Drug Ratings for FOSAMAXAverage Rating: 1.4 (1142 Ratings)
Compare FOSAMAX with similar:
|
Results are sorted by length of time drug was taken from longest to shortest Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Charts & graphs: Reviews Summary for FOSAMAX | Top 10 Adverse Effects (reported to FDA)
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR FOSAMAX | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 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 | 1 | Osteoporosis | When I was switch from real fosamax to the generic I started with Sever Pain in the Theocratic and lumbar spine that radiates through the ribs. | This drug should not be taken longer than 5 years. I had no issues with this drug until recently. My bone turnover is near zero now and this drug could be harming me much more than helping. My doctors have now removed me from this drug. Fosamax my be inappropriate for some men with low bone turnover osteoporosis (the kind most men get) is due to low bone turn over.... but they did not know this 20 years ago. IMHO, do not start this drug unless you are sure that suppressing your bone turnover rate will actually help you. | M | 61 | 20 years 30mg 1X W | 3/21/2011 | 1 | low bone density | I could not tolerate the weekly dose, the day after taking experience severe back muscle spasms. Changed to once a day still had muscle weekness, joint pain,hip pain, bone pain, intestinal upset. I have decided the cure is worse than the disease and have discontinued taking it. | F | 51 | 17 years | 3/16/2008 | 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 | Osteoporosis | none to my knowledge. | I never felt any different, other than general aches and pains of growing old, and I believe all the many complaints of the people who responded with opinions of what they THINK resulted by taking Fosamax could be results of many, many other problems. I recently had a bone density exam and while it showed more deterioation than my test 10 years ago, my doctor said it did not show as much as is normal for that number of years, so it must be doing some amount of good. | F | 86 | 15 years 70mg 1X W | 5/15/2011 | 3 | osteoporosis | Terrible bone pain. | Doctor said the bone pain means it's working! | F | 58 | 15 years | 8/4/2007 | 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 | early menopause | everything was fine until about a year ago-I developed hip and upper leg pain.It got so bad I was refered to a back specialist then to a hip specialist with no answers,I was put on pain medication.Then I stopped the Fosomax.Within 2 weeks am starting to see good results.No pain pills 4 times a day.Have been taking Tylenol 2 times a day with good results. | F | 67 | 15 years 70 1X W | 8/16/2010 | 5 | Osteoporosis | None | I have taken the daily for 14 years and I am in good health and look much younger than my age. I am on tennis teams, swim every day, walk, and ride my bike several times a week. My teeth are excellent. My bone density tests each time have shown improvement to the extent I was able to stop Fosamax two weeks ago. I will get another bone density in two years and if I back track I will start it up again. | F | 69 | 14 years | 11/9/2008 | 4 | Osteoprosis | After taking fosomax for 14 year, I recently have heart burn , I stoped taking fosomax and my heart burn is much better, but am worry about my osteoprosis, since it helped me for my back osteoprosis , but did not improve my hip problem. Still am happy with it ,because although my hip that did not cured ,but at least did not get worse . | F | 64 | 14 years | 7/26/2006 | 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 | 5 | Severe Osteoporosis | I have mild joint pain, but it is impossible to say that is from the Fosamax. I attribute it to the aging process and my strenuous exercise. I do need annual upper endoscopy because of a family history of cancer and it does show mild esophogeal erosions, so now I take Prilosec as a protectant. | I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in my forties, after ovarian cancer surgery (and, thus, instant menopause, with loss of hormones) and chemotherapy. The Fosamax has made an unbelievable improvement in my bones and I no longer have osteoporosis, but only some osteopenia. I wonder if there could be other reasons all these women experience such problems? I am afraid NOT to continue taking it! | F | 56 | 13 years | 11/5/2008 | 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 | 2 | Osteopenia/Osteoporosis | I never had any side effects but found the timing of taking this medication then my other morning medication for thyroid disease annoying. I would have to wait nearly 2 hours before I could eat or drink my coffee. No improvement in my bone density ever. | I recently stopped taking Fosamax based on my doctor's opinion as well as reading all the negative information that has recently come out. I didn't think much of this until today but I have had radiating pain from my left hip to my lower thigh every day for the past month and find that it is starting in the right hip. Now I am wondering if this isn't a side-effect of going