw pain and loosening teeth. I guess I'll have to wait many years for the Fosamax I took to wear off, since its half life is ten years. I'm happy that the thumb & gastric pains have gone. Am upping my daily dose of calcium and vitamin D. | F | 59 | 365 days | 10/22/2009 | 1 | Doctor Perscribed | I was perscribed Fosamax, but researched it first, and am glad I did. I just decided to go on my own and take womens vitamins, extra calcium, Herbs (horsetail herb tea is great for building bones). Taking oscal or caltrate is good and also vitamin D and fish-oil. I try to exercise daily, with strenth building exercises. Walking is good, when ever time permits. All this is very inexpensive compared to medicines. | F | 55 | 0 days | 10/20/2009 | 1 | Ostoperoses | Jaw Pain, Jaw shrinkage, bloating | No improvement in Bone Density. Been taking it for about 10 years. | F | 74 | 10/19/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | See posting 2/16/2009 by 64 year old regarding neuropathy in feet. I have been off fosamax since February and it has taken this long to get almost back to normal in that my feet no longer burn, however have some muscle ache still on some occasions, but am more able to exercise and havestarted walking again and doing weight-bearing exercise to strengthen. I will continue with exercise and diet, hoping to completely recover from the neuropathy. | F | 65 | 13 weeks | 10/19/2009 | 3 | osteoperosis | I have been on Fosamax for 6+ years. Two years ago I started to have sporadic problems with the feeling that food was stuck in my throat and would not go down. It has gotten progressively worse - and now I seem to have constant problams with eating and swallowing. I thought it was just acid reflux and age(63), but now after reading the comments on this website I am considering going off Fosamax totally and waiting to see if I improve. I don't want to go to my Dr. yet - she will just put me on a medication for GERD and disagree that the Fosamax is a problem. Thanks to everyone for their detailed input. | F | 63 | 6 years | 10/18/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Double vision that last 1 year.. | I took fosamax a few years ago but stopped it abruptly after one morning dose I suddenly had double vision. This plagued me for a year - nightmare. Of course the Dr. said it was not Fosamax. Has anyone ever had this side effect? Then a few months ago I started Actonel, no double vison but eye strain, bone aches, headache and sore throat continually. Many symptoms described on this site are similar to Actonel. Therefore for me - nothing further ever! These are drugs that are not safe. I exercise, take calcium, vit D, and fish oil. | F | 65 | 1 years | 10/17/2009 | 2 | Osteopenia | I have taken Fosamax for two years beginning at the age of 63. I have left hip/back pain which began approx. 6 months ago, and also a "lump" in my throat when swallowing. I just found this WEB site, and after reading all of the above comments, will no longer take this drug. | My physician gave me 5 months worth of "free" samples to "get me started." My bone scan after two years of using Fosmax did show slight improvement. Two months ago I began taking a very small dose of HRT through a local compounding pharmacy that works with my physician. I intend to eat foods rich in calcium, and to continue walking 10,000 steps per day. | F | 65 | 2 years | 10/14/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | I have not taken Fosamax yet but doctor wanted me to pick up my prescription for it because my bone density test showed "adnormalities" so based on that he felt I have Osteopenia but I don't buy that and would rather have more tests done. After reading so many comments on Foxamax, I have decided not to take it but increase my calcium to 1,800 a day and more weight bearing exercise. My blood test a month ago showed that I was very low on Vitamin D and was given a prescription to take 50,000 units of Vitamin D a week for a total of 200,000 units a month so I will continue to take higher Vitamin D on my own because of the benefits for my bone. You might ask your doctor about that to see if it would help you. Thank you all for your honest comments!!! | F | 62 | 0 days | 10/13/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis - hips and spine | Took my first once a week dose (70mg) yesterday. Expected gastro problems since I already have reflux, but at the end of the day thought I was doing great. THEN I WOKE UP THIS MORNING! | Pain all over my body - left shoulder, hips, back, chest. This is not worth it! My Dr says according to the World Health Organization I have osteopenia, but according to the more stringent National Osteoporosis Foundation guidelines, I have osteoporosis. I'm going to do calcium, vitamin D, diet and exercise and take my chances. This is a scarey drug! | F | 58 | 1 days | 10/11/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Mild indigestion and very severe pain in left shoulder and neck | Took 7 doses of medication over a 9 week period. I took the medication for 2 weeks but was having some mild indigestion, sort of the feeling that I had a huge burp that I could not get out. I also started having some pain in my left neck and shoulder but was attributing it to holding the phone at work on my shoulder while using both hands to type. After waiting 2 weeks I resumed the medication because I just knew I should be taking it. I did not have any more indigestion but the pain in my shoulder and neck kept getting worse and worse, especially at night. I woke up one Sunday morning in such pain I just wanted to cry. It was the day that I was supposed to take my 8th pill. It suddenly popped into my head that the excruciating pain started about the same time I started taking this medication. Before taking it I got online to see if there could be any connection. I got on a different site than this and discovered a comment from a woman having the same problems that I was having. I have not taken the drug for 4 weeks, the problems are lessening a little bit, but I wonder how long it will take to really go away, or worse yet, will it ever go away? It has absolutely destroyed my sleep and during the day my neck pops at the slightest move. | F | 55 | 7 weeks | 10/10/2009 | 4 | osteoporosis | No side effects. Have been on it about 8 years now. Did switch from pill to liquid form, thinking that it might be easier on my stomach overall (never had stomach problems, tho). Bone mass has not changed much, but hasn't gotten worse, so maybe it did help. | M | 56 | 8 years | 9/30/2009 | 1 | osteopenia/severe in left arm | I only took half of the 70mg tablet just to see how I would feel after reading about the side effects...nausea, cramps joint pain, flu like symptoms ect. I also saw this web site. I didn't have any effects from 1/2 the pill, but will not continue to take it. | I was prescribed actonel but my insurance would not pay for it, I asked how much it would cost out of pocket, the pharmacy told me $111.99 for 4 pills!! I laughed so hard, I could not believe it. I would not have taken actonel either, from what I've read about it. I was prescribed the generic for fosamax which was covered by insurance at a much cheaper cost. I did my homework and I read about the lawsuits against fosamax and reading this website. I called my Dr. and told him I would not take the fosamax. He tried to convice me to take it. I'm puzzled by some of the comments and why some people say they have extreme pain and other debilitating side effects but continue to take the pill. I don't know, but it makes sense to stop taking it and not suffer or try something else. I'm much younger than most people taking pills for bone loss, I play tennis and I work a lot and I want to continue to do both. It's seems like if I take these pills I will not be able to work or play