There are 926 ratings for the drug: FOSAMAX in the Askapatient database.

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.

Page: 1  2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10    Results are sorted by Gender with males listed first.

Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading.
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 Email
5	osteopenia	None	A little over two years ago, I saw my doctor because of horrible back and neck pain. An X-Ray allowed my doctor to identify an unexplained compression fracture at C6. That lead to a DEXA scan and the diagnosis of osteopenia. My doctor prescribed 35 mg of FOSAMAX once a week. I must confess that I find FOSAMAX very expensive for my budget, so I have skipped some weeks as other medications have a higher priority for me. Today I learned that a November 6, 2006 DEXA scan was normal. I'm very happy to learn this. I have had no side effects that I could idenitify or otherwise attribute to FOSAMAX. I'm very satisfied with the results I have obtained from FOSOMAX. Thanks.	M	67	2 years		11/13/2006 Email
5	osteopoena	None. Because my mother's spine had literally crumbled in her late eighties my doctor sent me to a university program where the treating physician did nothing but treat and research bone loss.	My initial DEXA T-score was -2.5 after 2 years and 3 measurements on the same machine, by the same technician, read by the same doctor, my T-score was -0.4, a staggering improvement. If you are lucky enough to have no side effects this is an effective drug. If you can't take it and have osteoporosis I urge you to seek another solution. My mother suffered excruciating pain, she was on morphine for 8 years and this was her only relief.	M	70	6 years		4/17/2007
5	extreme osteoporosis	This is the easiest drug to take--I've experienced no side effects at all. Just have to take a full glass of water and delay breakfast for 1/2 hour once a week. My sister, however, had heartburn from her first dosing and discontinued. This is a well known possible side effect that affects some people.	Unfortunately, my extreme genetic osteoporosis is not improving very much--but it's also not getting worse. I'll keep taking for a few more years to see if things improve or switch to another drug for better efficacy.	M	42	2 years		2/5/2005
4				M	60	4 months		11/26/2002
4	steroid induced osteoporosis	increased sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods.	Bone remineralized in hip to near normal level for my age. Held progress of osteoporosis in spine.	M	56	2 years		6/20/2002
4	Osteoporosis	No side effects so far	Pain is almost gone. Will take bone density in the near future to see ,if improvement can be seen	M	62	13 months		6/30/2003 Email
4	osteoporosis	None, been taking weekly for 6 yrs, have improved bone density. Does the FDA monitor this web site?		M	68	6 years		7/23/2007
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	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	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 Email
3	Osteopenia	I can't say for sure that these side effects are related to Fosamax, but there seems to be a correlation. I get headaches on the day i take it lasting 24-36 hours. Nothing seems to stop the pain. I also have a lot of joint pain. Some days I feel like I'm 84 rather than 54.	I saw my Mother and Aunt suffer from severe osteoporosis and I don't want that to happen to me, but I am concerned about what this drug is doing to me. I'd like to find a natural alternative.	M	54	2.5 years		5/30/2005 Email
3	Bone Loss	Severe knee joint aches and stiffness. Back stiffness and back pain	It has helped increase bone density, however I have recently had terrible knee pain and have a hard time getting up and walking after sitting for awhile. My legs feel heavy and stiff until I walk for a few minutes. My skin gets very itchy sometimes for no apparent reason. I stopped taking it for three weeks and those symtoms have disappeared.	M	64	1 years		10/25/2005
3	osteoporosis	fatigue especially in first 2 hours after taking, loss of muscle tone, loss of stamina and libido	x ray had revealed spinal compression fracture caused by osteoporosis, since taking fosamax for two years bone density has increased slightly in some bones, but slightly decreased in others; not sure whether caused by fosamax - I am a pianist and lost significant dexterity, also noticed general fatigue for about an hour or two after taking, am gradually finding it harder and harder to climb stairs as muscles ache, also lower testosterone count and loss of libido all came on since starting fosamax over a period of 2 years	M	53	2 years		12/4/2005 Email
3	bone loss	After taking the 70mg/wk tablet for 1 month I began having mild left hip pain. After 2 years on this drug I still have hip pain and developed severe bone and muscle pain in my lower left leg.	Why even go to doctors! I have never hurt so much in all of my life. I used to be a young healthy male, but now I feel like a 100yr old grouch. This crap should be pulled from the shelf. Every doctor I've seen and mentioned that I am on fosomax just pooh-pooh's me off and says It ain't the drug. Well I think it is since all these symptoms started after I was prescribed Fosomax.	M	39	3 years		9/3/2005
