For those of you taking Fosamax. . .

It is generally very well-tolerated. Tens of millions have used it. I was on it weekly for several years for osteoporosis before my cancer dx, no side effects. Every possible side effect is in the insert but relevant is what is statistically more common than with placeo, like GI upset.

1. cannot take it if you have serious esophageal problems or bad kidney disease.

ten percent of eligible pts get stomach upset anyway and have to stop it and go to another drug,

2. should finish any major dental work before starting it to minimize very rare complication of ONJ, osteonecrosis of the jaw.

atypical femur fracture, AFF, is also a superrare complication after many years in most cases, Asians at increased risk

3. avoid dental implants

4. nuisance to take: once a week with water full cup, empty stomach, do not lie down or take anything but water for thirty minutes, no coffee, no other pills, no food

5. some people do not absorb it so some endocrinologists check absorption markers fasting after three to four months, NTX and CTX.

6. If not absorbed or GI upset, can change to zometa IV once a year or get prolia approves.

want to know baseline bone density and again in 18-24 months. Do you already have osteoporosis now?

Hi there Nancy. I've been on Fosomax for two years and take it weekly. No side effects for me, tho I agree that the instructions are a pain. I have it built into my routine on Saturday morning, and sometimes I cheat first by having some coffee, waiting 30 minutes for it to clear my system, then having the water + Fosomax. But that's just me and my extreme caffeine addiction...

Thanks for the tips, too, on how to take it!

Hi Nancy! I'm 73 and was on Prolia for a year. My Medicare and gap insurance paid for it 99% (very unusual). The shots were something like $1600 each, every six months. After a year of continual bone pain I refused to take another Prolia shot. I am taking Fosamax and like every one else find it a pain, but only a minor one. I put the once a week pill out Saturday night on the sink in my bathroom right next to my contacts. Sunday morning I put in my contacts and can see the pill and the 8 oz plastic glass, take the pill and get in the shower. Have had zero side effects but will never take Prolia again. I personally think my doctor was getting some sort of incentive to prescribe it because he wasn't happy when I said "enough".

Nancy, I've been on Fosamax twice now.

First time, was just as I was finishing having and nursing my babies. I lost a lot of bone mass. I had osteopenia (just one point away from osteoporosis) before age 40, and was pre-menopausal.  I did so well on Fosamax after a few years (maybe 5?) that my bones were close to normal again and my doctor took me off Fosamax. 

Second time, I was 56 and 2 years post oophorectomy and had lost a lot of bone mass again: spine has osteoporosis, and back has osteopenia. I've been on Fosamax for a year now.

I take my Fosamax on Friday. I have reminders on my phone for "Fosamax Friday" that remind me Thursday night to set out my Fosamax and water; and Friday morning to take it first thing . I also have reminders for my calcium and vitamins. 

Best wishes, Madelyn / Mominator