| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken
and Dosage | | Date Added |
  | | | | F M | | | | |
Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading.
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| 1 | osteoporosis | debilitating back pain.....causing suicidal thoughts | | F | 59 | 7 months
70 1X W | | 7/27/2010
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1 | osteoporosis | Daily headaches, hair loss, neck and back aches which brought me to an orthopedic surgeon, gum recession requiring an expensive and painful gum graft, muscle pain in wrists, heart palpitations which brought me to a cardiologist and increased acid reflux. | FDA Warning: Fosamax, a popular biophosphonate, has been linked to femur fractures. | F | 65 | 13 months
70 1X W | | 7/19/2010
| 1 | Bone density test lower then before | After reading all the comments, I still refuse to take Fosamax
My Dr. has been trying to get me on this drug after two Bone
density test, second test worst then first!
will go with natural remedies and vit.D, calcuim, and Nonie juice. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS CONCERN THIS DRUG! | | F | 67 |
1X D | | 7/14/2010
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| 1 | Osteoporosis | The first 2 times of taking the pills, I experienced no side effects. Then I noticed how tired I was becoming. I slept longer every night, was dragging during the day. A few times I attempted to nap during lunch at work -- which I have never felt compelled to do before! Also noticed my usual bathroom regularity becoming more frequent on a daily basis. Then about 7-8 days ago, very bad diarrhea began (everyday, several times a day). Today I'm so tired I can barely focus. | Have decided to suspend taking Fosamax to see if these side effects go away and support my theory that Fosamax is the cause of them. Will update . . . | F | 51 | 6 weeks
70 1X W | | 7/13/2010
| 1 | slight thining in left hip | I took fosamax about 6 years ago, never had any problems.This was just a pre caution. After having a bone denisty test a year ago it showed a slight thining in left hip. They suggested taking fosmax. I was also taking cholesterol med. I started having mucle cramps, back pains, hip pains, knee pain. I blamed it on my cholesterol med. so i stopped taking that. Nothing went away. I did research on fosmax. Then my insurance co.sent me generic for fosamx. i took that for 2 months then started having bad breathing problems. my doctor sent me for a stress test to check out my heart,which was fine. I then stopped taking the drug. After about 1 month my breathing is better. I have no intention of taking this drug again. my other pains are easing up, but not gone as of yet.I would suggest that any body still taking fosamax, and having these problems, stop taking it. See for your self if stopping it helps you. | | F | 77 | 12 months
70 mg 1X W | | 7/12/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | As a healthy and fairly strong 61 year old woman, I began taking Fosomax because a bone scan showed osteoporosis. For a month or so, things seemed OK. In the second month I realized I was becoming weak. My lack of strength was confirmed when I went camping with my husband and tried to walk along the beach with him. I was exhausted, out of breath easily, and it was then it first occurred to me how weak and achey I was since taking this drug. In the third month things got worse fast. My legs began causing an inordinate amount of pain. The morning I found myself walking in teeny tiny steps to the bathroom, I quit taking this drug; I realized it was poisoning me. | For one year after taking Fosomax, I experienced a lot of leg pain. It did not get better at all. I woke up at night in terrible pain, it felt like muscle and bone pain. Sitting became difficult as my legs would suddenly begin a dull, horrible ache. I was really in a lot of pain for an entire year. I could not sleep on my side, because it would hurt my hips too much. I had to move around in bed; I couldn't stay in one position because of the pain that would seem to radiate from bones pressing together. It was awful. I missed lying on my side; it was impossible to do it.
In the second year after quitting Fosomax, I still experience leg, hip, arm pain. I experience pain throughout my whole body, though not as drastic as that first year after quitting Fosomax. I don't know if I'll ever heal from this but I sure hope so. | F | 62 | 3 months
1X D | | 7/12/2010
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| 5 | osteoporosis | occasional mild flu like symptoms | Normal bone scan after 2 years. I'm a retired RN. I find most doctors are knowledgeable and well intentioned. The key is to find a doctor you trust. After 40+ years of nursing I depend on the extensive knowledge of a good M.D. to point me in the right direction and to interpret the copious studies out there for me.I find the frequent mistrust of doctors to be very sad as it does get in the way of good medical care for people. I know the many years of study they put in and I would only trust my very valuable health(and life) to a good doctor-not to my own opinion or that of friends or family. After all we have only one life so let us have the most expert person care for us -and that is a competent doctor. Others may (and will) disagree but as I say this is speaking from 40+ years working as a critical care nurse in many large teaching and private hospitals. You owe it to yourself to get the most accurate advice possible. | F | 69 | 4 years
70mg 1X W | | 7/11/2010
| 1 | | I suffer with severe pain in my abdomen when sitting. | I've taken Fosamax for approx. 6 years. I have suffered for over 5 years with terrible pain in my abdomen. At times, I cannot even sit at all. I've been to my family physician wich the problem, who sent me to a GI doctor. Neither doctor found anything wrong after many, many tests. They finally ruled out colon cancer, stomach cancer, chrones disease, etc. but never knew what was causing my pain. The GI doctor has me taking probiotics in case it is bad bacteria in my gut (I fee this is the new "buzz word" in medicine. I've done that for 6 to 8 months and it hasn't helped at all. A friend told me about Fosamax and the possibility that it wss the source of my problem and suggested I try stopping it. It has only been 3 weeks since I stopped so it is too soon to know. I don't know how long it takes to get it out of ones system. Does anyone else know? Has anyone else had a similar problem? | F | 63 |
70 mg 1X W | | 7/8/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | My husband and I walked the dog 5 miles each day, I had no health problems. Doctor ordered a bone density test and prescribed Fosamax. After the first dose, I could only walk about 1 block and had to return home because of the pain in my back, hips, knees and ankles. I was told the side effects were temporary. I decided on my own to quit taking the drug after 4 months. It has now been 11 months since I quit and I still have joint pain and muscle cramps and pain in my legs, arms, hands and buttocks. I don't trust doctors anymore. Isn't their first responsibility to "Do no harm?" | Don't take this drug without researching fully. | F | 67 | 4 months