2	Ostoprosis	Leg Pain and Back Pain. I would think about this drug before you take it. Seems Foteao may be a better option.	I was in the first clincal studies for Didrnal which is the fore runner of Fosimax. I started this drug in 1990 and stayed on it until 2008, I came off of it for 2 years and then had to start again as my t-scores dropped like a rock. The second time around I belive this drug is causing all my issues of late with back pain so severe its debilitating. I am stopping this week to see if the pain improves for me.	M	59	3 months 20mg 1X W		4/27/2010
2	Osteoporosis	Took weekly Fosamax for 3 years. During that time my T scores went down but my Endo said to keep taking it. Over the last 2 years I have experienced extreme neck and shoulder pain. In the morning it was so bad I'd almost be in tears. Then I researched the side effects and neck and shoulder pain was one of them. I discontinued the drug and 6 weeks later the pain is GONE. Since it wasn't helping anyway and making me miserable I have stopped the drug for good. I work in the medical field and most drugs have side effects with some worse than the condition they are supposed to help. I have never had a FX and have always had strong bones. I am now doing weight training, taking calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.		M	61	3 days		9/8/2006
2	bone density	I believe weight gain and enlargement of breasts Has anyone else among male formax users experienced this effect		M	67	6 weeks		11/21/2005
2	Osteoporosis	I am 87, male, and have been taking Fosomax for about 1 year. I don't know if it is helping. Whether is it coincidental or not--My Opthomologist tells me I am now a	Any other similar reactions would be welcome	M	87	1 years		5/22/2005 Email
2	lowered bone density	distinct hip pain	I was prescribed fosamax due to low bone density test (MRI). I took it for about a month, once a week. I experienced distinct hip pain, but it took me a while to associate it with the drug. I would take the drug on Sunday but the pain wouldn't get bad until the following Wednesday/Thursday. I thought it was from exercising but I finally made a connection between the drug and the pain. I stopped taking the drug and finally after a month the pain slowly went away. After a few months, pain-free, I tried the drug again and sure-enough, the pain in my hips came back. I stopped again, permanently, and the pain went away permanently.	M	54	2 months		4/8/2005
2		Wondered why I developed TMJ, had no idea, dentist and doctor did not even suggest Fossamax was a culprit. After reading all these comments, I am going to cease this treatment and look for other options. I can hardly chew, can't open up my mouth, sometimes can't bring teeth together, have to puree my food. What do you think?	Too many others with similar problems, might work for a few, not worth the risk, too many negatives.	M	65	6 months		4/13/2007 Email
2	bone density problems	After taking it for 3 months my fingers, middle finger on each hand started hurting. I stopped for 2 weeks and it went away. I had never had any pain in my hands or other joints other than my hip when I drive. Now after taking it for 3 more months the joints in my thumbs, all of them are hurting. I have again stopped for a week and they are getting better. I don't know if the fosamax has helped with the bone density problem; however, if I cannot find studies that address the problem, I will take my chances with my bones as I had no pain before.I am currently on no other medication-- and according to the study that recently came out they do not know if the drug actually prevents fractures---why would it be prescribed if that is true?		M	61	7 months		3/23/2004
2	bone lose as per bone density tes	After taking fosamax for 4 years my teeth became sensitive to hot and cold plus a few felt pressure when biting down. Stopped taking fosamax and within a few months all symptoms were gone. (fosamax was the only medicine I was taking at the time.		M	62	4 years		10/7/2006 Email
2	osteopenia	Intolerable leg pain, weakness. I used to hike long distances regularly, and after taking the drug walking one block was painful. There was severe pain when starting to move legs, such as when getting up from bed or a chair. My legs would just stop working when doing physical activity. There was no paralysis, but they were tired, painful, and weak.	I stopped taking the drug six weeks ago. I'm still experiencing the weakness and pain. What can I do to recover from the side effects? While I was on the drug I had a positive test for muscle degeneration. After stopping, the test was OK. The symptoms were so severe I was tested for Multiple Sclerosis and spinal stenosis. If anyone has figured out how to recover from the pain, email me at: b o b @ l e n s j o y . c o m (remove the spaces when typing my address.)	M	67	3 years		6/18/2006
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 Email
2	osteoposis	headaches, nausea,	worries about side effects and dental complications, also long term risk of taking drug over many years	M	51	9 days		1/20/2008