off this drug and am horrified to find it stays in your body for so very long. I am overseas and wonder if I will be able to manage this pain on my own until I return to the States. I exercise all the time and have started doing yoga in hopes of alleviating the pain. Seems that Fosamax was a poor choice for me since it did not change my numbers, I broke my leg, ribs 3 separate times and a toe all after being on this drug for years! | F | 56 | 12 years 70 mg 1X W | 3/19/2011 | 2 | osteoporosis | I started taking Fosamax at 38years, I am now 50 through all of this time I have suffered in silence with shocking joint and muscle pain. For whatever reason today 12 years later have searched the side effects and read other postings. I burst into tears and as I type this I am crying. I think out of relief that I my not be as old as I feel. I will stop taking this drug imediately. I am so sore all the time, and I do believe that I have the same pain as all you others. I will take my chances with my bones. Thank-you all for your input, if it wasnt for you all I may still be suffering. I see a bright future for me now. | F | 50 | 12 years | 11/9/2004 | 5 | osteopenia | None | With 18 months of starting Fosamax my bone density had improved almost into the normal range. At this time, my doctor is considering a Fosamax 'holiday' due to side effects of long-term use involving the stomach and esophagus. | F | 59 | 11 years | 1/27/2009 | 1 | osteoporosis-osteopenia | I've had 3 stress fractures to feet/toes and one stress fracture to right femur. I had a severe, almost spiral fracture, to left femur in 2007 | I was placed on Fosomax @ 1997. I am the perfect profile for osteoporosis,small frame,family history,early menopause. I started out daily and changed to weekly dosage 2004.I've had constant aches & pains in legs,a couple of minor accidents,fell down three steps & broke ribs, three separate stress fractures on feet from a jarring step movement. Never thought much about it until 8/08 when I twisted my left leg while shopping & broke left femur in two places, requiring surgery, pins and a rod. Then in 2/08 I jarred same side foot coming off a step& developed a stress fracture that won't heal. I now have a stress fracture on the right side femur after walking on the beach and going up and down hills in Hawaii. Both femurs burned, as does the the foot, before the fractures. I forgot the Fosomax on my trip and haven't gone back on it! I never thought it was my bones, thought it was pulled muscles! None of my doctors saw any connection with Fosomax extended use. I'm waiting t | F | 61 | 11 years | 10/13/2008 | 5 | oestoeporosi | nauseated always feeling tired, joint pain everywhere ao much so it was hard to get up in the mornings. Told my doctor for years she kept saying no bad side effects known | F | 47 | 10 years | 7/25/2008 | 5 | osteoporosis | Great improvement!! | I can't say enough good about Fosamax. I had serious osteoporosis about 10 years ago when I started taking it (due to very early hysterectomy and medications)and the bone loss has slowly but completely been replaced. I love the stuff!! | F | 63 | 10 years | 2/3/2008 | 5 | osteoporosis | I used the 5 rating so you all will see this. My first rating is buried somewhere - it was a 2. See an endocrinologist and have your parathyroid checked. Go to www.parathyroid.com. You will learn so much and posiblly find the cure, not a band aid for the problem of osteoporosis. I did. | F | 51 | 10 years | 10/2/2006 | 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 | 3 | Osteopenia | It has been 8 days since my last dose of generic Fosamax and my multiple pains are 85% improved...could this be coincidence..maybe I was going to get better or was it the Fosamax? I won't know unless I begin therapy again after a few weeks...my doctor would only laugh at me if I approached him/her with this.... | F | 65 | 10 years 35 mg. 1X W | 7/28/2011 | 3 | osteoporosis | None that I am aware of. I followed the directions religiously always waiting 60 or more minutes before drinking coffee or eating and always standing or sitting up. Really my answer to my satisfaction with Fosamax should be: don't know. | Have had several bone scans over the years, with good readings for my age, alledgedly because of the 70 mgs weekly Fosamax. After the last one 2 & 1/2 years ago my hip and spine osteoarthritis had become so bad the technologists couldn't get a good reading. They did my forearm but that was inconclusive. Have within the last year had both hips replaced and my life is changed marvelously. I can now walk totally painfree and get some walking, mowing and other gardening in often. Have decided to STOP taking Fosamax because I read that after 10 years, it might not be helping me any longer, and in fact is perhaps making my bones brittle. | F | 71 | 10 years | 12/2/2005 | 3 | osteopenia, osteoporosis | None that I'm aware of. | I am 62 years old, small-boned, white, and 5 feet tall. I began taking Fosamax 2 years after my last period when I had a BMD done and my bones were really bad for my age at that time - 52. I have taken Fosamax for almost 