70MG 1X W | | 7/7/2010
| 1 | | gerd, acid reflux and now diagnosed with AFIB
Don't take Fosamax
| | F | 72 | 3 years
? 1X D | | 7/5/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | I woke up with an excrutiating headache behind my left eye. Dx'd as sinus infection, took meds including steroids. As soon as I finished, the pain returned and my left eye swelled up twice it's size. Saw 6 doctors in 5 days including a neuro-ophthalmologist at Emory. Result - Fosamax caused the fat cells in my eyeball to inflame. Now on steroids for a month and should be fine. I'll take my chances with bone loss - I won't be taking any of these drugs again. | | F | 63 | 5 months
20 mg 1X W | | 7/5/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | I feel like every bone and muscle in my body aches. My lower back is always in pain. I get so stiff it's had to go about doing just about anything. | I starting taking these because my t scores were 1.8 for hip, 2.4 for spine and 2.0 for neck. Which my reading up on the internet about osteoporosis, those scores were osteopenia not really osteoporosis yet. My doctor suggested that I take Fosamax, I had felt great before taking this medicine. I feel like I've aged in a matter of months. I don't know if I should stop taking at this point, I really don't want my bones to get worse. Hopefully something out there is better than this stuff. | F | 63 | 2 years
70 1X W | | 6/27/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | Recently diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle. Needed arthroscopic surgery to drill holes to try to get blood flow into the area. Will probably need knee replacement if this does not work. I feel that fosamax caused this. Over the five years I took it, there was no improvement in my bone density. | | F | 66 | 5 years
70 mg 1X W | | 6/24/2010
| 1 | diagnosis of osteopenia | Gradually increasing pain in lower back and legs. No improvement in DEXA, ever. | I have stopped taking Fosamax 9 months ago, still have leg and back pain, but is handled by Advil. I have read the literature, and will never take this medicine again. I believe it adversely affects bones, opposite of its claims. | F | 76 | 15 years
30mg 1X D | | 6/24/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | Severe, debilitating lower back pain. | Holy Moly! The first time I took Fosomax(generic version)I woke up the next day with agonizing back spasms. I had NEVER had any sort of back problem in my life. I suspected the Fosomax but then decided I must have slept in an odd position. Took a few more doses wih no apprecible effects and then wham! more back pain. It felt like my back was trying to rip itself apart. I actually screamed from the pain every time I moved. I discontinued use for a few months and just took a dose 3 days ago. Next morning, the back pain reappeared though not as bad as past episodes. I wouldn't touch that stuff again if my bones snapped in a stiff breeze. I'll just keep working out wth weights and taking my calcium and Vit D. | F | 58 | 4 times
70 1X W | | 6/7/2010
| 1 | Yes | I was on Fosamax for 3 years. 2 years into Fosamax I developed Lichen Planus. They do not know the cause of it so as a last resort I stopped taking fosamax (much to my Drs dismay) and the lichen planus stopped. While I was on fosamax my osteo never improved. I stayed off fosamax and on calcium, vitamin D3 supplements and exercise, and after 18 months my osteo numbers were stable. I might add that 13 months after stopping fosamax the lichen planus returned on my scalp. I still blame the fosamax for knocking my immune system out of wack. Has any experienced Lichen Planus after taking these types of drugs? | For the 3 years I was on Fosamax my Osteo never improved. Being off Fosamax for 18 months and taking calcium, D3 supplements and exercise my Osteo (dexa scan numbers) stayed stable. Now my Dr wants me to take Actonel. After reading about people's experiences with fosamax and actonel I will not take any of these drugs again. | M | 64 | 3 years
70 MG 1X W | | 6/5/2010
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| 1 | osteoporosis | Took the first dose less than one week ago....nauseous for first few days (felt like being pregnant), now ache in chest, arms, neck, back. I will NOT take the second dose tomorrow, and will be calling the doctor. I have NO health problems other than this recent diagnosis of osteoporosis. I am athletic and very active. I should not even drive as it hurts to move my head from side to side. | | F | 59 | 6 days
70mg 1X W | | 5/30/2010
| 1 | have osteoporosis | I am still experiencing side effects, pain in my back, arms, hands, legs, shoulders, chest and rib area, a day afterwords I felt weak, feverish chills | I would not recommend any one take this at all. it should be taken off doctors lists | F | 41 | 1 times
1X W | | 5/28/2010
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| 1 | low bone density | Severe muscle aches, especially my neck, rear upper arms, rear thighs from knee to buttocks. Headache and upset stomach. I'm otherwise healthy and on no other medications. | My Internist ordered numerous lab tests to rule out any muscular disease. All tests were normal. | F | 73 | 3 months
70 mg 1X W | | 5/15/2010
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| 1 | OSTEOPOROSIS | nauseated all the time and ached all over with no energy. I felt like I had the flu 24/7 | | F | 44 | 4 weeks
70 1X W | | 5/14/2010
| 2 | -3.25 hip osteoporosis | A severe burning, stinging sensation in my buttocks and hips, that makes sitting for long periods of time or lying on my back or side very painful. I also experience aching in my legs. | I have been on Fosamax for nearly 3 years and have been on the generic version for about a year. I started to research the drug because I'm about to undergo a dental procedure and I know that one of the side effects could be bone loss in the jaw resulting from improper healing after undergoing dental procedures. When I started to research the side effects, I found this site. I have never experienced any of the bloating or esophagial problems that some users describe, but there appears to be many different and serious side effects. I had not associated my buttock and hip pain with Fosamax until I read that many women have experienced the same symptoms. Also, I just had a bone density test, and there has been no improvement in my bone mass since starting Fosamax. I have decided to stop taking the drug, and hope that my symptoms will improve. | F | 59 | 3 years
70 mg 1X W | | 5/13/2010
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| 1 | bone lose in hip | After going through MRI and Xrays for hip and knee pain and cramping on the same side as the hip pain, began to hear about this as a common side effect.
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I'm using youtube downloader | Stopping Fosimax and contacting my doctor. Disappointed that she and my OBGYN did not associate the symptoms with the pain!