2	Osteoporosis	Muscle pain in the neck and wrist pain. Pops in the neck. I stopped taking it and it still hurts though symptoms diminished. I am 41 years old and have bones of man of 105 years according to scan.	I am not sure and I am not a doctor but an engineer. That puts me in a position to investigate in a wider spectrum. I found in some documents that calcium in the blood is needed also for the functionality of the muscles. Fosamax in my view will desperately deposit all the calcium available in the blood, while depriving the muscles including the heart muscle from the necessary calcium. This leads to muscle pain as a logic result. For some reason I believe that the root cause of my osteoporosis is the inability of my intestines to absorb calcium. So I tell the doctor and he measures my calcium in the blood and says: your calcium level is ok. So I ask him is the calcium coming from the bones or from the food? Is it drained or supplied? To me the test says nothing. He did not understand the question. So I investigated and found that if there is not enough calcium in the blood for the muscles to work, then the parathyroids will generate a hormone to extract the calcium from the teet	M	41	60 days		2/28/2009
1	osteopenia	I experienced bone and muscle pain. I could hardly walk when I would get out of bed in the morning. I felt like I was 100 years old. I developed bumps in one of my hands and they are still there. My GYN put me on the Fosamax and when I told her about the side effects she said she hadn't heard of any problems. I was also on lipitor so I went to my family doctor. He took me off both drugs thinking it could be the lipitor even though I had been on it for 3 years. I waited 6 weeks and then the doctor started me back on the Fosamax and sure enough within a day the symptoms were back. I stopped it and went back on lipitor with no side effects. My husband said he heard on a medical show that Fosamax has phosphates in it, the same stuff in laundry detergent!! I have refused to take Fosamax so the doctor wanted to put me on Boniva. I have refused it and have opted for the calcium nasal spray. I am exercising, lifting light weights and walking. I only have osteopenia in my hips and	Do Not take this drug!	M	55	6 months		11/20/2007
1	osteopenia	I started taking Fosamax about 4 months ago. I would get slightly dizzy at the beginning. After 4 months, I was getting so bad I almost fell twice in the shower. I went to my doctor, who took me off Fosamax and gave me a prescription for 25mg Meclizine, which is for vertigo. It helps a little but hasn't cleared up totally. She also examined me for ear problems and anything else that may have caused this, but didn't find any. I have tried to analyze if anything else could have caused this problem, but haven't come up with any other reason other than this all started when I started taking the Fosamax.	I would NOT recommend this to anyone, unless you are in desparate need of it. Ask your doctor if you can take Vitamin D and Calcium instead. Also, weight bearing excercises can help in some instances. The study done by the company says that this medicine does not cause dizziness. Well, I know for a fact that this is wrong, and I wish I would have followed my instict and not taken it. I can only hope that this condition will clear itself up.	M	59	4 months		7/12/2007
1	osteopenia	SEVERE joint pain. Shoulder, elbow, knee. Aching ankles. Debilitating pain in rib cage! Pain in elbow is so bad I can barely lift a cup of coffee.	Thank God for this website, I thought I was either crazy or dying. Too bad it took 7 months to figure out what was happening. I called my doctor tell him I was stopping the medication and spoke to the Triage Nurse who had the same type of side effects when she was on Fosamax. I would like to know why doctors don't make these side effects more well known to patients since it's been an issue from day one. After suffering for half a year, I'm looking forward to feeling like a human being again. I just hope it doesn't take too long.	M	47	7 months		1/25/2008
1	osteoporosis	ONJ, jaw never quits hurting. Sometimes a dull ache, but if I talk much it hurts worse. Also feels like a toothache at times and my one ear is stuffed up feeling most of the time. This drug should be taken off the market.		M	68	3 years		2/23/2008 Email
1	Osteopenia (dexa-scan done)	Have been on Fosamax for almost 7 months. Having a very hard time walking up stairs, walking in general, getting into & out of my car is a real struggle, just getting up from the chair is difficult I'm so stiff, can't sleep at night my legs and joints are just aching. Have a burning feeling in my throat. Feel very tired all the time. My life is not like it use to be. I'm 56 yrs., but feel like 95yrs. old. Just found out the side effects of Fosamax and described to call my doctor and she found it very unusual. Told her I want off this medication NOW!!! Hope I feel better soon. I WANT MY LIFE BACK... How long will it take??	Recently, I have found more con than pro about this medication, why aren't doctors up todate on the side effects? I'm so glad I stumbled on this website. THANK YOU!!!	M	56	7 months		11/7/2008 Email
1	wrongfully prescribed by pharmacist	My local nationwide pharmacy gave me someone else's Fosamax prescription with my same name. What I was supposed to receive was a new medication to treat a possible yeast infection. The pharmacist asked me if I had taken the Rx before and I said no (b/c I had never had a yeast infection before nor received any treatment) and he proceeded to teach me how to take the Rx and everything. It was a generic form so I had no idea that it was not for the medication I was supposed to pick up, not did my dr ever tell me the name of the medication he was prescribing for me. So I assumed that it was my Rx that my doctor prescribed just like every other time I've been to the pharmacy & I took it and began to have SEVERE side effects. (I have already been tested in the past for stomach irritations & my stomach is already more sensitive than most which is why I had the severe reations that I had.) I took the medication at the beginning of December & have had severe stomach problems		M	27	1 months		1/28/2009 Email