10 years, beginning with the 10mg a day, then switching to the 70mg once a week. I always take it as prescribed, and have tolerated it very well. After 2 years of taking it, my bone density improved without changing my lifestyle. I continued to get checked every 2 years, and the improvement has slowly leveled out. My last BMD (this month) showed no improvement. While I have had no problems from Fosamax, I am concerned about continuing on this medication if it's not doing any more good. I am considering stopping it, and continuing with my weight-lifting, good diet, good lifestyle. | F | 62 | 10 years | 5/30/2008 | 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 | 2 | Osteopenia | Aching all over, joint pain, especially my elbows and knees.In the first few weeks of taking it I felt like I had the flu. | I have been on this medication for over 10 years. I have been experiencing bad pain all over recently including my jaw. I feel like I have rhematoid arthritis or something. No one seems concerned about this but me. I have decided to stop taking this medication. | F | 54 | 10 years | 3/14/2009 | 2 | osteoporosis | After taking Fosamas for close to 10 years, I am now wondering if the development of fibromyalgia and a pain in my hip that just won't go away were caused from this drug. The drug kept my osteoporosis in check but did not cure me. I discontinued use when I heard about the jaw bone issue and after taking care of the root problem which was my parathyroid. | I began taking it for osteoporosis around the age of 40. Several years ago I had a parathyroidectomy - the root cause of the osteoporosis was parathyroid hyperplasia. Please check out www.parathyroid.com - it may be your problem as well. | F | 51 | 10 years | 10/2/2006 | 2 | Osteopenia | I have been taking Fosamax for over 10 years. Everything was going fine until last Nov 5 2006 when I fell trying to roller skate and fractured my tibia and fibula and all the tendons in my right ankle. When my surgeon opened me up the bones completed shattered "like glass". My surgeon told me that this condition was probably brought on by the Fosamax. Today is Feb 19 2007 and I finally had the last of my stitches removed post op from the hardware removal. The 5 inch plate was left attached because of the severity of the fracure. | I am 60 years old, healthy and energetic. I have been on Fosamax for so many years I'm not sure what I should think about what effect it had on my ankle bones. I understand the half-life of Fosamax is ~~ 8 years. So even if I changed to another medication the damage from Fosamax has already been done. | F | 60 | 10 years | 2/19/2007 | 1 | Osteoperosis | diarrhea and stomach problems | I took Fosamax and it's generic for a period of ten years. I have had stomach problems on and off for many of those years. I stopped taking after discussing it with my oral surgeon 4 and a half months ago. I never thought it was causing my stomach problems, but they are starting to subside now. I don't think I will ever take it again. I will cope with post menopausal issues with vitamins for now on. | F | 57 | 10 years 20 1X W | 3/22/2013 | 1 | to prevent bone loss | Started experiencing severe pain in various joints and swelling around the ankle recently. X-rays are all normal. Primary care physician suggests that it is arthritis. I suspect this may be a side-effect of having taken Fosamax for so long. I have no family history of arthritis and have a very healthy lifestyle. I'm a Yoga instructor. This pain has been debilitating and I think I should stop taking Fosamax altogether to see if I get better. | F | 71 | 10 years 70mg 1X W | 6/21/2011 | 1 | osteoporosis | My mother was taking fosamax from 1995 until 2005 for osteoporosis. I believe she was part of a clinical trial. Her osteoporosis improved. However, her medical records say she was barely tolerating the drug and that she had severe esophogeal ulcerations, nausea, jaw bone loss and vertigo from the inner ear. She was told to continue the drug. October 2005, she began to have trouble swallowing, she was initially told it was anxiety, but was then diagnosed with Esophogeal cancer and died nine months later in July 2006, she was 80 years old. | I have put this comment in for my mother, but have been diagnosed with osteopenia myself. I will not take fosamax if it progresses on to osteoporosis because I don't want to get esophogeal cancer like my mother. That was an experience too horrible for words. I am consoling myself that my grandmother was a skinny thing like me but never broke a bone in her 86 years. | F | 80 | 10 years | 6/2/2008 | 1 | to increase bone loss | Over ten years. Cracking sound in neck, cough, gastric irritation req. med. constipation, stiff gai, stumbling, burning feet, horrible, debilitatingleg cramps hs in feet and calves, blurred vision. Just stopped taking it. Dr. wants me to take Fosamax but I'll take my chances with supplements. My dentist has warned me about the jaw problems associated with Fosamax. | may b more than 10 years. The burning feet and cramps are horrible. MD's can't explain cause of problem. Have seen several