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I'm using youtube downloader | F | 54 | 2 months
weekly 1X W | | 5/13/2010
Email
| 1 | Osteoperosis | After 3d dose I experienced chest, shoulder, an stomach pains. It has been 10 days since my last dose and I still have severe pain in my shoulder. I am hopeful it will go away. | Will never take it again. | F | 42 | 3 weeks
70mg 1X W | | 5/11/2010
| 2 | Ostoprosis | Leg Pain and Back Pain. I would think about this drug before you take it. Seems Foteao may be a better option. | I was in the first clincal studies for Didrnal which is the fore runner of Fosimax. I started this drug in 1990 and stayed on it until 2008, I came off of it for 2 years and then had to start again as my t-scores dropped like a rock. The second time around I belive this drug is causing all my issues of late with back pain so severe its debilitating. I am stopping this week to see if the pain improves for me. | M | 59 | 3 months
20mg 1X W | | 4/27/2010
| 5 | diagnosis of osteopenia | None | Thrilled with results. When I began, I had hoped, at the least, to prevent more bone loss. My spine has gone from borderline osteoporosis to being in the normal range; there has been annual improvement in my hip. The numbers for the femoral neck bone, though, have not been as consistent. I do weight bearing exercises daily and continue to take daily calcium and Vitamin D supplements, in addition to fish oil. | F | 62 | 5 years
70 + D 1X W | | 4/26/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | Within 3 days of takig the first pill, I developed a rash on my feet, and swelling. A week later I took a second pill, and the rash moved up my leg, and the swelling got worse. My doctor said to stop the pill, which I have done, and he said to take Zrtec for 2 weeks, as that's how long it will take for the rash and swelling to go away. I am going back to once a month Actonel, which gave me no problems. | The reason I switched to generic Fosamax, is because my insurance company sent it to me instead of Actonel, so I tried it, and I am so sorry I did. | F | 71 | 14 days
70 MG 1X W | | 4/24/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | Right wrist began to pain about 10 hours after first dose. Had to take some aspirin before I went to bed. I woke about 1:30 a.m.with back pain. By 3:00 a.m. my whole body was in pain. Every bone in my body felt as if it were about to break. Even my ribs. Even my toes. I could barely move my wrist. I could barely get out of a chair. I felt as though an elephant was sitting on my chest. Every joint, every muscle was on fire. Next I developed severe stomach and intestinal pain. I spent the day swallowing a combination of aspirin and tylenol and hobbling around with my cell phone in my pocket in case I had to call 911.
The pain subsided enough - with a little help from my pill bottle - that I was able to sleep last night and this morning it is not nearly as severe as it was yesterday.
I have acid reflux. This experience has done it no favors. My hope now is that I will be one of the lucky ones whose symptoms from this horrid medication disappear quickly and do not linger for months | Scary. The cure is worse than the disease. After reading comments on it here, I realize that for some of us, it doesn't even help the disease. | F | 66 | 1 days
70 mg 1X W | | 4/21/2010
| 2 | Osteoporosis reading of -2.5 | 1st dose on a Sat.-Tues. evening lower back pain that worked it way up to my neck. Very tender right knee which I attritubed to working in the yard. Took Pepcid's and Buffrin. Controlled the pain ok. 2nd dose on following Sat. - Sunday night could not get out of bed. Entire back was sending sharp pains. Actually cried out in pain. Husband helped me stand and layered pillows so something would be supporting my back. I came to within 5 seconds of passing out from pain. Right knee in worse pain. Had Xanax in medicine cabinet, took one and was able to make it through the night. Same severe pain the next morning. I am now waiting for a call-back from my doctor. Had this same unbearable pain (worse than childbirth) 6 years ago with one dose of Actonel. | I know it helped my mother (87 yrs old) so I can't say it is bad for everyone. My daughter is finishing her MD residency in June and is researching for me. She said reclast by-passes the GI tract and may be easier to take but I am afraid to do anything at this time. | F | 62 | 2 weeks
70 mg 1X W | | 4/19/2010
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| 5 | Osteopenia | No side effects | I started taking Foxomax(first once a day and then once a week) more than 5 yrs ago due to the diagnosis of osteopenia. My first scan, after taking, it showed increased bone mass and it has pretty much remained consistent. I am now off the drug, per my doctor, as you are only supposed to take it for so many years. I had no side effects, whatsoever and it worked for me. | F | 60 |
1X O | | 4/14/2010
| 1 | | | I personally take vitamins, exercise daily, and use herbal remedies and take TUMS. Doctors perscirbe this poison, so they can make money, that is all they care about. | F | 56 | 0 days
1X O | | 4/10/2010
| 2 | Osteoporosis | First experienced unexplained pain in ankles. A few days later they swelled and it hurt to walk or sit. Doc switched to Actenol (sp?) but I won't start it until next week because I want this to go away. | I have no problem with exercise. Why do doctors always prescribe meds if a little vita D and calcium + exercise will fix it? | F | 52 | 7 weeks
70 MG 1X W | | 4/8/2010
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| 1 | Osteopena | Don't have enough space to explain all side effects....Swollen joints, fingers swollen more than double the normal size, feet swollen so badly couldn't get shoes on, bruising, gastric distress, headaches, muscle spasms and muscle aches....felt worse than ever!!!! Even had racing heart...didn't think that was a possible side effect until I read other comments on this site. | I had my ovaries removed in 2006 (partial hysterectomy 2000). Took Boniva for 3 months and developed such horrible hip pain that I felt like a Barbie Doll whose legs were being cracked off...but the side effects from the Fosamax are far worse than the effects from the Boniva ever were...This product should be banned from the market. Took for 4 weeks and the pain, stiffness, bruising became unbearable. Called the doctor. She advised to not take the 5th dose and if the symptoms subsided to take again in the 6th week....yeah, right! I will never let this pass my lips again.... | F | 46 | 30 days
unsure 1X W | | 4/5/2010