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 Email
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	Doctor said I have Osteoporosis	My back pain became so bad I would have to sit down and I never had to sit down because of the pain, bloating and weight gain for no reason, left lower jaw pain where my bridge is which was done over 4 years ago. My bone density test is -2.7 T score so I guess that is not good for a 43 year old guy but this drug scares me so I think I will concentrate more on increase calcium and exercise and repeat the bone density test in a year. the doctors want me to continue the drug and take other drugs for the pain?? I do not want to end up in a wheelchair but the side effects could be just as bad. I'm very confused on what to do next. I only have taken 2 pills so far. 70mg/wk		M	43	2 weeks		6/25/2008
1	Osteopenia and Osteoporosis	Suffering from aches and pains in my hand, back and shoulders and general joint pain. I have had a burning sensation in my eyes and swelling at times. Chronic heartburn and belching all of the time. Headaches, Dental problems, and feeling generally lousy all of the time.	I was prescribed for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis due to Celiac disease. After 12 weeks I decided to do more research about Fosamax and found this site. Low and behold, just as I thought others are having the same problems! I am stopping immediately.	M	46	3 months		5/8/2008 Email
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 Email
1	Bone density scan	I am a 49 y.o. athletic male who had been biking regularly until a bone density scan suggested I should take fosamax. Bad hip and knee pain started after a year on Fosamax. I can barely walk up stairs and have had to give up biking. I've stopped taking Fosamax and hope my mobility will return.		M	49	1.5 years		6/8/2006
1	Low bone density	After the second weekly dose: Terrible neck pain lasting 10 days.	This drug should have a black box warning about joint pain.	M	64	8 days		3/2/2006
1	Osteosporosis	lower back pain, joint pain, muscle pain, charley horse on my calves and tights, bloating		M	55	5 months		10/12/2008
1	Osteopenia	I took the medicine for 3 weeks and was severely sick with severe joints and muscles pain and fever that disabled me to work for the 3 weeks until it was discovered that Fosamax caused me the problem.		M		3 months		10/11/2006
1		Change in bowel habits, and after 6 months ulcer symptoms. Actonel was worse!	I was fortunate enough to find Gillian Sanson's book: The Myth of Osteoporosis, What Every Woman Should Know About Creating Bone Health.Please see:www.gilliansanson.com. These drugs have a half-life. We do NOT know the long term effects of taking them. More importantly, are they doing harm, and will they PREVENT fracture? I think NOT!	M		6 months		12/26/2004 Email
1	osteo penia	left jaw pain lower back pain left hip pain	THIS DRUG ACTUALLY DOES NOT REDUCE THE RISK OF FRACTURES AND APPEARS TO CAUSE BONE TO DEGENERATE IN THE JAW, BACK, AND HIPS. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG FOR ANY REASON WHAT SO EVER!	M	44	2 years		4/24/2007
1	Bonedensity.	I have been on Fosamex for 7 years. When I fell down, I fractured my hip. According to the surgen my bones were very britle. I would think twice before I take this medication agai. It is useless.	Britle Bones.	M	67	7 years		3/23/2007 Email
1	osteoporosis	Terrible joint pain especially in ankles. I took fosamax for about 5 months before I figured out that it may be the cause of my joint pain. At times my joints got so bad that I couldn't walk. As soon as I stopped taking the drug, my legs started feeling better and they continue to improve. Where before I was taking pain medication multiple times per day, I now only need it occassionally and I'm hopeful that I can stop altogether sometime soon.		M	48	5 months		10/28/2004
1	osteopenia	heartburn, bones spurs on my feet,severe joint pain		M	61			7/4/2007
1	osteoporosis	eye pain with swelling, diarrhea. Eye pain started 4-5 days before the swelling happened. Hugh ulcer on lower portion of the eye- both top and bottom lids also swollen. Had MRI and it showed swelling next to the optic nerve. Doctors are calling it a pseudotumor and treating it with a 6 day course of steroids. I have never had eye pain like this before. I had just taken my fourth fosamax pill. In their leaflet they list one of the rare side effects being eye pain. Like many of you I will now try exercise, and vitamin supplements along with a better diet to improve my condition. I WAS taking the fosamax, 70mg plus D 1X a week for 1 month. NO MORE!!	I understand to a certain point taking a drug to help with bone loss. But not when people are suffering worse effects. Why is it that the doctors are so ignorant about this medicine they so freely prescribe? Not one doctor in my state believes this condition could be from the fosamax. Are they all getting a kick back?	M	66	4 times		9/26/2007
