| 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 |
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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. |