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| 1 | Diagnosed with osteoporosis | I was diagnosed with significant bone loss 13 years ago at the age of 40.My blood calcium levels were low, the doctor was concerned so I had a DEXA. This drug had only been on the market for a few years. I took the drug one day almost 13 years ago and said no way am I continuing. Doing some research, I found out it should not be taken before menopause. The doctors thought my case was so unusual and it was taken to a panel of endocrinologists. Of course, these drugs were the answer. Now, after the 20 years of these drugs being on the market,we are finding out the side effects are terrible. They prevent the normal breaking down and building of the bone. Ultimately they make your bones very brittle and unhealthy. I eat well,take lots of Vitamin D, a multi and get exercise.DO YOUR RESEARCH, THERE IS SO MUCH INFO OUT THERE. | | F | 53 | 1 days
1X D | | 4/3/2010
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| 1 | preventive | Very stiff after sitting for more than 15 minutes; pain/cramping left and right side of back; excessive burping; occasional rapid heart beat and probably several other side effects I thought were due to just getting older and under a lot of stress. I will immediately stop taking this drug and go back to natural products. | Thank you everyone for contributing so much information to this site. I always felt uncomfortable taking this drug and now I know why. Has anyone found they gained weight and have trouble losing it? That could just be my stress. | F | 65 | 2 years
70 MG 1X W | | 3/26/2010
| 3 | osteopenia | No side effects | Going to stop taking the drug. No improvement in bone scans | F | 66 | 6 years
70 1X W | | 3/22/2010
| 2 | Osteopenia | I have not experienced side effects that I'm positive could be linked to the fosamax | i was having hip and back pain, got a bone density scan and diagnosed with osteopenia related to my celiac disease. I was put on fosamax over a year ago. I have not noticed any cessation of my pain but i have also not noted any increased pain or other side effects. I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia this past december. Is that one of the side effects, affecting blood sugars? | F | 21 | 1 years
1X W | | 3/18/2010
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| 1 | osteprosis | No side effects, My Dr prescribed this drug for me to start taking today. As soon as I got home I started doing some research. I am glad I did too. After reading everyone's comments was enough for me not to take it.I feel bad for all that have already taken it and all the pain that you have went through, but I do thank you for all the info of this drug.I did check out different sites as well. Vit d and calcium and excersize for me. Good luck to you all. | This drug should be banned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | F | 50 | 0 days
70 1X W | | 3/17/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | Burning sensation in GI tract. | Its competitor--Actonel is just as deadly to your bones. It stops bone growth, leaving you with old, brittle bones. You are not eligible for a dental implant, because the bone is unable to grow and secure it. Read Building Bone Vitality. It's an evidenced approach to bone health. It's a dietary approach. Cites lots of research from scientists. | F | 73 | 3 months
1X W | | 3/15/2010
| 1 | OSTEOPOROSIS | SINCE I BEGAN TAKING FOSAMAX, I HAVE HAD MUSCLE STIFFNESS IN MY LEGS AND JOINT PAIN IN MY KNEES AND HIP. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE AND I CAN BARELY WALK I'M SO STIFF. I CAN'T SIT FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME WITHOUT PAIN, NOR CAN I WALK WITHOUT STIFFNESS FOR THE FIRST COUPLE OF MINUTES. DESPITE COMPLAINTS TO MY ENDROCHRONOLOGIST, HE HAS FAILED TO EXPLAIN WHY NOR OFFER A SOLUTION TO MY SYMPTOMS AND INSTEAD HAS SENT ME TO AN ARTHRITIST SPECIALIST, WHO SAYS THAT'S NOT THE PROBLEM. | IN ALL THE YEARS I'VE BEEN TAKING FOSAMAX I HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED ANY IMPROVEMENT IN MY BONE DENSITY. AFTER READING THIS WEBSITE AND REALIZING THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING THAT I AM, I'VE MADE A DECISION TO QUIT TAKING FOSAMAX AND CHANGE DOCTORS. | F | 65 | 5 years
1X W | | 3/15/2010
| 1 | ospeopenia in my hip | Acid reflux, heartburn, irritable bowl syndrome - alternating constipation and diahrea, loose bowels, muscle pains, worsening migraines. | Stop taking this immediately. The side effects are horrible the more you read about it. I'm still trying to work it out of my system after I stopped taking it about 2 months ago when I realized it was the cause of my symptoms. My doctor put me on this medication because of a slight loss of bone density in my hip caused by Aromasin that I have been taking for breast cancer. Now I take a full regimen of a bone building multi vitamin (containing calcium, boron, magnesium), Vitamin D3 (lots), Vitamin K, Stronthium, Iprivlavone and Black Cohosh (for menopausal symptoms). I won't know the results of this natural regimen until my next bone scan but anything has to be better than Fosamax! | F | 48 |
35 mg 1X D | | 3/15/2010
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History | 5 | osteoporosis | no side effects. I went from osteoprosis to osteopenia. I have fallen, but have never broken any bones. I have not had any ill-effects and started the drug in an experimental program when it first came out. I have been extremely pleased with the effect of the drug. | see above | M | 81 | 30 years
70g 1X W | | 3/13/2010
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| 1 | osteopenia | I have been getting very sharp stomach pains up high between chest bone and also sharp abdominal pains that only come on after eating. I can tolerate oatmeal, rice and toast and experience no pain at all. I have lost 9 pounds in 3 weeks because of the pain when eating. My doctor took me off fosamax 2 weeks ago and I am waiting to see GI specialist. Also ended up in ER 1 month after starting fosamax because of irregular heart beat and near fainting. | | F | 63 | 4 months
70 mg 1X W | | 3/13/2010
| 1 | Doctor prescribed it | Severe pain in neck and arm; esophagial discomfort; | I heard a man talking in the doctor's office about his wife's experience with fosomax and that there were lawsuits against it. I asked him some questions and when he said that it does not build back bone, I started investigating on my own as well as seeing the red flags I should have already spotted. It has me convinced that fosomax is not for me. I am off it now and will explore more natural ways to heal. | F | 54 | 2 years
1X W | | 3/13/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | i broke the left femur (shattered it 2 times in 206 and 207 i now walk with a walker and the dr. says it can never be repaired again. | it has changed my life and not for the better. | F | 72 | 8 years
1X D | | 3/12/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | I took the generic Fosamax about 1 year ago for 2 months and developed pain in hips and back so I stopped taking it. My DXA test showed some deterioration of density and so doctor put me back on the drug. After 4 weeks I again developed pain in hips and back. Also I have been treated for IBS for many years and I developed diarrhea after 3 weeks on alendronate sodium. | I am stopping the drug and just going to do the best I can with calcium and vitamin D etc. | F | 63 | 30 days