tennis because of the horrible side effects or the potential for them. | F | 32 | 1 times | 9/26/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Prescribed it, won't take it. | My doctor is insisting I take this drug, but I have declined, even before I found this website! The fact that it said about loose teeth on the instructions worried me, so I researched. I asked my GP for a vit D blood test, and she refused. Instead she sent me pages of a printout from NICE,(National Institute of Clinical Excellence) about recommended treatment for osteoporosis etc. She wrote on the bottom "I suggest you TAKE this drug!" NICE recommend this drug. It is NICE that we need to be challenging here, because it is their recommendations that the doctors are sticking so doggedly to. Perhaps we should send a copy of all these comments, how could they ignore that? | F | 61 | 9/22/2009 | 4 | osteopenia/mild | None | have taken fosamax for two years now and no noticeable symptoms but am aware of the potential side effects | F | 50 | 2 years | 9/14/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Bloating, gas, sharp pains in back, chills, fever. This all happened after only my second dose. No more Fosamax for me, I will take my chances with Vitamin D3, Caltrate and exercise on my own. | F | 54 | 2 weeks | 9/9/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | I was recently diagnosed with osteopenia and my doctor prescribed Fosamax for six months. I began taking fosamax six weeks ago. At first, I noticed the bloating, which is one of the side effects. Then, I noticed that I was gaining weight, while exercising and maintaining my same diet. In six weeks, I have gained 12 pounds. In the past two weeks, I have started experiencing abdominal pain and cramps, along with gas. The pain is non-stop. The abdominal pain is so bad that I have to take Aleve for the pain. I'm not going to take Fosamax anymore. I'm afraid of any additional side effects that may occur. I'll just continue to take calcium and 1000 mg D vitamins and continue exercising. | F | 48 | 6 weeks | 9/5/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | See previous comment from UK at beginning of 2009. | I have been off Fosamax for 8 months. The severe pain in hips and groin began to lessen 2 months ago and I now feel so much better. Saw bone metabolism specialist who will not commit to Fosamax being the cause and says I should try Protelos (strontium ranelate) not yet licensed in US. It also has side effects and I have decided not to take. I will stick with calcium and vit D and good diet and self monitor. I will never take Fosamax again. | F | 60 | 3 years | 9/5/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Incredible stiffness and aches in legs and hips. Developed mysterious lip blister and rash. | I have never felt so uneasy taking a medication as I did for the past 12 weeks. Then to feel so badly on top made me decide to listen to my uneasiness and quit the medicine. Adding 3 additional supplements to my daily calcium, magnesium and Vit D regimen. Will continue with weights and walking 2 miles a day. The chance of future jaw and teeth problems also convinced me this drug was not for me. A friend's older sister lost her two front teeth and there was no bone left for implants. I am not willing to take such a risk. | F | 63 | 3 months | 9/3/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | I can relate to just about everyone else's horror stories. I was diagnosed with Osteopenia 5 years agp and was put on Actonel and then 3 years later changed to Fosamax (the generic form) due to insurance costs. I have a HUGE feeling of a lump in my throat, along with a heavy feeling down through the sternum. I have severe jaw/teeth/ear pain on one side of my face and overall have lost my energy. This has lasted 2 ½ months now. Has anyone else had this huge lump feeling in their throat--how long did it last after stopping the med? I have seen many specialists and had numerous exams, MRI, CT, x-rays, endoscopy, all kinds of blood tests, a vocal chord probe to rule out everything and to find out what was wrong, but no one could find the cause of the pain. The only medication I take is Fosamax, so have been told to stop it. I am convinced Fosamax is the cause. I will NEVER take this med again and have called/e-mailed all my friends to cease using it and to spread the word. | My doctor knew nothing of these side effects and said they certainly weren't on the information she had available. This drug is very dangerous for some of us. After using it 4 years on the 35 mg. dosage, my bone density had not improved so my prescription was changed to 70 mg. That's when I began having all these problems. I wonder if I will ever be better. | F | 60 | 5 years | 9/1/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Severe itching of skin on face and scalp. Itching progressed to burning sensation that is worsened by sunlight. Some swelling of face and tongue. | Visited urgent care yesterday (Sunday) and the physician told me this was definitely an allergic reaction to Fosamax. I am taking Medrol dose pak and Benedryl to lessen the allergic reaction, but I am in substantial pain. I took two weekly doses of 35 mg -- symptoms started about 5 days after the last dose. The urgent care doctor said his wife also had problems with Fosamax and has done well on calcium + vitamin D twice a day. Fosamax is going in the trash! | F | 50 | 2 weeks | 8/31/2009 | 3 | F | 66 | 2 years | 8/30/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Severe musculoskeletal pain. Abdominal pain. | I have been trying to take Fosamax for the past four months. After two doses, the pain begins. I've stopped taking it twice, and the pain subsides within two weeks. Also began to notice bone abnormalities. This is a very bad drug. | F | 50 | 4 months | 8/27/2009 | 1 | I had a bone density test which was elevated, my Dr prescribed fosamax, once weekly. I hesitated for three(3) weeks before I finally took my first pill on a Friday-on sunday riding home in the car, I attempted to stand up and but had to sit down in the car again, because the pain was all over my body | I only wish I had not taken that first and only dose of fosamax! | F | 68 | 1 days | 8/22/2009 | 4 | severe osteoporosis | extreme muscle pain all over /put on Viox/then mobic /gastro problems/gall bladder out/HAVE BEEN ON FOSAMAX FOR 3 YEARS AFTER GETTING UTERINE CANCER FROM TOO MUCH ESTROGEN/TESTOSTERONE IMPLANTS/BONES WERE SATISFACTORY FOR MY AGE SO WAS TOLD TO CEASE TAKING IT ..WAS TOLD BY MY ENOCRINOLOGIST IT WILL STAY IN MY SYSTEM FOR 11 YEARS | HAVE WEEKLY MASSAGE /GO TO A NATUROPATH FOR MAGNESIUM AND OTHER MINERALS ..TRY TO HOLIDAY IN THE HEAT TO LOOSEN MUSCLES /COLD WEATHER KILLS/ TOO MANY COMPLAINTS /TOO MANY PAINS /STUFF STILL IN MY SYSTEM | F | 66 | 3 years | 8/18/2009 | 4 | osteoporosis | I started on the once a week dose and had severe pains in all my muscles. I switched to the once a day dose and have not had trouble for about 9 years. | It stopped my bone deterioration. I had reflux surgery before I went on the drug so perhaps that is why I do not have gastric problems. | M | 64 | 9 times | 8/18/2009 | 4 | Osteopenic and taking femara | Hardly any gastric effect. Some jaw pain on one side that my dentist does not associate with Fosamax - I have had a lot of work on that side too and have a history of TMJ - but I am watching this closely. | I am on the once-weekly dose of the generic form of this drug along with a daily Femara. After a year, my bone density had gone from osteopenic to normal. I drink a 16-oz glass of water and am careful about sitting upright and not eating for 30-45 minutes. The dentist did suggest that I might not need to take Fosamax continuously for the entire five years I am on Femara and I will discuss this with the oncologist. | F | 67 | 19 