1	Osteopenia	Well the doctor stated I had bone loss and put me on the once a week dose of Fosamax. After about three weeks I started getting joint pain in my right pinky. Everytime I bent it it popped. That was at the beginning. As I progressed with the drug the pain in the pinky worsened and spread to both hands. I quit after reading this website two months later. I could not figure out what was causing all the joint pain and one day it clicked.	At the time of quitting I have joint paint everywhare from head to foot. My eye sockets are killing me and when I keep my eyes open for an extended period they burn. I am still young and never experienced any joint pain prior to taking this drug. I am exhausted all the time and sleep does not help. This garbage should be banned.	M	42	2 months		5/7/2005 Email
1	osteoporosis	Dr. Says my side effects are not related to the drug, but ??????????????????	I started taking Fosamax to counter the bone loss I'm experiencing. The first week I took it I was fine the first day but then for the next 4 days I experienced increasing stomach pain that subsided. I took it the second week and started again to experience stomach pain to the point where I admitted myself to the hospital at 10 pm 4 days later. I was diagonsed with irritable bowel and took steps to alleviate the problem. I stopped taking the Fosamax during that time even though the Dr. said it's not related. I've started taking Fosamex again and 4 days later I started exeriencing ringing in my ears, headache and dizzyness to the point where I vomited. Again the Dr. says it's not related. If you say so but I'm not so sure. This hasn't happened to me before.	M	60	2 weeks		5/29/2005 Email
1	osteoporosis	I have been on Fosomax for about 5 months and am experiencing very sore teeth/gums day and night, blurry vision, migraines increased,fatigue and sometimes depression. I was in great health and retired 7 months ago and joined a gym.I should have investigated Fosamax before i took it, plus I had a feeling it was causing me to feel this way. I'm stoping this medication now and hope the longer I'm off it, I'll feel better.		M	64	5 months		3/8/2007 Email
1	osteoporosis	I started taking Fosamax 70 in 2004. At that time I was running 5 miles a day and was surprised that I had osteoporosis since there is none in my family. I didn't experience much pain except for heart burn all the time. In Janurary 2006 I lifted a laptop incorrectly and felt a painful twinge in my back. The pain didn't get any better and by September I had to have the assistance of a wheel chair. I went to a Neuro-surgeon and he performed a partial Disksectomy. This relieved the pain but here I am a year later with pain in my lower back, my knees, my right foot, my jaw and my eyes burn and I still have heart burn. I can hardly stand to have any thing around my waist. I'm told that this is part of recovery. I started to put 2 and 2 together and realized that every week when I took Fosamax my knees and back hurt so much that I take Tylenol like candy and set with a heating pad. I can hardly bend over and only get any comfort while sitting. I only get about 3-4 hours of sleep which isn't		M	65	3 years		9/30/2007
1	osteopenia	Elbow, wrist and hand pain, foot, ankle and leg pain, jaw pain. Tendonitis feeling near elbow and wrist joints. Blood work done was all normal. Pain started approximately 2-3 months after starting drug.	Stopped taking it and will never take again.	M	59	5 months		2/1/2006
1	have osteoporosis	hip pain eye movement pain in back hard time getting out of bed,husband had to help me, arm pain feftlike it was broke	i stopped it almost a year ago and fell better.	M	55	18 months		6/30/2006 Email
1	bone density/osteop	I started with Actonel, had terrible side effects, for the 4 wks,,then my Dr switched me to Fosamax, which had worse side effects..I had a headache, different aches and pains. sweats,diarrhea, shoulder, back pains now I have stomach cramps,,distention, terrible insomnia, and latest twitching legs and tight toes like you would not believe. I hope this wears off.I only had 3 wks of Fosamax and wonder if anyone knows how long this feeling lasts....I would like to feel like my own self again, and not this ill feeling..I would like to know if anyone knows how long this stays with one, I think this product should be removed from the market, and who knows what the long term will do to ones body, if this is what short term does..I will take my chances also with good nutrition, exercise and Calcium/D.and never take this Fosamax or Actonel again.		M	70	3 weeks		7/13/2005
1	Yes	I was on Fosamax for 3 years. 2 years into Fosamax I developed Lichen Planus. They do not know the cause of it so as a last resort I stopped taking fosamax (much to my Drs dismay) and the lichen planus stopped. While I was on fosamax my osteo never improved. I stayed off fosamax and on calcium, vitamin D3 supplements and exercise, and after 18 months my osteo numbers were stable. I might add that 13 months after stopping fosamax the lichen planus returned on my scalp. I still blame the fosamax for knocking my immune system out of wack. Has any experienced Lichen Planus after taking these types of drugs?	For the 3 years I was on Fosamax my Osteo never improved. Being off Fosamax for 18 months and taking calcium, D3 supplements and exercise my Osteo (dexa scan numbers) stayed stable. Now my Dr wants me to take Actonel. After reading about people's experiences with fosamax and actonel I will not take any of these drugs again.	M	64	3 years 70 MG 1X W		6/5/2010 Email
