Hello,
I've been taking fosamax (70 mg once a week ) for about 18 months. I've been very careful to follow instructions(take with lots up water, sit straight or stand up for at least 30 minutes).
I've recently developed a strange esophageal soreness I've never had before and am pretty concerned. I know this a potential side effect
If anyone else has been through this how did you resolve it?
I had mild reflux with fosamax (alendronic acid in the UK) so stopped taking it because of the risks. My GP prescribed risedronate instead, which didn't cause reflux though I eventually stopped that too because of other side effects. With the problems you're now getting with fosamax, I would stop it immediately and ask your GP to investigate the soreness. If he/she prescribes a PPI medication to protect the stomach (eg omeprazole), be aware that, if taken long-term, this can also reduce the absorption of nutrients and raise the risk of fractures!
Met00 is correct you should stop taking the fosamax and contact your doctor. There is no point is putting up with discomfort. Like Met00 I was on risedronate (Actonel) and after a short time began having heartburn. I followed the directions religiously and drank lots of water and sat up. I keep taking the medicine and told my doctor. She advised me to to see my Internist about the heartburn but she was the one who prescribed the medicine in the first place. Since the heartburn was mild I kept taking the medicine with the hope that it would ease up. I took the medication for almost 11 years which was too long and the heartburn was pretty constant and kept me up at night. My doctor said I had to tough it out and my Internist was not happy with her advice. Then my insurance company longer wanted to cover the medication so the heartburn was killing me and I stopped taking it and my doctor was unhappy about it and wanted to put me on Prolia. When I saw what the side effects were I said no way. I have been off medication for nine years and have not had a dexa scan for several years so I will be doing that within the next year. I am taking a chance but at least the discomfort is pretty well gone. So see your doctor and don't put with the discomfort like I did. Hopefully, sometime they can find a medication to strengthen bones with minimal side effects.
my dr is not for oral OP medicines and he is for the shots. My dentist is only for the infusion and not the shots but he doesn’t even understand the risks. I agree there is now not any good solution except in my opinion : best supplements , variety exercise that includes weight bearing, and strontium citrate as the possible replacement for the medicine. But here many believe in extra K2 instead of strontium citrate ?
From what I understand depending on your severity, at 18 months you can break from meds and monitor your bone health to begin meds again at a later date. I anticipate coming off at the 18 to 24 month mark and monitoring.
Effects on the esophagusSimilar to all bisphosphonates, Fosamax can have effects on the esophagus. (The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.) These effects weren’t common in the drug’s clinical studies, but they can occur and may rarely be serious.Specifically, bisphosphonates such as Fosamax can cause:esophagitis (inflammation in your esophagus)ulcers in your esophagus, which may cause bleedingerosion of your esophagusholes in your esophagus or a narrowing of your esophagus, in rare casesSymptoms of these effects can include difficulty or pain with swallowing. They may also include a hoarse voice, heartburn, or chest pain.In rare situations, effects on the esophagus caused by Fosamax can be severe and require treatment in a hospital.What to doThere are some steps you can take to help prevent Fosamax from affecting your esophagus. These are listed in the table below.Things to doThings to avoid• Take your Fosamax dose as soon as you wake up, before you eat, drink, or take other medications.• Do not eat, drink (except plain water), or take other medications for at least 30 minutes after taking your Fosamax dose.• Take Fosamax tablets while sitting or standing.• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking your Fosamax dose and until you have eaten something.• Swallow Fosamax tablets whole with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces) of plain water.• Do not chew or suck on Fosamax tablets.It’s very important that you take Fosamax exactly as your doctor instructs. If you notice symptoms of esophagus problems while taking Fosamax, stop taking the medication and tell your doctor right away.Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you should continue treatment or stop taking Fosamax.
I have not taken Fosimax. It is important to avoid inflammation. Try another drug is the best thing you can do for your body.
yes same problem. Able to take med for 3 weeks and then awful. I was on short time (med) so I was able to stop. Have not decided what to take next.
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Pressure from dr to go on meds. DEXA worse every time. Severe osteoporosis on every measure. Drug side effects or risk of fractures? Arrgh!
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