70mg 1X W | | 3/12/2010
| 1 | Osteopenia | I have occasional atrial fibrillation (AFIB)which terminates spontaneously and occurs only about once a month. There is no underlying heart pathology. After taking Fosamax for only 3 weeks, I had a 25 hour AFIB episode. Now, three days later, I am still having ectopic ("skipped") heartbeats. My cardiologist told me to stop taking the drug. It is important to note that I have never encountered such symptoms before taking Fosamax. | If you have atrial fibrillation or susceptibility to it because of hereditary factors, I would suggest strongly that you stay away from Fosamax. I certainly will. | M | 73 | 3 weeks
70 mg. 1X W | | 3/12/2010
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| 5 | osteopina at age 50 | NONE, yet. | Supposed to make bone marrow inhospitable to breast cancer cells. | F | 66 | 16 years
75 1X W | | 3/9/2010
| 4 | on threshold for osteoporosis | Nothing serious, possibly increased intestinal gas but not sure if that is related. | After 2 years on fosamax (only 35 mg/week) my bone density increased about 3%, whereas density had been rapidly decreasing previously despite taking calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D and doing weight bearing exercise. I will continue for another year and will then consider a 6 month to 1 year "holiday" from the drug. After retest of bone density will decide whether to return to fosamax. | F | 64 | 2 years
35 mg 1X W | | 3/3/2010
| 2 | Weak Bone Density | Acid reflux | After breast cancer at age 46 and taking Tamoxifen for 5 years my mind and bone density suffered. I've taken 70 mg of Fosamax once a week for 14 years but my bone density has not improved above spine osteoporosis (T-score -2.5) and femur osteopenia (T-score -1.5). My general practitioner advised me to discontinue taking it because it could be in fact weakening my bones. I’m not sure what to do. | F | 66 | 14 years
70 mg 1X W | | 3/3/2010
| 1 | for osteosporosis | severe pain in ankles, feet ,knees, hips, shoulder, ribs and back, shortness of breathe, swelling of the feet, ankles knees and legs, headache | I have been on fosamax for about 6 months now and I am now literally incapacitated. I was given fosamax with the understanding that it was to regenerate bone loss but it has done the opposite! I have been complaining about the horrible pain that I am having for months and was sent to see a rhumetologist suggesting that I now have osteoarthritis and rheumitoid arthritis. I have been told to take pain meds because know one understands why I am in so much pain. My hips are now hurting so bad I can't even climb a step. I have fallen a few times when my leg has collapsed. I was even being evaluated by a kidney doctor to see if the pain in my side and hip area are due to kidney damage. my wife happened to do some research on the internet and discovered how many other people are suffering from the same symptoms as I do from using fosmax. And has also discovered fosamax lawsuits, because of an FDA warning in 2008 that fosamax had been linked to extreme and incapacitating joint, mucle and bone pain. I am hoping now that I will no longer take fosamax that my pain subsides. I have read others complaints about fosmax claiming that they are still in pain months later after stopping the drug. This drug should be taken off the market especially if doctors are unaware of the side effects. Doctors who prescribe fosamax should be well informed of the side effects, in the event patients like myself and many others complain of certain symptoms after using fosamax. | M | 53 | 6 months
70mg 1X W | | 3/2/2010
| 1 | Mild osteopenia in hips | I am 56 and showed very slight ospeopenia in my hips. I had no severe side effects..just noticed bloating and constipation. But, after 3 months of taking this, I started noticing horrible hip pain, mostly while I sat or layed down. At first I did not know what was causing this, until I decided to read the insert. Well, this hip, bone pain has only gotten worse. I cannot sleep and am miserable. I walk quite a bit, with intermittent running, and I can no longer do that. After looking through this site, I have decided that stopping this med is in my best interest. I will only take Calcium with Vitamin D and hope for the best. | Looking thru this, it appears as if all osteoporous meds have these types of side affects. | M | 56 | 120 days
70mg 1X W | | 3/1/2010
| 3 | osteopenia | Burning,aching,lower back pain when I lay on my back. I have to lay on my side when this happens. And it seems to happen frequently. I never had this before Fosamax. I feel really tired. Maybe it's time for me to quit this drug. | | F | 35 | 1 years
70 1X W | | 2/26/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | I posted on here in 2008 and am wondering if others have experienced arthritic symptoms throughout their bodies. I have so many areas of pain that are attributed to arthritis---neck, back, shoulders, arms, knees, hips. My family members lived into their nineties with very few health issues and I feel like I have a genetic defect. I stopped taking Fosamax 2 years ago and still live with pain on a daily basis. Doctors tell me I have arthritis but the pain is severe, deep and constant. A lot of times I will get remission of pain in one area only for it to develop in another area. | I take natural solutions but still have not been able to eliminate the pain. If I could give a lower rating for this drug, it would be in a minus zone. It NEEDS to be taken off the market. | F | 70 | 8 years
70 mg 1X W | | 2/26/2010
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| 4 | dr.recommendation | I had been very satisfied with fosamex and had no side effects until this past Monday, when I was hospitalized with Atrial Fibrillation | This past Monday I was hospitalized with Atrial Fibrillation which took 24 hours to flip back to normal. My cardiac Dr. told me in no uncertain terms that this is one of the side effects of Fosamex and I needed to stop immediately. If you have any kind of cardiac problems, stay away from Fosamex. The cure is worse than the problem. | F | 63 | 10 years
70 mg 1X W | | 2/25/2010
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| 1 | Osteopenia | Sharp stomach pains, acid reflux, heartburn. | I am worried about this drug. I have been recently diagnosed with Osteopenia in my hip; but after just two weeks on Fosamax, I have had severe symptoms mid-week between dosages. Now I am feeling worse each week--I feel like I am going to throw up all the time. And, I am NEVER sick, so it is definitely a new and scary pattern for me. | F | 48 | 7 weeks
70 mg 1X W | | 2/22/2010
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| 4 | Osteopenia | Luckily I have no reaction once-weekly when taking Fosamax 70MG.