months | 8/14/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Severe chest pain, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, fatigue. | I had a heart attack at age 54 so the severe chest pain scared me. It appears that it is probably gastritis. I had vomiting daily while taking this medication. Sleeplessness because of intense discomfort in my upper chest and the left side below the breast. Loss of appetite. Fatigue. Stopped my cardiovascular workouts because I was too fatigued and felt like I was ill. I finally stopped taking generic Fossamax and after 4 weeks felt back to normal. I will not take this again. | F | 59 | 4 months | 8/11/2009 | 4 | osteopenia | None that I can recall. I was on it about 6 months, then my insurance deductible allowed Evista, so I switched only because Evista is said to help prevent breast cancer. | F | 58 | 6 months | 7/30/2009 | 1 | Osteopina - upcoming back surgery | Took generic Fosamax for four weeks. The second or third day after taking, I had horrible stomach pain, reflux, gas, bloating. Also got severe pain in the top of my feet and could not wear shoes. Dr. said to stop for 2 weeks (during which my symptoms all went away) and then take again. Symptoms are worse since taking again - still lasting after 6 days. Dr. is changing me to monthly Boniva, but I have decided after reading the side effects of Boniva that I will not take it. I want to feel like I used to and be able to sleep without pain. | My rheumatologist wanted me to take Actenol - but the insurance company would not cover this until I had taken generic Fosamax. Patients need to speak up about what this drug is doing to them and refuse to continue taking it. | F | 61 | 35 days | 7/20/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | After a year on fosamax, I was diagnosed with acid reflux. It was so chronic and severe, and continues today, 13 years later. The worst part is that this acid reflux has exacerbated my lifelong asthma, turning it into a truly life-threatening condition. I also am worried about possibly having Barret's syndrome from it, which can lead to cancer... | This medicine has so compromised my health and well-being. It's frightening that medicines can have adverse reactions that are irrereversible. | F | 62 | 1 years | 7/20/2009 | 5 | osteopenia from aging and predisone | None during the 7 years of taking once /week- I always drink a full glass of water with pill and walk around during the 30 mins before eating | has resulted in "significant" improvement in osteopenia also take 1,000 mg of calcium and Vit D other days of week | F | 66 | 7 years | 7/15/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Unbearable body pain...back, sides, hips. Felt sporadic fever, nauseous. | Will never take it again. Not worth the pain. I've had back surgery and this felt very similar to right after surgery...but worse. I'm a teacher and thankful that it is the summer, otherwise would have had to take the week off as I have not been able to function. Woke up crying in the middle of the night and husband hand to rub my back to get me back to sleep. | F | 51 | 1 days | 7/3/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Severe muscle spasms of the back. Very tired and lethargic. | My mother was given fosamax for bone loss. She had sarcoma (cancer) that was in her lungs, with the largest tumor being 4 mm as of early November CT Scan. Some of the tumor had shrunk and all were very slow growing for the previous 18 months. After the back spasms, mom was hospitalized for pneumonia. Turned out to be tumor growth. Within 3 weeks of her hospitalization in January, she was dead. The tumors that were very slow growing for a year and a half grew enough to take over her lung and kill her - all within 2 months of taking the fosamx and having the back spasms. FDA says the drug shouldn't be given to anyone who has cancer or has had radiation or chemo. Mom had cancer and radiation... | F | 80 | 2 months | 7/2/2009 | 1 | osteopenia/osteoporosis | Ten months into taking Fosamax I started having stomach pain. The pain eventually drove me into the OR at a local hospital. The attending doctor suggested that I was having an attack of gastritis...I was then put on Prevacid (which I later found out inhibits the absorption of calcium...wow) to reduce the acid in my stomach. However, my stomach pain never quite went away...so I went online to find more info on Fosamax. My research lead me to many sites regarding the terrible side effects of this drug, including digestive problems associated with it. I decided that enough is enough, and I took myself off of Fosamax, after all I know my body better than anyone else. I will continue to take calcium tablets with vitamin D twice daily, drink and eat calcium rich foods, as well as, do weight bearing exercises 3 to 4 times a week. After all I have lived 57+ years and I have never had a broken bone, I'll take my chances with the rest of my life without Fosamax. It has been four months since I s | There are many many lawsuits and pending lawsuits against the manufacturers of Fosamax for the harm it has done to so many people. The website, womantowoman.com has been very helpful toward my understanding of the conditions Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. | F | 57 | 11 months | 7/1/2009 | 5 | Low Bone Density Results/Osteopenia | I have not had any side effects. | Fosamax has stopped my bone loss, it did not progress any further until I took Arimidex (after-cancer treatment) for 6 months, which resulted in lower bone density results after my last Dexascan recently. Have since stopped the Arimidex and will discuss how to proceed with my doctor. | F | 68 | 6 years | 6/28/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | at first, nausea, which went away, but slowly started with knee pain and fluid on knee, thumb pain, now in my ankles and hip. | F | 54 | 5 months | 6/19/2009 | 4 | osteoporosis | None | Upper spine density improved but hip density continues to decline but at a much slower rate. | F | 58 | 5 years | 6/16/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I already had acid reflux and some pain in my hips and knees. After the first dose of Fosamax, the pain got worse and progressed from there. The reflux got worse too, but the bone and joint pain are what I really couldn't stand. My doctor seemed very surprised when I told her my leg bones, hips and knees hurt so bad I couldn't sleep and had started limping around. I stopped taking it after 10 weeks and have been off it for three. My left side has improved immensely, but my right side (leg bone, hip and knee) still hurt terribly. I still limp from the pain and it still wakes me in the night. | I will not go back on this medication. I read about gentle vibration as a treatment for osteoporosis and I want to find out more about that. | F | 57 | 10 weeks | 6/11/2009 | 2 | osteoporosis | first two days and nights headaches, then afternoon and night time fever like aches, then turned to diarrhea. my doctor says maybe something i ate or have a flu bug. i dont think so. in between fevers and diarrhea i feel great. advil and immodium ad not helping at all. | started taking alendronate sodium 70 mg (generic fosamax) 12 days ago (2 doses). i will not take anymore. | M | 44 | 2 times | 6/6/2009 | 1 | bone loss/ bone density scan | terrible lethergy, pins and needles in fingers, pain in knuckles, hip pain and thigh pain | Taking for 2 months- called Dr. said to stop for 2 wks so see if it was Fosamax. After 1 wk am feeling somewhat less pain but still not able to knit or get out of a chair/bed easily | F | 65 | 2 months | 5/26/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Severe back, hip, and shoulder pain. | I took the once a week tablet at 7 AM. By 7 PM I started having back pain. By three hours later I could not sit, stand, or