1	Osteopenia	I have occasional atrial fibrillation (AFIB)which terminates spontaneously and occurs only about once a month. There is no underlying heart pathology. After taking Fosamax for only 3 weeks, I had a 25 hour AFIB episode. Now, three days later, I am still having ectopic ("skipped") heartbeats. My cardiologist told me to stop taking the drug. It is important to note that I have never encountered such symptoms before taking Fosamax.	If you have atrial fibrillation or susceptibility to it because of hereditary factors, I would suggest strongly that you stay away from Fosamax. I certainly will.	M	73	3 weeks 70 mg. 1X W		3/12/2010 Email
1	Mild osteopenia in hips	I am 56 and showed very slight ospeopenia in my hips. I had no severe side effects..just noticed bloating and constipation. But, after 3 months of taking this, I started noticing horrible hip pain, mostly while I sat or layed down. At first I did not know what was causing this, until I decided to read the insert. Well, this hip, bone pain has only gotten worse. I cannot sleep and am miserable. I walk quite a bit, with intermittent running, and I can no longer do that. After looking through this site, I have decided that stopping this med is in my best interest. I will only take Calcium with Vitamin D and hope for the best.	Looking thru this, it appears as if all osteoporous meds have these types of side affects.	M	56	120 days 70mg 1X W		3/1/2010
1	for osteosporosis	severe pain in ankles, feet ,knees, hips, shoulder, ribs and back, shortness of breathe, swelling of the feet, ankles knees and legs, headache	I have been on fosamax for about 6 months now and I am now literally incapacitated. I was given fosamax with the understanding that it was to regenerate bone loss but it has done the opposite! I have been complaining about the horrible pain that I am having for months and was sent to see a rhumetologist suggesting that I now have osteoarthritis and rheumitoid arthritis. I have been told to take pain meds because know one understands why I am in so much pain. My hips are now hurting so bad I can't even climb a step. I have fallen a few times when my leg has collapsed. I was even being evaluated by a kidney doctor to see if the pain in my side and hip area are due to kidney damage. my wife happened to do some research on the internet and discovered how many other people are suffering from the same symptoms as I do from using fosmax. And has also discovered fosamax lawsuits, because of an FDA warning in 2008 that fosamax had been linked to extreme and incapacitating joint, mucle and bone pain. I am hoping now that I will no longer take fosamax that my pain subsides. I have read others complaints about fosmax claiming that they are still in pain months later after stopping the drug. This drug should be taken off the market especially if doctors are unaware of the side effects. Doctors who prescribe fosamax should be well informed of the side effects, in the event patients like myself and many others complain of certain symptoms after using fosamax.	M	53	6 months 70mg 1X W		3/2/2010
1	Osteopenia	After about 6 months I experienced gradually worse joint pain that changed me from healthy and athletic to almost crippled. I can barely walk up a stairs one stair at a time and leaning on the railing. Pain and weakness in my knees and hips, both sides is the main problem.	My bone density has increased, but who would want to live this way? I've gone from hiking and biking to practically needing a wheelchair. I've had to move because I couldn't do the stairs to my second floor apartment. I went off it after about a year and I'm desperately hoping my joint function will return. It hasn't improved yet after 1 month off the drug.	M	50	1 years		6/19/2006
1	TKR Failing	I have been taking fosamax for 7 weeks. I now have chests pains to the point that I think I am having a heart attack on third -4th day after taking. Also having pain in both hips, burning pain under my left rib cage. Sore muscles in legs and arms. AThese are problems I have never had prior to taking. I am thinking seriously about discontinuig this medication. I had a double TKR (both knees) at the same time. One knee now has pain and it appears that the cement and the bone is turning loose of the femor side prostethis. Thats way my Dr recommended Fosamax. I have never had a bone density test. Supposed to take for 6 months and see the doc again to see if knee has benefit. At this rate I will be in a wheel chair in 6 months.		M	61	7 weeks		8/6/2006 Email
1	KYPHOSIS "Dowagers Hump"	TERRIBLE FATIGUE ! My osteoporosis was caused by not taking enough calcium and vit.D. I only drank enough milk for my breakfast cereal. So what the hell did my doc put me on this drug when all I had to do was increase calcium and "D."	Going to stop next Monday. Read the recent reports of: "Fosamax, Necrosis of the Jaw" on Google, Cleveland Clinic website and Johns Hopkins website. Also Googled: "Fosamax, Jaw Death." If you have teeth extracted while on Fosamax, you may get this disfiguring disease where your jaw will die.......... SCARY!!	M	71	15 months		3/23/2006 Email
5	Osteoporosis of the hip and spine	Slight heartburn at times,occasional loose stools,some itching at times. Bone density has increased, side effects very low.	Been taking for 6 years. Mother has extreme oteoporosis. Has been wonderful for me	F		6 years		1/16/2006
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
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