Take pill then work out one hour on recumbent & incline-treadmill.
Not sure if Fosamax (and/or Zocor 20MG) contributed to below:
1) Root canal (R bottom) possibly fr Fosamax OR due to large filling~. Slow healing then pain in area persisted for four years
2) Gums seem more recessed in last few years. Always had great gums & took good care of teeth. Floss at bedtime, brush 2x day
3) Bilateral Chronic Achilles Tendonitis for 2+ years
4) Tender all over to the touch past four years
| At first 2 year Bone Density check, Fosamax had moved range from Osteopenia into low-normal. At every 2 year density check, I slightly gain bone mass or remain unchanged. I have taken NO BREAK from Fosamax. Should I?
Drank lots of milk during younger years, took plenty of Calcium during my 30-40s.
Age 34 ovarian cancer - right fallopian and ovary removed.
Age 38 periods stopped.
I was prime to get osteoporosis.
Not sure whether to stop Fosamax.
I was told by prominent doctor in Jan2010 that Fosamax is now CAUSING fractures.
What have you all heard on that front?
| F | 59 | 7 years
70 MG 1X W | | 2/21/2010
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| 1 | osteoporosis | peripheral neuropathy-aching, burning, tingling in both feet which increased as weeks went on | after stopping this drug, symptoms 50% better within two weeks, however it took nearly a year to get back to normal | F | 65 | 13 weeks
70MG 1X W | | 2/20/2010
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| 1 | bones | jaw bone needs to be replaced (part of ) 6200 in dental work because of damage. chest pain 200 blood pressure when mine is normally 110 | Should be taken off market. Dangerous Shame on the FDA Shame shame. | F | 63 | 1 years
1X W | | 2/15/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | After taking fosamax I experienced severe pain from my neck down to my lower back. Also for the past few days I felt like I had so much acid in my stomach which made me feel sick and nausea all the time. After one dose I will never take this medicine again. | | F | 58 | 1 weeks
70 mg 1X W | | 2/14/2010
| 1 | osteopenia and then osteoporosis | Within months of starting Fosamax I began having swallowing problems--food would get caught in my upper esophagus. Then my GYN prescribed Miacalcin drops instead, but they caused nosebleeds & headaches. Next I took once-monthly Boniva for 3 years, during which my spine lost another 5% of its bone density and my choking problems worsened. I began to worry that the large monthly Boniva tablet might get stuck in my esophagus (my GYN warned that if it did I’d have to go to the ER quickly to prevent it eating through my esophagus). I'm a healthy person and it seemed as if bisphosphenates were hurting me more than helping me, so I took a 1-year vacation from Boniva, and after 2 or 3 months my choking problem disappeared entirely. Recently, after getting a worrisome DEXA result, I resumed Fosamax (weekly 70 mg liquid, to avoid worry about a pill getting stuck), and have now taken it for 2 wks. Within days I developed aching in my left jaw, neck, and shoulder, starting just below the | | F | 65 | 8 years
70 1X W | | 2/11/2010
| 1 | bone density | stomach bloating, fatigue just don't feel right!one pill is enough! i'm done will exercise take vitamins and save money and agony like all the other poor victims! | was supposed to start taking 4 years ago after bone density test. just didn't have a good feeling about it after going for another bone density test dr. alarmed me with 2% worse bone density took a sample pill of actinol and had weird feeling shortly after jumped on internet and wella tons of suffering women!! thank you everyone !will not be picking up prescription! | F | 54 | 1 days
1X W | | 2/9/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | jaw pain and severe headache | I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about a year ago. My doctor stated it was due to the fact I was on the Depo injection for over 10 years. I was never notified of this type of side effect from that form of birth control, but when I had a bone density test my doctor told me I had bones of an 80 year old. I have read bad reviews of Fosamax and Boniva but my doctor pushed and pushed until I agreed to take Fosamax. He originally wanted me to take Forteo but I was not going to give myself daily injections. I agreed to take Fosamax and for the past two days I have been in pain. I am only 27 years old and was not having any type of joint pain before taking this medication. I will never take this drug again!! | F | 27 | 2 days
| | 1/28/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | rash, face and tongue swelling, sores on the inside of my mouth, severe pain in my thumbs and feet | I read this site in late 2005 when I had finally figured out on my own why I was in excruciating pain. I have been off the drug for 5 years and still suffer with foot pain and popping sounds in my feet. I used to be so active and walk and exercise. It has taken the enjoyment out of my life to live with this pain. I don't know if I will ever be myself again. I have been to 2 different foot doctors. No one seems to believe me. I try to be normal but I am preoccupied with the pain. I have about 1/2 the pain that I did 5 years ago but I haven't seen any change in the last 2 years. My thumbs are better but not pain free. This drug ruined my life. There's not point 'doctoring' for the pain. I pray everyday instead. I so wish that I had not been such a compliant patient and followed my doctor's recommendation. Plus, it took me so long to realize that it was the Fosamax. Doesn't it matter to the doctors or drug companies that they have ruined peoples's health when we were happy and healthy prior to taking this drug? | F | 58 | 1 years
| | 1/27/2010
| 1 | bone loss | experienced severe bone and mussel pain, blurred vision, gum loss | I could not put my feet on the floor in the morning the pain was so bad, I had to sit on my butt to get down the stairs, I could not roll over in bed without crying. I was always a very active person, this poison debilitated me so I could barely walk. I had several
blood test and everything show fine, doctors could not find one thing wrong with me. I even had gum surgery and never had one thing wrong with my teeth prior. I have been off this medicine for 3 yrs now, and feeling better, I know it is still in my system, but at least I can do the things I enjoy now. I would rather suffer a broken bone that live with the side effects that this poison created in my body. I would not recommend this medicine to anyone! If you are wondering why your body is in pain start reading about this poison...... | F | 58 | 8 years
| | 1/27/2010