walk without support. The pain was so severe my husband had to support me to walk, raise and lower me to sit (even on the toilet). I contacted my MD. He suggested ibuprophen. I alternated that with percoset. I am on my third day of this nightmare and will never take fosamax again. I am not a sissy, but after four major surgeries and also being thrown from a car after being hit by a train, I have never experienced pain like this. | F | 62 | 1 days | 5/8/2009 | 1 | early osteoporosis | I took my first dose of Fosamax (generic version) on Saturday morning, and by Saturday night, I felt like I had stomach ulcers with a large side order of heartburn. I got through the weekend by slugging down Pepto Bismol, and called my doctor on Monday morning. He told me not to take it any more, and I couldn't agree more. | Very unpleasant and frightening experience. I hate to think of what this would do to your insides long-term. | F | 58 | 1 days | 5/4/2009 | 1 | low bone density in my right hip | From the beginning I had chest pains and I felt awful. I thought that I was having a heart attack. I have stopped taking the drug not only because of chest pain and pain in my left elbow but I am consistently bothered by heart burn with any foods that I eat. My doctor gave me a scare and said if I fell and broke a hip I would have to go to a nursing home. I would not recommend this medication to anyone. I'll just continue taking my calcium tablets and try to eat food that contain calcium and get lots of sunlight. | F | 67 | 3 years | 4/27/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | nausea, diarrhea, flushing of face, pain in back, excruciating pain in the joints. | After the first dose I experienced some nausea and mid week "flushing" of the face and neck. Also, mild leg pain. The second dose I had terrible pain in the chest and stomach. I had nausea, diarrhea, stomach pains. The next day I experienced terrible burning in my lower back as well as pain in my chest area. By mid week I could not get out of bed in the morning. I had terrible pain in all of my joints -- especially knees, ankles, fingers. I could barely walk to the bathroom and had to take 3 days off from work. My doctor prescribed Celebrex to help with the pain as well as a steroid which I did not take. The pain began to subside after the 5th day of the second dose. I was told to discontinue the pills and am scheduled to go back to the doctor to discuss other options. | F | 49 | 2 weeks | 4/24/2009 | 2 | osteopenia | First day I took it, I had a severe headache and pain through my jaw down my neck on the left side only. I thought I might be having a stroke, and was only 43. I was traveling at the time and so, just rested in the hotel for 3 days. Never really associated with Fosamax and thought it was just severe jet-lag and the flu. Now have been on it for 1 year and suffer severe stiffness in hands and feet. | After sitting for an hour, very stiff and painful to get up. Experience shooting pains in my arms and legs. After finding this excellent site, I am now getting off of Fosamax. I don't know if I should go 'cold-turkey' and immediately go off or wean myself off. Any suggestions? I'm grateful to this site, as I thought I was just exponentially aging in 1 year. | F | 44 | 1 years | 4/22/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Started experiencing leg pains. After reading about necrosis of the jaw, discontinued Fosamax. Started researching and using natural methods. Haven't had bone density test since then, but feeling better. | I found help from helenpensanti.com & saveourbones.com for natural remedies for osteoporosis. | F | 59 | 5 weeks | 4/20/2009 | 2 | osteoperosis | I did not attribute ANY to fosamax..thought it was just aging. Now, I see: terrific cramps in all extremities. and actually ALL muscles. Especially my hands and feet. bloating, gas.. inability to digest certain foods, loss of energy | I was taking evista for osteopenia. During this time, I developed reynauds symdrom.. which I never associated with anything except fate. ( Doctors had no suggestions either) After one year, during which time my osteopenia blossomed into osteoperosis, During this time, I developed plantar faschitis ( but I have bad feet so never associated it ..but now reading reports I wonder...) My gyn perscribed Fosamax. I have been taking it for years now, probably more than 6. crippling cramps in my hands, and feet especially.. ( when I brake suddenly in the car, I generally have to pull over to try to work out the pain in my foot ) I was sent to rheumatoid arthritius doctors, had blood tests etc, I was told to 'live with it' I also found I could no longer eat certain foods.. beans, bananas, I had 'flatulance' ..read that these things happen to aging women ! I have always had muscle pain and joint pain and arthritus runs int the family. now I wonder about all of this. I stopped taking fosamax a week ago, and wonder if I will lose any of these symptoms. My dr perscribed boniva. I got the perscription filled yesterday, ($$) and now after finding this site, I won't take it. Osteoperosis is no joke..my mother had it, my sister has it, is there no help for us that won't ruin our lives in another way ?? by the way, fosamax really helped my bone density.. I thought it was a godsend. Has anyone else experienced this twisting and cramping of fingers and toes etc.. spasms?? | F | 59 | 6 years | 4/17/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | First back pain then severe stomach pains,constipation, bloating, arm pain, gall bladder stones and sludge | Two days after taking Fosamax I experienced severe pains in the lower sides of my back. Later these pains turned into a dull stomach ache. I was also constipated (abnormal for me)and bloated. I took Milk of Magnesia for the constipation. I took another dose of the 70 mg pill from h#ll as scheduled. Once again the bloating and mild to moderate stomach ache occured a couple of days later and by the third day I was in bed all day with severe stomach pains (7 on the pain scale). My doctor said to stop the medicine. My pains became localized pain in my upper right abdomen. My doctor scheduled me for a CAT scan and prescribed Prevacid for the pain. I could not drive myself to the test due to severe stomach pains in my upper right abdominal area. Shortly after my CAT, I was informed I had to go back for an ultra-sound of my gall baldder. My ultra-sound revealed stones and sludge in my gall bladder. I was told to go directly to the ER at the local hospital to have a doctor evaluate me. Well after 4 hours of lying in an ER hallway, I was told I need to have my gall bladder reomoved. Presently I am on a liquid diet and will be put on the gall bladder surgery schedule. I have never had gall bladder problems before taking Fosamax. I don't know whether my continued lethargy and feeling unmotivated and old is due to my liquid diet, dread of surgery or Fosamax after effects. I fear later effects from this drug as posted on this site and hope that mine will all be over soon. | F | 61 | 2 times | 4/12/2009 | 1 | Low dexascan score | Mouth sores | I took 2 weekly doses of fosamax. Developed painful mouth sores within 24 hours. The sores were almost gone by the end of the first week, but as I had not made a connection, I took a second dose with the same results. It has been 6 days and the sores again are almost gone. I will NOT take this drug again. After reading other peoples more serious and debilitating side effects, I feel lucky that all I had was mouth sores. I will find a more natural alternative, or live with low bone density. Reasearch these drugs thoroughly before taking them, as they are in your system for awhile. | F | 46 | 2 weeks | 4/11/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | have been on daily fosamax for about 10 yrs. could not