I took fosamax for the recommended limit of 5 years, no apparent side effects at the time. A couple of years after I stopped taking it, I found that I had developed osteonecrosis in my jaw. It's not a common side effect, but it does happen. Like you said, it's like being between a rock and a hard place.
Evidently there's not much to do for osteonecrosis, according to my oral surgeon. I've had follow-up scans since I was diagnosed, and it hasn't changed in a few years. The oral surgeon said it probably won't change unless I get back on biophosphonate type drugs, like fosamax.
It's a small area of necrosis - I only discovered it because I had a sore on my gum that didn't heal. (This was after I had been off of fosamax for a couple of years.) I was eventually sent to an oral surgeon who did a scan and saw the necrosis. The sore on my gum healed on its own after a few months.
I completely freaked out when I googled "osteonecrosis", but the oral surgeon was very reassuring that what I found on google isn't necessarily me. And now that the necrosis has not gotten worse, I'm not as freaked out as I was. The oral surgeon said that I need to avoid things like dental implants, since the jaw probably won't heal if it's injured. At baseball games, I definitely don't sit where I can get hit by a line drive!
The fosamax did help my osteopenia/osteoporosis for several years after taking it, but I'm having bone loss again and recently started Tymlos, which is bone-building so it shouldn't cause further osteonecrosis.
Evidently there's not much to do for osteonecrosis, according to my oral surgeon. I've had follow-up scans since I was diagnosed, and it hasn't changed in a few years. The oral surgeon said it probably won't change unless I get back on biophosphonate type drugs, like fosamax.
It's a small area of necrosis - I only discovered it because I had a sore on my gum that didn't heal. (This was after I had been off of fosamax for a couple of years.) I was eventually sent to an oral surgeon who did a scan and saw the necrosis. The sore on my gum healed on its own after a few months.
I completely freaked out when I googled "osteonecrosis", but the oral surgeon was very reassuring that what I found on google isn't necessarily me. And now that the necrosis has not gotten worse, I'm not as freaked out as I was. The oral surgeon said that I need to avoid things like dental implants, since the jaw probably won't heal if it's injured. At baseball games, I definitely don't sit where I can get hit by a line drive!
The fosamax did help my osteopenia/osteoporosis for several years after taking it, but I'm having bone loss again and recently started Tymlos, which is bone-building so it shouldn't cause further osteonecrosis.
Forteo is prescribed for osteonecrosis. I suspect the Tymlos will heal the lesion, since they are similar drugs. It's a god rule about baseball games, anyway. But I'd bet you could get implants after a couple of years on Tymlos.
I took Fosamax for about 2 years. It was, for me, an increasingly wretched experience. Indigestion was minor, but annoying. Flatulence and diarrhea were got worse with time. The "bone" it supposedly grew was not really bone at all -- more of a calcium deposit masquerading as bone and doing no functional good. I had diarrhea off and on throughout, but especially on the day I took it and the day following. It (the diarrhea) got increasingly unmanageable and eventually explosive. The final straw was being (alone, fortunately) in a large lobby outside a college auditorium I was about to enter. What felt like it would be a small fart to relieve gas pressure instead filled my pantyhose with an explosive and completely uncontrollable amount of diarrhea and sent me scurrying to a restroom for a major and embarrassing cleanup effort. No more Fosamax for me, ever. And if I can dissuade you, so much the better. Nasty drug!
I see this Comment was made in 2016, but wow....it kind of scares me. I have a new Dr., he sent me for a bone density (hadn't had one in 6 yrs.) and right off the bat, prescribed Fosamax...70 mg, a once-a-week pill. When I read the warnings and possible side-effects on the read-out that came with it, I almost panicked. I see a cardiologist next Thurs., so am putting off taking this for right now. LOL enough to worry about. This is a great site, though...and I can get some good info. from it. I'm so sorry that you went through all of that, but thank you so much for letting us know your experience. I'm just kind of 'in limbo' right now...I need to find out more. I have read about it on the Internet...and mostly BAD. Geez....it's always something. 🙁
Evidently there's not much to do for osteonecrosis, according to my oral surgeon. I've had follow-up scans since I was diagnosed, and it hasn't changed in a few years. The oral surgeon said it probably won't change unless I get back on biophosphonate type drugs, like fosamax.
It's a small area of necrosis - I only discovered it because I had a sore on my gum that didn't heal. (This was after I had been off of fosamax for a couple of years.) I was eventually sent to an oral surgeon who did a scan and saw the necrosis. The sore on my gum healed on its own after a few months.
I completely freaked out when I googled "osteonecrosis", but the oral surgeon was very reassuring that what I found on google isn't necessarily me. And now that the necrosis has not gotten worse, I'm not as freaked out as I was. The oral surgeon said that I need to avoid things like dental implants, since the jaw probably won't heal if it's injured. At baseball games, I definitely don't sit where I can get hit by a line drive!
The fosamax did help my osteopenia/osteoporosis for several years after taking it, but I'm having bone loss again and recently started Tymlos, which is bone-building so it shouldn't cause further osteonecrosis.