in different specialties. | F | 67 | 10 years | 6/8/2008 | 1 | Osteopenia | Although it can't be proven without more investigation, I recently removed myself from Fosamax when reading a medical article recently advising that Fosamax was cited as causing atrial fibrilation in some patient. Having been diagnosed with A.Fib about four years ago, I decided that this may be connected to the Fosamax. Since the end of April when I quit taking this drug, I have had very little episodes of A.Fib - at least a 90% drop in symptoms. I don`t think this is a coincidence. I would like to hear if anyone else is currently in this situation. | Fosamax provided little improvement to my osteopenia. My last bone density test indicated a continued deterioration in my left hip and spine. | F | 68 | 10 years | 7/2/2008 | 1 | Osteopenia | I have been on Fosamax for about 10 years. I have been having left shoulder pain, so bad I can not get dressed. Can not sleep well at night for hurting so bad, can not turn over in bed. Hurting for about 3 months now, went to the ortho doctor said it was bursitis and gave me a cortisone inj, but it didn't get any better, so I started taking an antibiotic and skipped taking my Fosamax for that week and it seemed to get alittle better, but I taken my Fosamax this morning and now my upper arm and shoulder is aching again and the movement is once again limited. I wanted to google Fosamax to see if anyone else was having the same problems, and low and behold I am very suprised at the people that are having the same symptoms. Also about 2 years ago my right thumb started dislocating and is very stiff. I am very limited on using it and now my left arm. The doctor has done xrays on both my shoulder and thumb and said the bones looked fine and he was very puzzled about my thumb, he just said h | I am a nurse and right handed at that. I can not use my right thumb nor my left arm. It has effected my job. No more Fosamax for me...... | F | 52 | 10 years | 7/27/2008 | 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 | Pain in arms, buttocks, groin, hips, arms, knees, calves, shins, hives on upper torso, feeling of "something" crawling on me. Recently had cortisone in L arm and steroid in R arm and after 3 months of limited movement (getting dressed was a painful ordeal) my arms are much better. Painful to walk after sitting for awhile with the need to stand in one place until pain subsides. Knee pain was so severe that I had Arthroscopic surgery on both knees, which did little to eliminate pain in L knee. My ribs become dislocated easily and I get muscle strains frequently. Doctor recommended P.T. but therapist dismissed me after 6 sessions because nothing improved. | I stopped taking Fosamax 2 years ago when I read about Osteonecrosis but doctor convinced me, after 10 months off the drug, that I needed bone protection for my severe Osteo, so I started it again then discontinued for good 2 months ago. I am also on a nutritional program and am feeling much better and hope for continual improvement. My L knee which was so bad I was considering a knee replacement has improved so much I can now bend it and walk down stairs w/o pain. Groin/hip/buttocks pain are better as well as the hives/rash. I will take my chances w/o Fosamax or any other bisphosphonate just to have my life back. Merck needs to be held accountable. I only hope we can all get back to who we were before Fosamax. | F | 69 | 9 years | 7/1/2008 | 1 | To help build up my bone's. | I have just had 4 teeth pulled because the bone under them is GONE !!! I have no ideal how long i will be able to keep the other's. | I have also had pain in my bone's, in the morning when i get up i fell like the tin man,i ache all through my bone's,it's really bad, do not know if it is fosamax realated or not. | F | 57 | 9 years | 10/17/2007 | 1 | 'possible' osteopenia | I started getting bone deposits in my face within a year after starting the drug. I was assured they had nothing to do with Fosamax so I continued. I now have bone loss in my jaw as well! | I am convinced the eruptions on my face are from Fosamax. I've also experienced pain in my shoulder and right arm that noone has been able to diagnose. And, I was refused dental implants because of the bone loss caused by the Fosamax. I would not recomment it to anyone as there are too many unknowns. The osteoma cutis on my face has gotten worse and there is no known way of getting rid of it. I've stopped taking the drug, but the damage has been done. I've also been hospitalized for an apparent heart attack. It was found I didn't have any heart problem, and there too no diagnosis was found. | F | 72 | 9 years | 10/15/2008 | 1 | osteoporosis | I have constant heartburn and gas. My feet are extremely painful, especially the soles of my feet, I cannot go bare feet even in the house. I have sore joints, painful knees and lower back pain and my right hip hurts so much that I have trouble sleeping. I have been on fosomax for almost 9 years and I thought my arthritis was just getting worse, the last few months have been shear hell, I just stumbled onto this site and