| 1 | Osteoporis | It gave me SEVERE back pain. My hair started falling out and since I already have TMJ it caused that to flare up. It also caused me to have gas so bad that I could not go out in public. I will never take this or any other medicine for osteo again. You would not believe the medical bills I have incurred as a result of the damage by Fosamax | | F | 65 | 6 months
| | 1/21/2010
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| 3 | osteopenia from 3 yrs of prednisone | I have taken four doses so far, one a week for four weeks, and have taken it strictly as directed. I have recently noticed some intermittent nausea and some burping...the nausea is bothersome and I am wondering if it is caused by the fosamax. | I also have had polymyalgia rheumatica for 3 years and my bone loss is due to being on prednisone for that long. I have aches/pains/stiffness due to the polymyalgia and can't say that has worsened since starting fosamax | F | 71 | 4 weeks
| | 1/20/2010
| 1 | Poor results on bone density test | I took once weekly 70 mg dose of generic Fosamax made by Teva for four weeks, but had failed to read/follow directions properly and took it at bedtime after my evening meal. I noticed no bad effects at that timie but learned it would do me no good taking it like that. I waited about ten days and then took ONE DOSE properly before eating and followed all instructions. I was fine for about 24 hours and then WHAM! I didn't know what happened to me - for the past two days I have suffered horrible heartburn and upper stomach pain, sore neck, and severe pain/spasms in left side of my back. (I also have become aware that for two or three weeks I have had swollen ankles and have never had that before.) I decided to surf the net for information and found this site. I will not take this drug ever again. I just hope this esophagus/heartburn pain goes away. I am getting relief when I can belch, but it keeps coming back. It's hard to imagine one dose can do all this! | My doctor says I need something to improve my bone density. I think I will just take Tums or a calcium supplement. My mother had this problem and used Tums. She got along fine and died of cancer at 84 years of age. I'm 67 and think I'll be better off doing as she did that to have this awful stomach, heartburn, and back pain. | F | 67 | 1 days
| | 1/15/2010
| 1 | osteoporosis | After taking Fosamax 70 mg - once a week, after the second dose, taken on Sunday, Tuesday at 2am, I awoke in horrible pain. My back felt like someone poured a chemical and lit a match to it. The back of my head was pounding, and the calves of my legs were very painful. Chest pain was present. Also abdominal pain was present. In the morning, I called the Dr's office and reported this and told them I will not take anymore of this medication. | This medication should be pulled off the market. Why isn't this checked by the FDA? I will never take any type of medication for this condition, I will just keep eating healthy, taking my supplements--Calcium, Vitamin, fish oil, and checking with the health food store for alternative supplements | F | 70 | 2 days
| | 1/13/2010
| 2 | osteoporsis | severe pain in my hips | I have been taking it for 2 months. I am quitting. I will continue with my calcium, vitamin D and exercise. Also I have cut down on my coffee, alcohol and salt intake. I have no family history, regularly exercised, but my calcium intake was poor. My own stupidity. I am hoping to maintain what I have by changing my habits. | F | 58 | 2 months
| | 1/7/2010
| 1 | osteopenia | I took Boniva Monthly for 7 months and developed HORRIBLE burning deep bone pain in my back, hips, pelvis, and heels.Got off that and pain got better. I switched to Fosamax weekly and immediately the next day all the awful pain returned. I have never experienced scary pain like this before.NO MORE FOR ME !!! | I will not take any more of these kinds of drugs. Before the Fosamax and Boniva I took one pill of Actonel and got violently ill with atrial fibrillation, vomiting, upset stomache, chills, fever etc. The Boniva and Fosamax created the worse pain I have ever experienced. All should be taken off the market. This is like poison in our bodies. Where is the FDA????????????????? | F | 55 | 1 weeks
| | 1/7/2010
| 1 | Osteoperosis | I have taken 3 weekly doses of fosamax and have experienced pain in my joints, headaches, stomach pains and horrible heartburn and chestpains. After reading all the other comments on this website, I am going to stop it immediately. Like others have said, I think I'll try vitamins and caltrate. | | F | 55 | 21 days
| | 1/6/2010
| 1 | Osteoporosis | After taking generic Fosamax (70mg)I noticed blurried vision and slight heartburn on the first day. Upon awakening on the second day it was as if I had been ran over by a truck! The pain was horrible. Flu like and an extreme headache. Can hardly get out of the bed! | I will not take this drug again. I am going to look into diet and natural sources to combat my osteoporosis. I have tried Forteo but the cost is too great. Health food store here I come when I can leave the house. From what I have been reading this is a very dangerous drug. Should be pulled from the market. | F | 46 | 1 days
| | 1/5/2010
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| 3 | Osteopenia | None from the Brand name Fosamax as long as I followed the instructions to take it with a lot of tap water, don't lie down etc. However, when I changed to the generic Fosamax, I developed a rash and itching that cannot be attributed to anything else. I am super sensitive to the inactive ingredients which are different in generics. | I have been on it for 7 years and my bone density had not really improved a lot until I stopped drinking DIET COKE. This is the thing that most women don't know. COCA COLA or any dark soda with phosphates is the WORST thing you can do for your bones. In 6 months after stopping the Coke - my BDS improved drastically. | F | 60 | 7 years
| | 12/30/2009
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| 1 | Osteopenia | Severe muscle pain throughout my whole body. I couldn't move. My head felt like it was going to explode. I truly thought I was dying. | I will NEVER take Fosamax again. | F | 52 | 1 days
| | 12/28/2009
| 3 | osteopenea | I dislike drinking a glass of water on an empty stomach, it gives me the feeling of nausea. I suffer from lots of medical symptoms that I link to my Crohn's disease. I wonder if some are due to this drug. | If you want to read a fascinating NPR report on this drug, follow this link. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121609815 | F | 55 | 2 years
| | 12/27/2009
| 1 | Stage II Osteoperosis | Severe muscle pain, spasm, floaty lightheaded feeling, lots of myofacial inflammation that never got better in the 8 years I took the drug. My doctors denied it could be side-effects from Fosamax. I finally found one who advised me to stop the drug in June. Six months later, I am a new pain-free, energetic healthy person. I will NEVER take this drug again!!! | If you stop the drug you will get better. Just be patient and give it time. My symptoms decreased gradually over time. I still have a ways to go but I feel like a new woman! Don't give up hope. | F | 53 | 8 years