take weeklydue to gi problems.sideeffects from daily started with inability to swallow food and fluids.symptoms went approx.2 weeks after stopping med and returned1 week after restart | F | 61 | 10 years | 4/10/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Started taking actonel in May 08, no noticeable side effects, switched to fosamax, once weekly doseage about Dec 08 to satisfy my insurance. I never initially got the connection until I found this site. But, soon after starting fosamax, I felt fatigue, and a change in my bowel habits, I was always very regular, I became irregular, bloated. Then I started experiencig lower back pain like I had never had before. I began searching for answers and the first thing I checked was this site because fosamax was the only recent change in medication or anything that I could think of. It seemed to that there were my answers, other people experiencing the same horrible symptoms after taking this drug. My dr. blew the idea off that any of this was caused by fosamax but I did not and have not. I haven't taken the drug for about a month, still experiencing the back pain and constipation, although both may be slightly better. | I would not recommend this drug to anyone and I will admit that I am not completely positive that it is the cause of my symptoms. A lot of Dr's do not like these sites and I feel that is unfortunate. It is our bodies and I think the more we research ourselves the better off we are. I thank you so much for being here for all of us. | F | 61 | 3 months | 4/9/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Sharp pain in my abdomen that took my breath away. Neck, shoulder, back and chest pain. All my joints felt like I just ran a marathon. | I took my first dose on the once weekly tab on Sunday morning at 8am and closely followed the instructions. Initially felt great, in fact, I thought my little aches went away and had a warm feeling in my bones. I might have imagined that though. I was up and active all day. Then I sat down at 8:30pm. I soon started getting chest pains and aches all over my body. By Monday morning I could barely walk and had sharp pains throughout my midsection that took my breath away. Called the bone doctor and he suggested it might be a coincidence and to call my primary. The primary told me to go to the emergenct room. After the initial look I was admitted to the hospital and spent the next day and a half taking tests. Gall bladder, heart, vascular, liver and gastro tract all came up normal. I do not smoke or drink. For the past year I have eaten no meat or dairy and exercise 4 to 5 times a week. There's no really good reason for this. Without saying it, I think the doctors now agree that teh Fosamax did not agree with me. It's day number 4 and I'm still feeling achy. My primary said it might be a week or more before I'm feeling better. He said over 200 of his patients take Fosamax and I trust him. He has no reason to mislad me and he did not prescribe it to me. While I'm told that this can be a wonder drug, it's not for everybody. I'm also told that they have to give you this first because the insurance companies won't pay for the more expensive drug. | M | 54 | 1 days | 4/8/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Bilateral medial knee pain, low back pain, difficulty walking when pain acts up. | Would NOT recommend d/t severe side effects | F | 62 | 3 years | 4/3/2009 | 2 | osteopenia | osteonecrosis of the jaw, atrial fibrillation | My mother took fosamax for 13 years with improved density tests and no problems until a small sore in her mouth did not heal. This progressed to something sharp at the site and she went to the dentist. He removed a 1/4" piece of bone and said in 25 yrs. of practice he had never seen anything like it. My mom had her own teeth and had no extractions. She promptly stopped fosamax in 2006. She had a flare up of the osteonecrosis and her oral surgeon prescribed an antibiotic which cleared up the infection. However, she developed a rash and was told she could not take that antibiotic again. In January 2008 a doctor prescribed prednisone for a rash (contraindicated with a dx.of osteonecrosis, but she did not know) Within 3 wks. her jaw swelled and was sore to the touch. She was put on an antibiotic then the pain spread to her throat and another antibiotic was added. She died 1 week later following a seizure (side effect of the strong antibiotics), and a fatal arrythemia. She did have a bad fall in April of 2007 and nothing broke. She went on Fosamax prior to it being approved. She got the drug for free and never had a problem until years later. They had recommended I take it at age 44. My own dentist has a patient in her 50's very disfigured after developing ONJ after receiving implants and having been on fosamax. The oral surgeon said this is just the tip of the iceberg because so many are taking Fosamax at such young ages. | F | 83 | 13 years | 4/2/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | jaw pain,tooth ache,infection | Another garbage from Merck. | F | 66 | 3 years | 4/2/2009 | 1 | osteopenis | 12 hours after taking my 2nd weekly does, had horrible vertigo and vomiting. MD gave RX for vomiting but 2 days later unable to go to work due to vertigo | i'm quitting! | F | 58 | 2 weeks | 3/31/2009 | 2 | 2.6 osteoporosis in my spine | I would pass out after drinking 2 glasses of wine with large dinner; once I stopped taking it and changed to Boniva this problem stopped | Both Boniva and Fosamax have side effects with some people but not me. Just a little more gas - passing gas in evening with both. | F | 62 | 1 years | 3/24/2009 | 3 | Osteoporosis | For four years I took the daily 10mg dose of fosamax. I lost my insurance and stopped taking the drug. Five months later I was able to reinstate my insurance. My doctor switched me to the once a week 70mg dose. After two months my jaw began to ache big time just below the ear. My knees were also hurting and swelling. I found this site and looked for the sore jaw complaint. I found a few but I found alot to bone ache complaints. I stopped the 70mg dose and the knees went back to normal and the jaw pain subsided. I waited 5 months before trying the 10mg daily dose again. I am 30 days into this and do not have the side effects of the 70mg dose. | M | 58 | 6 years | 3/21/2009 | 1 | osteoperoses prevention | diagnosed with acid reflux pain in shoulder and hip | I am so glad I found this site. As I read each experienece I relized I have a lot of the same symtoms but did'nt know what to contribruate it too. As of now I am going to stop fosamax and see if I start to feel better. Thank you everyone! | F | 56 | 1 months | 3/21/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | First 70mg weekly dose was taken Sunday morning as directed. Was fine until Wednesday at 2:00 P.M. I started to experience flu like symtoms (all joints and muscles ached) and nausea. | Plan on looking at natural methods to treat. Has anyone taken any herbs for at least a year and noticed no icrease of bone lost with their annual bone density scan?? | M | 47 | 1 weeks | 3/18/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | I moved and my new doctor started me on Fosamax last October. i have had horrible pain in my middle back. I thought it was my pancreous. After reading other persons reactions - I'm stopping fosamax. I thought my pain was caused by something I ate. I will let everyone know if it's the Fosamax. | F | 65 | 4 months | 3/16/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | Explosive diarhea the first day, disoriented, drymouth, tingling lips, slight nausea, general feeling of malaise, head felt awful. | I took my first of a weekly dose(70 mg.) on Tuesday morning. Wednesday the symptoms started. The diarhea discontinued after the first day but all the others continued until