Alendronate/Fosamax

[Bugosun]

Good Morning All~

Anyone using Fosamax? How Long? Any serious side effects? Any results? I just started taking because I was scared into it and have a hx of fractures. Still am uncomfortable with taking it and eventually being able to come off of it. Any input/experiences with this med will be highly appreciated. Have a Wonderful Day🌹

[ORdogmom]

So, I have a friend who was on it for about a year and a half before she started experiencing hip pain. When her doctor suggested trying to go off it for a break, the pain immediately went away.

I have been on it for about 9 months so far. So far, no issues at all. I had been afraid of GI issues because my stomach is somewhat sensitive, but no problems so far. I did have a bone marker test before starting, and then 3 months later. They indicated a sharp decline in the breaking down of bone. My numbers went from 850 down to 220.

From my understanding, there is not an issue with going off the drug, like with Prolia. The bone that gets made when using Prolia appears to be more brittle, and one needs to use Alendronate when you go off it. That is why I decided to try the Alendronate first. I figured I needed to see first if I can stomach it.

[Tulips7349 in reply to ORdogmom]

I started Fosamax Dec 2018. Had no side effects from it. I recently had to stop taking it due to up coming dental surgery. Needed to be off of it for 3 months prior to tooth extraction in Nov ( because of increased chance of osteonecrosis) No problems stopping Fosamax.

I also take supplements, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Boron, Vitamin C, (had to stop K2) and are considering collagen supplement. My numbers before I stopped Fosamax were stable.

If I didn't need the dental surgery I would still be on it until my next appointment in the spring with my endocrinologist. Hope that helps.

[Bugosun in reply to Tulips7349]

Thankyou😊 Appreciate your reply.... Have your numbers increased with the med? If so, slightly or significantly?

[Tulips7349 in reply to Bugosun]

Numbers remained stable. No significant changes that I was hoping for. At least they weren’t worse.

[Bugosun in reply to Tulips7349]

Agree, stable better than worse. I really appreciate the input. I understand everyone will respond differently but i've heard so very few comments from anyone actually on the medication, most avoid at all costs. thank you again!

[ellenb52 in reply to ORdogmom]

Glad to read your post-- 9 months on Fosamax with no issues! I'm considering it --keep putting it off.

To clarify--you had a bone density test and then another again in only 3 months? So soon? And it showed a sharp decline in breaking down of bone? Meaning your bones starting to build back up? Less chance of fracture?

So what dose of Fosamax did you take daily? When will you get a new bone density test?

And --what do numbers 850 and 220 actually mean? Thanks for any info!

[Bogart0416]

hi. I have been taking Alendronate for a little over 2 years with no side effects. I make sure to take it with a full bottle of water and then I go for my walk, so there is nothing on my stomach for at least 1 hr and this seems to be working for me. I am due for a DEXA in the next couple of months. It is very challenging to find something that you are comfortable taking if that is the route you choose to take. I also take 1000 IUs of vitamin D along with K2.. I make sure to get at least 1200 mg of calcium each day with at least half of that being from food. Good luck to you.

[ellenb52 in reply to Bogart0416]

So You take alendronate with full bottle of water-- no tea or coffee in a.m. , then go for walk?How long do you actually walk-- with no food 1st? And nothing to eat for 1 hour. Then finally breakfast when come home?

I had read you can sit up, but not eat for a while after taking Fosamax.

[Bogart0416 in reply to ellenb52]

Yes to all your questions. I take my pill Wednesday mornings. So as soon as I get up I’m on my feet, I drink a bottle of water with the pill, brush my teeth do all the morning stuff, get dressed and put on my sneakers go out the door and walk for a 1/2 or more. I just make sure that I’m up right after I’ve taken the pill for at least a 1/2 hr or more. This routine has worked for me and I have not had any problems with Alendronate. If for any reason, I’m unable to do Wednesday morning, then I do Thursday morning.

[Bugosun in reply to Bogart0416]

thankyou! i pretty much follow the same routine. appreciate your time in responding.

[corw314 in reply to Bogart0416]

Do you take it once a week? I have not started medication yet as I am still researching. My Dr. wanted me to start 10mg daily. Fosomax.

[Bugosun in reply to corw314]

Hi, I'm taking once a week 70mg. i didn't know you could take daily. I prefer the once a week myself. I've been on it for 3 weeks now. So far so good. I still am not sure that i really want to be on medication, but my Dr stated was necessary due to my scores and I've had a few fractures already. I kind of felt like at my stage the risk of meds was worth it and not an option not to do something. I put it off for years, maybe i wouldn't have had the last fractures if i had started on the meds sooner. Everyone has to make their own decisions after researching the options available. Best of luck to you whatever you decide.🙂

[Bugosun in reply to ellenb52]

Good Morning, yes do take first thing in the morning with water and no food. and also go for a walk at that time. thank you for your reply.

[Bugosun]

Thank you and best of luck to you as well...

[Illusive_Dragon]

I took Fosomax for a few months ...until I got GERD. I felt like something was always stuck in my esophagus. Had an endoscopy. Didn't find anything. Put me on Omeprazole. Now I'm off both. Didn't like it.