| | 12/19/2009
| 1 | osteopenia | Severe joint and muscle pain in hands, feet, neck, back and shoulders. Stopped after taking three weekly doses and will NOT take any more. Reported symptoms to Doctor and she agree that I should stop. | I will use natural healing - exercise, calcium, vitamin D, etc.! The Fosamax is horrible. Don't take it. | F | 58 | 3 weeks
| | 12/16/2009
| 2 | Bone loss | I took the 70mg pill on a Monday and by Sunday I was experiencing bad back pain, shoulder, and chest pain. | I took one dose, but will not continue to take this medication and pray this pain goes away. | F | 53 |
| | 12/14/2009
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| 5 | osteopenia | Recently I am getting gastric side effects and am considering stopping and continuing on with calcium, vit d, vit k, boron, managanese, copper, zinc, magnesium, and silicon because they build bone. I recommend doing these while taking fosamax too. | However, this medication has helped me tremendously. I had so much spine pain I was unable to do many things for years and I was getting worse. I now can go to the gym twice a week and can actually use the upper body weights and machines - something I could not do even though I'd try. If you are having chronic pain without taking it and find out you have low bone density, I would recommend trying it. I had to sleep sitting up -couldn't lay down- and the bones in the back of my head hurt to even talk before taking fosamax. The pain gradually lessened over time. I now sleep flat in my bed-couldn't do that for 7 years! I am much more active than I was the 10 years prior to taking it. | F | 46 | 1 years
| | 12/10/2009
| 2 | fractured hip at age 54!! | Occasional transient bone pain. Diarrhea.. | I took fosamax for 2 years after my hip fracture at age 54[!] and subsequent diagnosis of moderately severe osteoporosis. Result was WORSE bone density and I was switched to forteo for 2yrs.[ Scary, but I was freaked out at the test results- I also have balance problems due to M.S. and am so afraid of falling again] Now my bone density has improved and I'm supposed to start actonel monthly. Plus of course the always present calcium and Vit D regimen. And exercise. | F | 59 | 2 years
| | 12/10/2009
| 1 | osteoporosis | The day I took the second dose I had to go to ER. My symptoms suggested a detached retina. It was "only" a small retinal hemmorrage that resolved itself. Now I have acid reflux, which I never had before, and am miserable all the time. Stopped taking it after 8 pills. Heartburn still a problem. | | F | 63 | 2 months
| | 12/9/2009
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| 1 | Osteoporosis | Severe heart burn that started on day six. I only took one dose of the 70mg on Nov 23. I have never had heart burn.I experience shakiness the first day and had an episode of a night sweat. The heart burn is still present.I will not take it again. I hope the heartburn stops.I hope this drug leaves my system soon. | | F | 55 | 1 days
| | 12/2/2009
| 1 | Osteopenia | I have not had bad side effects, but was just told by my dentist that Fosamax is connected to osteonecrosis of the jaw which prevents healing when you have a tooth pulled or other dental procedures. He also said that this drug "petrifies" your bones, so if you break a bone, instead of breaking in two, it will "shatter" like glass-it takes all of the flexibility out of your bones. He said that doctors prescribe it like candy without taking into account the down side of the drug instead of encouraging more natural ways like vitamins, weight bearing exercise, and diet. I am going to stop taking this drug after doing some research to confirm what my dentist told me. | | F | 55 | 2 years
| | 12/2/2009
| 1 | osteoporosis | I took two pills of the 70MG Version. I developed burping, stomach fullness, neck, hip and muscle aches. this is bad stuff. | | M | 73 | 2 weeks
| | 12/1/2009
| 1 | Osteoperosis | SEVERE joint and muscle pain all over my body. | I was just started on Fosamax last Wednesday. My bones became tight, stiff and I feel like the entire inside of my body is inflamed/sore. Pain is severe in the back, shoulders, neck. and hips. It has taken me 6 days to link these symptoms to Fosamax. I kept thinking it would get better! I am NOT taking my second dose tomorrow and will be reporting these side effects to my physician ASAP. There is no way I can function while taking this drug. | F | 50 | 1 weeks
| | 12/1/2009
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| 1 | osteoporosis | I took two pills of the 70MG Version. I developed burping, stomach fullness, neck, hip and muscle aches. this is bad stuff. | I decided to stop taking this drug. Why they would ever have this drug on the market is the question. All the drugs I have taken has given me side effects that were undesirable. I read if one smokes or drinks achohol or coffee it will reduce the amount of calcium that is transferred to the bones. I will quit these vices and take magnesium, vitamin D and calcium sterate. I hope this will help. | M | 73 | 2 weeks
| | 12/1/2009
| 1 | Osteopenia | Back, neck and shoulder pain with soreness in ribs/chest area. Flu like symptoms. | I was just started on Fosamax last Tuesday. I'm supposed to take the next dose tomorrow, Tuesday but will not be doing that. My bones became tight and were so stiff they were making cracking sounds. Pain was awful in the back, shoulders and neck. On the 2nd day, my ribs hurt and felt heavy. I'm just starting to feel back to normal. My bone loss is related to malabsorption of vita D/calcium due to DX of ulcerative colitis. I really hope there is something else out there. | F | 27 | 1 days
| | 11/30/2009
| 1 | osteoporosis in pelvis and lower ba | took only one but the pain started on the same day as a very uncomfortable pain in my right buttock, the next day it was so bad i couldn't shower myself and had to lie down, as the pain increased in intensity and is still a nightmare one and a half weeks later-it even feels like it has moved closer to my spine-i am now on a very strong pain med but it has only dulled the pain-i am in despair, how long will it take to get this drug out of my system? i am 83. | what power the drug companies hold over the gps /considering that fosamax is worth billions each year/we are the guinea pigs for research/litigation on fosamax is peanuts compared to profit margins. | F | 83 | 1 days
| | 11/20/2009
| 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
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| 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
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