Sunday. I felt awful, as tho I was poisoned. For me, the "awful head feeling" was the worst part. I kept telling my husband that I felt terrible and to keep an eye on me. I will not take this again. | F | 59 | 1 days | 3/15/2009 | 2 | Osteopenia | Aching all over, joint pain, especially my elbows and knees.In the first few weeks of taking it I felt like I had the flu. | I have been on this medication for over 10 years. I have been experiencing bad pain all over recently including my jaw. I feel like I have rhematoid arthritis or something. No one seems concerned about this but me. I have decided to stop taking this medication. | F | 54 | 10 years | 3/14/2009 | 1 | Serious Fosamax Side Effects - Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Although some of the aforementioned Fosamax side effects can potentially manifest themselves in a severe nature, the most serious Fosamax side effect is the development of a bone disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), or "dead jaw." Osteonecrosis is a type of bone disease that is commonly associated with large joints like the hips, knees, ankles or shoulders. The onset of ONJ is linked with the temporary or permanent loss of blood to bone tissue, leading to death of the tissue and the eventual collapse of the bone. There are approximately 10,000 to 20,000 new cases of osteonecrosis diagnosed each year in the United States, most of which occur as a result of some type of bone injury such as a fracture or dislocation. Fosamax users run the risk of developing a serious case of osteonecrosis of the jaw and suffering through the extreme pain associated with the death of jawbone tissue. The pain associated with | F | 3/14/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Ache all over. Can hardly get up in the morning. Feel like I am whoosy, no energy, knees and feet and arms and back are killing me as I sit here. Alot of gas. Depressed. Miserable. | I was on Boniva with no problems but switched because of the expense. Had no issues with Boniva at all. | F | 66 | 4 weeks | 3/14/2009 | 2 | Osteoporosis | Muscle pain in the neck and wrist pain. Pops in the neck. I stopped taking it and it still hurts though symptoms diminished. I am 41 years old and have bones of man of 105 years according to scan. | I am not sure and I am not a doctor but an engineer. That puts me in a position to investigate in a wider spectrum. I found in some documents that calcium in the blood is needed also for the functionality of the muscles. Fosamax in my view will desperately deposit all the calcium available in the blood, while depriving the muscles including the heart muscle from the necessary calcium. This leads to muscle pain as a logic result. For some reason I believe that the root cause of my osteoporosis is the inability of my intestines to absorb calcium. So I tell the doctor and he measures my calcium in the blood and says: your calcium level is ok. So I ask him is the calcium coming from the bones or from the food? Is it drained or supplied? To me the test says nothing. He did not understand the question. So I investigated and found that if there is not enough calcium in the blood for the muscles to work, then the parathyroids will generate a hormone to extract the calcium from the teet | M | 41 | 60 days | 2/28/2009 | 3 | pre osteoporosis | I have been on it for several years (about 6 years). The last two years I've had acid reflux problems, and have been taking Nexium when necessary. The last few weeks, even Nexium doesn't work completely. I was interested to read the other posts, and have some other symptoms which I attributed to aging - sore knees, muscle cramps, and severe itching on feet. I will be doing my own little test and stoping the Fosamax for a couple of weeks before I see my doctor. | When I've had bone density scans, the results have improved. I have also been exercising and working with weights, so I don't think the improvement is only due to Fosamax. I also take 1500 mg daily of Calcium Citrate. | F | 54 | 6 years | 2/27/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Flu like symptoms, shooting pain in my back, arms, legs, severe headache, diahrea. | I will never take this medicine again. I was prescribed this medication by my oncologist because I have Estrogen positive breast cancer and due to my meds, am showing signs of osteoporosis. I received my first dose on 2/23/09. I took it in the evening around 6 pm - by 9 pm I was getting severe stomach cramps and severe pains in my bones and muscle in my legs. I woke up the next morning with a severe migraine - my eyes hurt if I moved them. Couldn't get out of bed at first because of the severe headache. I went to work for about an hour, and left. Went to my Chiropractor and he said my body was revolting because of the poison in the medicine. I had to flush my body with water all day in order to try to rid my body of this medicine. WILL NEVER TAKE THIS AGAIN!! | F | 38 | 1 days | 2/25/2009 | 2 | for osteoporsis/bone building | Hives, itching on lower arms and hands constipation, diahirrea, gas,stiff neck, general fatigue, bloated stomach.Overall movement, in bed, walking, getting up and down. | These simptoms did not occur until I started taking Fosamax. The itching on the hands and arms and the bottoms of my feet. Also, never had problems with constipation. Seems to be I don't always swallow as well as ususal.Doctor told me it was all due to my stress and nerves, put me on depression Med. Celexa(not taken yet)for the itch. It drives me crazy, scratch until I bleed. never had this before, even on my neck, legs. I was to take my next wkly dose today, but did not . Will wait and see if the problems go away. From what I have read, Probably won't take again.I ingest a lot of vitamin D, milk cheese, yogurt, butter, sunshine, can,t walk as well as did before. Will use supplements. | F | 74 | 3 months | 2/24/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis & osteopenia | I've been on Fosamax for 3 years. I've experienced joint and muscle pain/aches, especially in my hips and thighs + one finger. Hair loss/breakage. Hives. Fatigue and lack of energy. Developed severe gastrointestinal problems 5 months ago: bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, severe back pain by my ribs. Had numerous ultrasounds, MRI, CT, x-rays, colonoscopy, endoscopy to rule everything out from stomach ulcer to ovarian or uterine cancer. GI doc gave me diagnosis of last resort: IBS. Never did I associate any of these symptoms to Fosamax, and none of the treating physicians suggested a link. | The pain in my back by my ribs has lasted for 5 months and did not respond to IBS meds. The bloating, gas, and diarrhea did not respond either. I went to a chiro Friday, who told me to look up the side effects of Fosamax, and I was shocked. Is it possible that something that was supposed to help me is the cause of inexplicably weak knees, inexplicable hip pain? I thought I was just getting old, and things were starting to wear out. I spent so much money ruling out problems with my stomach, gallbladder, liver, kidneys, spine, pancreas, uterus, and ovaries. All were fine, thank goodness. I was supposed to take my weekly dose of Fosamax 70 today and did not, nor will I ever take it again. I hope my symptoms disappear as quickly as some of the women who posted on this site. | F | 55 | 3 years | 2/22/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I have been on fosamax for three weeks. Almost instantly, my glands in my throat started to get sore, as did my glands deep behind and in my ears. Also, I find it hard to get a restful night's sleep; not a problem before I started taking fosamax. For the past three weeks I also feel as if I have a mild case of the flu; not so severe to have to be bed ridden; but I feel crummy most of the time. I would be