realize that it could be the fosomax. I have been on the 70mg 1x week for about three years, prior to that it was 10 mg every day. I will stop taking the fosamax. I mentioned my symptoms to my doctor and he says it is just the osteoarthritis. If I sit for long periods of time I have trouble getting up, I have trouble getting out of the car and I have gained weight even though I have not changed my eating habits. I used to go for long walks, now I cannot walk very far. I also love gardening and cutting the lawn. This has become a real chore because of the pain. | On my next visit to my doctor I will tell him about this site and that my symptoms are the same as other persons taking the drug and ask if perhaps he can prescribe something with less side effects. | F | 65 | 9 years | 10/9/2007 | 1 | osteopenia | No side effects while taking it until the 5th-6th year of taking it. I then experienced severe bone pain for the next 5.5 years, even after stopping usage at year 8. The pain went diagnosed until doctors found broken L 4-5 facet joint that needed surgery, broken wrist that was casted 4 times and then just placed in a soft split as it would not heal, and a broken rib. The L 4-5 did not fuse after 4 back-to-back surgeries due to the hardware pulling out of bone after 2-3 days after each consecutive surgery. Two and one half years later, still has not fused. Finally, specialists in Denver diagnosed it as Frozen Bone Syndrome, which they stated was more than likely caused by taking Fosamax for more than 2 years. Specialty docs state that they are seeing more and more Fosamax patients with this bone disorder all the time. I still have severe pain in the lower back and hip areas. My bones are still not rejuvenating and after 2 bone biopsies, prognosis is not good. My condition is now cons | I have endured extreme chronic bone pain due to taking Fosamax and I am still living through the bone non-rejuvenation nightmare. I would like to warn anyone taking the Fosamax for 2 years or more...to STOP, Take A Holiday From It!! My past 5.5 years have been a living hell. I think they need to take this drug off the market! | F | 56 | 8.5 years 70 mg. 7X W | 3/12/2015 | 5 | extreme bone density | A lot of leg cramping and stiffness, especially hips and legs. | I was told 8 years ago by gyn that if I didn't take Foxamax I would end up in wheelchair. I had a very bad car accident and all bones were broken 15 years ago. I did everything I was told, I exercise and eat right but think I will stop taking the drug after reading the comments. I never thought the drug was causing the other pains. | F | 60 | 8 years | 4/8/2005 | 5 | osteopenia | None, except my bone scans show improvement every year. | I take the Alendronate Sodium with eight 8 ounces of water every Monday. I have never had any adverse side effects. Last year I had to have a wisdom tooth pulled which required a blood test to determine my calcium count. It was normal. Any aches and pains I have I consider them normal signs of aging! | F | 67 | 8 years 70 1X W | 11/9/2010 | 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 | 3 | Because I have Osteoporosis. | none | Would like to know, if taking the drug for many years what kind of reaction could one have? If any. | F | 61 | 8 years | 2/19/2008 | 3 | Osteopenia | Severe knee pain/inflammation, wrist and finger pain, hip pain - feels mostly like muscle pain. Knee xrays totally negative,no arthritis. | Took brand name Fosamax first several years of treatment with improvement in bone density scans. Last several months have been using generic brand. Pain came on suddenly 1 month ago and is not improving much. I am going to stop Fosamax therapy and see if I improve. I'm happy to find out this COULD be a side effect and causing my pain. | F | 65 | 8 years 35 mg. 1X W | 7/23/2011 | 2 | osteopenia the osteoporosis | I began treatment after being diagnosed with osteoporosis, gained a small amount of bone density and was reevaluated as having osteopenia. Then during/after menopause I regressed to having osteoporosis. I stopped taking Fosamax 18 months ago and had my first DEXA scan in 18 months this past May. I lost an additional 8% bone density in my spine - T score is now -3.1. Either the medication didn't help much or not at all. Moreover, almost 2 years ago I developed persistent tinnitus in my right ear and episodic tinnitus in my left. My teeth, orthodontically corrected when I was a teenager, shifted, I developed TMJ and arthritis of the jaw. My teeth have been for the most part, straightened with invisilign and kept in place and to prevent further damage, with a nightguard. I can only assume these problems are related to Fosamax. My doctors want me on a osteoporosis medication ASAP but they all have side effects and frighten me, particularly the infusion drugs. I have always exercised daily, | F | 55 | 8 years 1X W | 7/7/2011 | 2 | In researching my symptoms on the Internet, now I am realizing that Fosamax and Allendronate are probably the cause of my problems. | I have been having pain in my upper left leg and am waiting to hear about my dexa-scan results. In addition, 