5	Osteopenia	No side effects	I started taking Foxomax(first once a day and then once a week) more than 5 yrs ago due to the diagnosis of osteopenia. My first scan, after taking, it showed increased bone mass and it has pretty much remained consistent. I am now off the drug, per my doctor, as you are only supposed to take it for so many years. I had no side effects, whatsoever and it worked for me.	F	60	1X O		4/14/2010
5	osteoporosis	occasional mild flu like symptoms	Normal bone scan after 2 years. I'm a retired RN. I find most doctors are knowledgeable and well intentioned. The key is to find a doctor you trust. After 40+ years of nursing I depend on the extensive knowledge of a good M.D. to point me in the right direction and to interpret the copious studies out there for me.I find the frequent mistrust of doctors to be very sad as it does get in the way of good medical care for people. I know the many years of study they put in and I would only trust my very valuable health(and life) to a good doctor-not to my own opinion or that of friends or family. After all we have only one life so let us have the most expert person care for us -and that is a competent doctor. Others may (and will) disagree but as I say this is speaking from 40+ years working as a critical care nurse in many large teaching and private hospitals. You owe it to yourself to get the most accurate advice possible.	F	69	4 years 70mg 1X W		7/11/2010
5	diagnosis of osteopenia	None	Thrilled with results. When I began, I had hoped, at the least, to prevent more bone loss. My spine has gone from borderline osteoporosis to being in the normal range; there has been annual improvement in my hip. The numbers for the femoral neck bone, though, have not been as consistent. I do weight bearing exercises daily and continue to take daily calcium and Vitamin D supplements, in addition to fish oil.	F	62	5 years 70 + D 1X W		4/26/2010
5	I have osteoporisus	I have experienced no side effects. I take it on Sunday morning before I start getting ready for church and by the time we get to buy coffee it has been at least an hour. One time I drank coffee within 30 minutes and had a little indigestion.	I have been taking fosamax for over 5 years and I am real particular that I do not drink coffee for at least an hour, maybe a little more. It has taken my hip pain away and I have no other pain. I am very active and have no other medical problems, so I feel very fortunate. I think if you are very careful to take it exactly like it says with plenty of water and not eat or drink or lay back down for 30 minutes, you will do fine taking it. I recommend it for all these reasons above. If they change, then I will stop taking it.	F	71	5 days		8/17/2006
5	Osteoporosis	When I first started talking the pills I had Flu like symptoms and joint pain. I would take the pill on Sundays so that I had the whole day to relax at home to deal with the symptoms. After several months those symptoms went away. Now it have been three years and I am having stomach issues. I take Protonix 40mg to help deal with the upset stomachs.	While this pill does have some bad side effects I would not stop taking it. When I was 19 years old the doctors found sever osteoporosis. My Bone density was at -2.51. For years my doctors tested me for every strange diease and tried several drugs to increase my bone density. Nothing worked. After just two year on Fosamax weekly my bones went from -2.51 to -1.9. I am due for another yearly bone density scan in a month and I can't wait. There is a good change that by now my osteoprosis is gone. The effects are worth being cured from osteoprosis.	F	28	3 years		9/11/2006 Email
5	to increase bone density	None! I have had no side effects from taking this medication.	I am not due for retesting for a year or two, so won't know how well it "worked" until then. I have confidence that it will work, however.	F	64	2 years		4/4/2006
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 Email
5	Bone loss	None	Bone loss has been abated. Have excellent growth...75%. Will soon be done.	F	71	1.5 years		10/30/2004 Email
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 Email
5	Signs of osteopenia	None. Fosamax was prescribed because my bone density showed a weakness in one area and was considered osteopenic.	My bone density has improved and shows all areas to be in the normal range now. My doctor recommended that I go off the drug for a year because of the possible side effects and then reevaluate a year from now.	F	66	4 years		9/14/2006
5		Seen people with osteoporosis	Please listen to what your doctor says about your health condition before reading these comments as everyone is different and therefore respond differently to the same medication. Fosamax is a great drug and I've seen heaps of people whose bones were kept strong and healthy because of it. If it weren't for Fosamax, they wouldn't be able to walk around and do that sort of things as they do so now. If you do find you have any complaints or feel that you experience any side effects, it's always best to tell the doctor and he'll help you figure out an alternative. Booklet instructions are always a great helping tool, and it's good to follow the guidelines on Fosamax, e.g. take half an hour before breakfast and a big glass of water, etc. Please don't just stop taking it just because you hear other people do so, they could be causing alot of problems to their health because of it .. don't make the same mistake!	F				7/30/2005