interested to see if anyone has experienced these same syptoms. | DO NOT try Boniva! I was on it for 6mos.; experienced black outs, confusion, severe head pain and dizziness. The doc. thought I had a brain tumor! All symptoms stopped as soon as I went off it. Boniva is another name for POISON! Does anyone know of any other bone builder that works and that you can live with? | F | 55 | 2/22/2009 | 5 | Osteoporosis | No bad side effects to date. | Very pleased with how the 70-mg once-a-week dose temporarily helps my constant low back pain and shooting leg pain from herniated disk. Was diagnosed with osteopenia at about age 48, then several years later on subsequent bone mineral density test was diagnosed with osteoporosis. It was at that point that I was prescribed Fosamax and have been on it for about 2-1/2 years. Don't know yet how effective it has been at reversing bone disease, and hope that next BMD will show improvement as there is a family history of osteoporosis and related problems, but the relief I get from my chronic back pain is wonderful! Too bad it doesn't last longer. I take omeprazole daily for GERD and hiatal hernia so possibly this is helping to prevent esophageal problems on this medication. | F | 57 | 2.5 years | 2/21/2009 | 1 | Diagnosed with Osteoporosis | Severe hip,groin and leg pains. Stiff neck and pain in upper arms.Difficult rising from chairs after sitting.Feel as if there is a lump in my throat.Used to be very active-dignosed after breaking wrist playing badminton. My GP knew I was worried about taking Fosamax but he assured me there were no side effects. I now feel like a 90 yr old.I am aware that this drug has a half life of 10 yrs so I may never be free of these symptoms.I have had many blood tests and scans for various conditions but all are negative. I am convinced Fosamax is the cause. I live in the UK. | F | 59 | 3 years | 2/21/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Jaw pain, Muscle pain, sores in my mouth and maybe heart burn, which I have never had before. | I took Fosamax for 6 weeks and experienced jaw pain( I couldn't open my mouth very wide or chew) and also outer thigh muscle pain. I was told to stop taking if for 2 weeks and the pain went away, so did the jaw problem. I was also told it was very rare that jaw pain is a problem. I went back on it after the 2 weeks and I developed muscle pain in my outer thigh again, that went away in about 4 or 5 days. Then I developed sores in my mouth around my teeth along with different muscle pain in my rear and down my leg. I was told to stop taking it for 2 weeks again to see if it goes away. It has not gone away in 5 weeks now and I haven't taken the Fosamax for 5 weeks it's still very painfull when I sit or bend over. I have a problem working now. I had heart burn just recently and have never had that before. I was given Boniva to try, but after reading all the problems with that I wont take it either. I think they are all the same. Good Luck everyone! | F | 55 | 6 weeks | 2/17/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis | Muscle aches in forearms; muscle aches and terrible burning of both feet that got progressively worse as weeks went on. | Took for 3 1/2 months in combination with Glucosamine and Chonoitdrin for joint pain in feet (bunion) and was progressively getting weaker, unable to walk. Dr. told me to take Advil 4 or 5 times a day; it soon did no good. I was always active walker, exercising by walking 2 or 3 miles 4 times a week, doing cardio and weights also. Now have gained weight and experienced flushing and blurry vision, all this since starting this horrible drug. Had all symptomsof periferal neuropathy. Just stopped drug 1 week ago and starting to feel better already. | F | 64 | 14 weeks | 2/16/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | Severe pain: muscles, hips, buttocks, hands, legs, head, chest,eyes; swelling of abdomen, legs, hands. I was diagnosed with Osteopenia three months ago at such an early age and was put on biphosphonates 70mg/once a week | It is terrifying, I know you'd be so surprised to see someone my age in the ratings, but I just wanted to make a warning, that all those symptoms cannot occur because of my age,disease, or anything of that kind. It can happen also to a 28 yo young women, who's never had a muscle, bone pain in life.How can doctors be so merciless? It is frustrating... I am off it for two weeks, but I have more terrible symptoms, will they ever go away? I took the drug, because of the fear of osteoporosis, but now I wish I can turn back time and just through the pills away. I see that no one goes back to say if their symptoms faded, I am so scared... | F | 28 | 8 times | 2/12/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | I took fosamax for about a year and a half, my doctor took me off of it because I had ulcers in my esophagus. I am lucky that he took me off fosamax. I had knee pain, extreme fatigue, crawling skin in my lower legs, knee pain, acid reflux, floaters in my eyes, blurred vision and one eye has a haze over it, itching on my lower arms (so bad that I had sores from scratching so much.) terrible pain in my rib cage and back. | I went to my GP about hurting in my ribs and back and he ran all kinds of test and they all came back normal. I think he thought it was all in my head. I also went to my gastro dr. and he thought it may be from my gallbladder. So I had my gallbladder taken out, but the pain was still there. After reading the letters from this web site. I am sure all my pain was from fosamax. But I don't know where to go from here with my bone loss problem. If anyone has any answers on this, please email me. My bone dr. said I needed to start on Evista, but I am not going to take that either. I still have all my aches and pains and I have been off this medicine for almost a year. I feel like I am 80 years old. | F | 61 | 1 years | 2/7/2009 | 1 | osteopenia | after only 6 weeks I have experienced increased back, jaw, neck, and heel pain...I have met with my doctor and he has taken me off of this medication and we are HOPING this pain subsides with time. | Do not take it - after lots of research I have found horrible side effects that people are suffering with. | F | 44 | 6 weeks | 2/4/2009 | 1 | Osteopenia | I was concerned about the multiple side effects I had read about Fosamax on the internet and in the pamphlet. I even discussed the side effects with my pharmacist and my doctor. They both agreed there could be side effects and all of the side effects, such as severe jaw pain, were possible. After just one dose, the following day I experienced chills, fever, terrible joint pains, severe neck pain,and pain behind and in my ear. The pain was so severe I could not sleep, my head did not feel "right", my vision didn't seem right. I could not go to work that day as a result. The joint and jaw pain persisted all of last week. I did take Tylenol for the pain, which did help, but I had to take Tylenol every day. Yesterday, I took the second dose, today I again experienced fever, chills, stabbing pains in the right side of my head, which kept me from sleeping, jaw pain and an overall feeling of not feeling well. Although I only took two doses, (one a week for two weeks), I | There needs to be additional research into this medication to see why so many patients are experiencing such severe side effects. | F | 66 | 2 weeks | 2/3/2009 | 1 | osteporosis | There are so many I don't know where to begin. I can relate to just about everone else's horror stories. I too have pain so bad that I can hardly function. I already have severe pain with fibromyalgia and arthirits and am on pain meds and muscle relaxants that help those symptoms somewhat but taking the fosamax made my pain impossible to live with. I have a very high pain tolerence but with this drug its more than I