2 years ago I was immediately taken off the Allendronate when I had chest pains. It was not cardiovascular but rather I found I had Barrett's disease (pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus). I attribute this to the caustic nature of both Fosamax and Allendronate. I never did get any indication that the drugs improved my osteopenia.! | F | 67 | 8 years 70 MG 1X W | 6/21/2012 | 1 | osteoporosis | It keeps you from loosing bone. New bone is important but it has no where to go since you are holding onto the old bone. Old bone dies. | The endocrinologist said it wasn't working. I was put on Forteo. I had to stop after 3 months because it caused extreme spinal pain. I was told to stop all medication and I feel great. She is suggesting I take Altevia. I am not sure what I will do? | F | 58 | 8 years 70 mg 1X W | 3/14/2011 | 1 | Osteopenia | I developed stress fractures in both femurs. Had rods inserted in each femur to prevent complete fractures. This is not a side effect but a complication. | Dexascans do not show bone quality, only density. Taking bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Boniva, alendronate sodium, etc.) for longer than 3-5 years puts a person at risk for this complication - bone fractures instead of strength. The FDA has issued new warnings about this problem. I am one of more than 350 patients who have reported such problems. How many more are experiencing this, we do not know. I do not recommend taking this drug unless you have osteoporosis and then only for a few years. | F | 64 | 8 years 70 mg 1X W | 12/25/2010 | 1 | Osteopenia | Severe pain and delayed healing in jaw (extraction area) due to a dental extraction. Long term antibiotics were used and ultimately surgery was necessary on bone and gum to remove tissue. My jaw took nearly two years to heal and I still have discomfort occasionally. | I had been off of Fosamax for about six months when it became necessary to have a tooth extracted but after being on Fosamax for over 7 years, it was clearly in my system. It has now been nearly four years since I stopped taking it. My dentist told me that Fosamax remains in the body for approximately 10 years. Horrible!! I would never take this type of medication ever again! When anyone asks me about this medication my answer is to never start taking it! | F | 67 | 8 years 1X W | 8/30/2010 | 1 | To protect me from Osteoporsis | Muscle and joint pain, re-flux, persistent coough, extreme fatigue and of late, difficulty in walking without a stick. | I think this Poison which is what I consider it to be, should be banned.Never in all the time of taking this wretched medication have I been monitered. I have complained endlessly to the doctor as to the way I feel, but despite that, Fosamax was never in question.It was only when I learned how to use a computer did I manage to do any research on the drug. I have now flatly refused to take Statins or Fosamax.I have agreed to Calci-Chew with added vitamin D which I take twice a day.I am Osteopenic not Osteoporotic. | F | 75 | 8 years 1X W | 9/3/2010 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | low bone density | After six years of taking Fosamax, I slipped in ice in my driveway and broke my femur (thigh bone). Two years later, still taking Fosamax, I fell in the snow and my other femur snapped before I hit the ground. | There is evidence that, while Fosamax increases bone density, it does not increase bone strength - in fact, it may cause bones to become brittle. Now I am stuck with this substance in my bones for the next half dozen years or so. | F | 58 | 8 years | 6/1/2006 | 1 | Osteopenia | Bone pain, neck pain, leg cramps, blurred vision, some stomach upset, ringing in ears. Reading all the posts and seeing so many of my own symptoms has convinced me that Fosamax is responsible. I have had these symptoms for years - I guess I thought I was just getting old, stressed. But something in the back of my mind thought that Fosamax could be responsible. I asked my doctor last visit if I could go off, and she said no. Does she get a payback? This is the only medication I take beside Ibuprofen. | I'm going off Fosamax today. At least I will notice if I'm feeling better. I wonder how long that will take. I will walk more and watch my diet, and vitamins. Thanks to everyone for their posts. | F | 61 | 8 years | 11/8/2006 | 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 | 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 | 5 | Fibrous Dysplasia | Occcasional heartburn and acid reflux - related to Fosamax?? | This medication was the best thing that happened to me since I was diagnosed with this rare disease at age 18. The pain is GONE and I can have a normal active life. I have some of the problems mentioned in other posts, but don't we all? I can't really lay the blame on Fosamax. And I take 40 mg daily!! My insurance company has a fit but my doctor makes a personal appeal on my behalf. He is worried how long-term use at this high dosage may affect my liver. I go for annual check-ups and things are good after 7+ years at this dosage. | F | 42 | 7 years | 9/7/2005 |