5	Osteoporosis	Heart Attack Symptoms/Hospitalized	STOP TAKING FOSAMAX OR ACTONEL & READ THE #1 RATINGS BEFORE YOU READ THE #5 RATINGS...I WOULD BET MERCK WROTE THE 5'S - SEE FOR YOURSELF & SCROLL DOWN TO THE #1'S	F	62	6 weeks		7/29/2006
5	osteopenia	none that I can ascribe to Foxamax	Took this for almost 5 years. My bone density stayed about the same at first, but in this last test it is now up quite a bit and in the NORMAL range - hooray - I also excercise a lot and take calcium (citrate and carbonate, plus a regulated amount of vitamin D in winter and a regulated amount of magnesium and a stool softener, no caffeine). I've worked hard at this and am very conscientious (consciencious??). My Dr. believes there is no reduction in bone breakage past the five year mark on this drug. I am going off and happy.	F	57	4.9 years		10/30/2006 Email
5	osteopena	I have been taking Fosamax for 1 year. The 1st pill I took I had severe vertigo for about 2hrs. The 2nd pill I took I had severe stomach cramps, especially at night, after the 6th day they stopped & I have not had any stomach cramps since. occasionaly I will have heartburn. No other symptoms. I have had problems with both of my hips for years (think it's arthritis), however, have had no pain in my hips since taking Fosamax.	although I have not had any major side effects, I am willing to put-up with the side effects, unless they are life threating. My sister at the age of 56, got into her bathtub one day, and her hip completely collapsed into itself. After having her hip replaced it was determined that she has severe osteoporosis. She had no idea she had osteo. She took Fosamax for a year, her hip had improved, but her spine was worse, so her doctor switched her to actinel. She has not had any side effects from either one. My mother who is 82 has bone loss and has been taking Fosamax for 2yrs. and has had no side effects. I talked to my doctor & my sister talked to her doctor about the jaw problems & they both said there was a problem there before these people started using fosamax. My doctor said there has been very few cases of the jaw problem. Much rather put up with the minor side effects than not be able to walk.	F	60	1 years		11/2/2006 Email
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	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
5	Osteoporosis	No bad side effects to date.	Very pleased with how the 70-mg once-a-week dose temporarily helps my constant low back pain and shooting leg pain from herniated disk. Was diagnosed with osteopenia at about age 48, then several years later on subsequent bone mineral density test was diagnosed with osteoporosis. It was at that point that I was prescribed Fosamax and have been on it for about 2-1/2 years. Don't know yet how effective it has been at reversing bone disease, and hope that next BMD will show improvement as there is a family history of osteoporosis and related problems, but the relief I get from my chronic back pain is wonderful! Too bad it doesn't last longer. I take omeprazole daily for GERD and hiatal hernia so possibly this is helping to prevent esophageal problems on this medication.	F	57	2.5 years		2/21/2009
5	osteopenia	none		F	53	8 months		12/1/2008
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
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
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	bone loss	None	I'm very good at following the directions for Fosamax. I drink at least 2 1/2 cups of water with it and wait a good 30 minutes before doing anything or taking anything else. I am surprised though that the doctor hasn't recommended another bone density test since I started taking it to see if it is working.	F	61	4 days		1/5/2009
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
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
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	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
4	osteoporosis	none	Can't blame my occasional acid reflux on it since I had that before too. I have hypothyroid (medication for that helped contribute to the low bone density) and now am having problems with high platlet count. Was checking in here if it could be related but don't see anyone else with this problem. It does sound like the aching in my left pelvis could be a combo of fossamax & the doctor drilling there for bone marrow recently.	F	46	22 months		11/26/2007
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
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
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
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
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	Osteopenia	A little extra gassiness	Of course the published side effects worried me, but Mayo Clinic reports that osteonecrosis is quite rare, and usually occurs in cancer patients and people who have had dental procedures like extractions. My dexascan after 2 years showed considerable improvement. I also exercise, lift weights, eat greens and yogurt	F	63	3 years		2/7/2008
4	osteoporosis	Thus far, I have had no side affects	It appears to be helping maintain the level of osteoporosis I have without further degree of bone loss.	F	56	5 days		2/22/2006

1  2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Average rating for drug: 1.5. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

Askapatient Drug Database Enter Drug Name:

.