can take. I am so glad I found this site, it has helped me so much. The bad part is that I didn't find it until 2 weeks after I stopped taking it!!! I thought I was just having more pain with weather, etc., but after I found this site it made sense now. This site made me more positive than ever what this drug has done to me. Will this type pain ever go away?? Even after 2 weeks off it I still fell horrible. I too take good care of myself with vitamins and such, and I will continue in that way. I feel that this drug stops boneloss this way..'it kills you, so you can't lose | This drug should have been monitored more agressively and because it hasn't been, the quality of life for so many has diminished extensively. But what do we do now?? Are these side effects so bad that some of us may not get much better off this, if at all, or must we suffer the consequeces of this drug indefinitely??? Even after the first dose I felt bad but thought ,sometimes it takes a few doses of med for a body to accostom itself but with each additional dose I got sicker and sicker until I had way enough and quit. 2 weeks later and I still feel awful and wonder if it didn't trigger other problems within my body???Anything that makes you feel this bad surely can't be good!!! | F | 54 | 10 weeks | 2/1/2009 | 1 | wrongfully prescribed by pharmacist | My local nationwide pharmacy gave me someone else's Fosamax prescription with my same name. What I was supposed to receive was a new medication to treat a possible yeast infection. The pharmacist asked me if I had taken the Rx before and I said no (b/c I had never had a yeast infection before nor received any treatment) and he proceeded to teach me how to take the Rx and everything. It was a generic form so I had no idea that it was not for the medication I was supposed to pick up, not did my dr ever tell me the name of the medication he was prescribing for me. So I assumed that it was my Rx that my doctor prescribed just like every other time I've been to the pharmacy & I took it and began to have SEVERE side effects. (I have already been tested in the past for stomach irritations & my stomach is already more sensitive than most which is why I had the severe reations that I had.) I took the medication at the beginning of December & have had severe stomach problems | M | 27 | 1 months | 1/28/2009 | 5 | osteopenia | None | With 18 months of starting Fosamax my bone density had improved almost into the normal range. At this time, my doctor is considering a Fosamax 'holiday' due to side effects of long-term use involving the stomach and esophagus. | F | 59 | 11 years | 1/27/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Problems swallowing, swelling of the esphogus, neck pain, severe bone and muscle pain, knee pain, insomnia, ear popping, fatique, lack of energy, heavy chest and back pain, breathing pain | The side effects were shocking. I was and active, athletic, 53 year old woman before I figure out that fosamax was the cause of my side effects. I am now 55 and have been off it for 4 weeks. The bone and muscle ache is reduce but my other side effects are still present. I have been told that Fosamax can stay in your body for 1 year. Has anyone been on this drug as long as I have and if so did the side effects go away? Please email me if you have found anyway to restore your health. I went to my gyno(who originally prescribed the meds), a gastro, general doc, and rhuematologist who gladly took my money for many tests and procedures but never pointed out that all my symptoms were the side effects of Fosamax. What crooks! I happened upon this site when surfing the web and finally found answers to my problems. I'm hoping someone will email me to let me know what info you have discovered to help me. I'm feeling like my teeth are starting to be affected. What do I do? | F | 55 | 2.5 years | 1/26/2009 | 1 | osteopenia, osteoporosis prevention | My mother has been on Fosamax for two years. In that time she had bone pain that woke her up at night and would only go away when she walked. Heartburn, racing heart and cramps inher feet. She quit three weeks ago and all is going away. It did her no good. For the two years she took Fosamax, her T scores remained about the same. She always took Fosamax on a weekly basis, 70 mg dose. Severe pain in shoulders and lower back. Digestive problems including stomach cramps bloating and constipation. Muscle pain all over the body. very tired all the time. | My mother was not aware of the side effects of Fosamax until recently. I read about the side effects in internet. She was a very healthy person, active and able to do most actitivies before she began Fosamax. She has seen more doctors now from taking Fosamax in the past year and a half and run more tests than she has ever had before even for her age. All tests come back negative, not being able to find any answers to the cause of her problems. The doctors could give no answer. Fosamax is very dangerous. It should be taken off the market. | F | 75 | 2 years | 1/21/2009 | 1 | My Dr. prescribed it. | Ultimate extreme pain in my back including spasms, my collar bone, hips, and hands. I became weak and couldn't talk without body pain. | I hesitated when my Dr. prescribed this and brought my husband in to help me ask the correct questions as I do not take any medications and was concerned that I may not know what to ask. When asked what the side effects were, we were told that I would experience acid reflux if I didn't follow the directions. I followed the directions and never had acid reflux but when the painful side effects began, I prayed to pass out because the pain was the worse I had ever experienced. When I called to let her know how I physically felt, she prescribed a muscle relaxer which I refused and never picked it up at the pharmacy. | F | 55 | 1 days | 1/18/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis | Severe acid reflux that was unaffected by Rx medication; also severe migraines starting the day I took the medication. Migraines were also unaffected by usual Rx medication. | Acid reflux began immediately and even specialist didn't associate it with Fosamax. I went through test after test and in the end was diagnosed as "unknown cause". Migraines came back after a hiatus with a vengence, especially on the day I took the med. None of the usual medications relieved the pain. It wasn't until I found this site that I put the pieces together. | F | 60 | 12 months | 1/15/2009 | 1 | Osteoporosis of femur | After about 4 years of use, started having chest pains, or internal pains at about shoulder blade level, on an increasingly frequent basis. Also began having pains in knees at that time. Current symptom of right thigh pain may be related to all these years of biphosphonate use. | Initially the chest-type pains were thought to be maybe heart problem, or gall bladder problem, or ulcers, etc. but no medical tests substantiated those hypotheses. When I switched from Fosamax to Actonel, the symptoms gradually disappeared. I was on Fosamax for 6 years, followed by 8 years on Actonel, and am currently on neither, for the last 2 months. For the six years I took Fosamax, my T scores for my left femur remained about the same, some years less than -2.5, some years a little better than that. I always took Fosamax on a daily basis, 5 mg dose. After learning about research studies suggesting that unusual low impact femoral fractures might be related to long-term biphosphonate use, and that some of those fractures were preceded by leg pain, I have stopped using Actonel and am hoping that I don't have a minor fall one day and find myself with a broken femur bone. I have kept good records of my 13 DEXA results over an 18 year period, and doctor's comments throughou | F | 66 | 6 years | 1/11/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