I'm trying to find out as much about Fosamax as I can. I've had Osteoporosis for some yrs. now, no problems, but a new Dr. just prescribed this med. It's 70 mg., a once-a-week pill. Picked it up today. Read the insert...OMG, I freaked....the side-effects and warnings just about blew me away. I am supposed to have oral surgery...a complete bridge on the lower left side, which also includes an implant....I have no pain, though....so have put it off. I was told I needed this in Nov., 2023. They said approx. $15,000, minus what my ins. may cover...ugh. (let it go.....too close to Christmas....and maybe I don't need it, anyway?) But after I learned this can compromise the jaw bone...I was like, no way. Now I'M between a rock & a hard place. I take D3, Boron, Super K (K1, and 2 kinds of K2, which are in ea. vitamin), Magnesium and today I started taking Positive 'Super Silca', supposed to help with bone density, among other things...I just hope it helps! I suppose I should take calcium, as I don't get as much as I should through food. If anyone takes calcium, which kind do you take? I read that the 'citrate' is absorbed better, but is that true? Has anyone just refused to take a medicine like this (the Fosamax), where so many have had awful experiences with it? It really scares me. God....can't we get older and just have things easier lol? I guess getting old ain't for sissies?? Trying to do my best....I just don't really know what to do.....
I see this Comment was made in 2016, but wow....it kind of scares me. I have a new Dr., he sent me for a bone density (hadn't had one in 6 yrs.) and right off the bat, prescribed Fosamax...70 mg, a once-a-week pill. When I read the warnings and possible side-effects on the read-out that came with it, I almost panicked. I see a cardiologist next Thurs., so am putting off taking this for right now. LOL enough to worry about. This is a great site, though...and I can get some good info. from it. I'm so sorry that you went through all of that, but thank you so much for letting us know your experience. I'm just kind of 'in limbo' right now...I need to find out more. I have read about it on the Internet...and mostly BAD. Geez....it's always something. 🙁
Good evening @monica1234. My oh my, you are experiencing the radical differences from patient to patient on the subject of osteoporosis. It seems to be a frequent issue with this group as we all search for the best medication possible to ensure our bone health as we age.
I read about your experience with Fosmax histories. I will admit that I too was frightened when my new endocrinologist reviewed my experiences with Boniva (bad) Tymlos (excellent), and Prolia, (scary). He then recommended Fosamax and I felt my resistance rising up. However, I agreed to give it a try. That was almost 2 years ago and I have never had any problem with the medication. What it did was reduce the amount of medication I had in my body to one week instead of six months. That long length of half-life was more than my body could sustain.
Therefore the weekly Fosamax gives me just enough medication for what my body can handle. One hint for you.....please remember to take it first thing in the morning before breakfast with 5 or 6 oz of water. Then sit up straight and quietly think beautiful thoughts for 30 minutes. You may find out as I did that the scary reports you have read may be because of how folks take the medication, not the medication itself.
Good luck to you with your selection process.
May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris
I think the results vary from Individual to individual as they do with any medication. The thing about Fosamax is that it has some history. The side effects aren't as severe as with some of the other medications. I get the impression that doctors start a lot of their patients out on Fosamax. I think it's a good idea to start on Fosamax. It will slow bone loss. It's harder to catch up once a bone loss has gotten worse
Thank you!! This is the first positive thing I have read about Fosamax...I am scared to death to take it. Have had osteoporosis for a while...but a new Dr. just put me on it. It's the once-a-week 70 mg. pill, picked up the prescription today. I've had no problems, though...and had a hip-replacement March of 2023, no problems there. (lol except pain...but NOW I'm glad I gave in & had it done) Anyway, I'm messaging my Dr. (Unity Point 'My Chart') to first ask what my T-Score on my test was, last week....I have to go in Mon. & have a new bone density test done (have no idea WHY), plus the lab to check my D3. I'm afraid of the jaw damage...was supposed to have had oral surgery back in Nov., but nothing bothers me and I put it off. (the $15,000 threw me!) It all feels fine...but anyway, is Fosamax a milder medicine for osteoporosis or what? I need to get over this fear. I have the cardiologist next Thurs., geez I'm like....please, one Dr. at a time lol! I'll wait until after I see the cardiologist.....then think about the Fosamax I have sitting here. I have enough for 3 months. I do wish everyone well...and I thank everyone for their input on everything...it helps me!
Good evening @monica1234. My oh my, you are experiencing the radical differences from patient to patient on the subject of osteoporosis. It seems to be a frequent issue with this group as we all search for the best medication possible to ensure our bone health as we age.
I read about your experience with Fosmax histories. I will admit that I too was frightened when my new endocrinologist reviewed my experiences with Boniva (bad) Tymlos (excellent), and Prolia, (scary). He then recommended Fosamax and I felt my resistance rising up. However, I agreed to give it a try. That was almost 2 years ago and I have never had any problem with the medication. What it did was reduce the amount of medication I had in my body to one week instead of six months. That long length of half-life was more than my body could sustain.
Therefore the weekly Fosamax gives me just enough medication for what my body can handle. One hint for you.....please remember to take it first thing in the morning before breakfast with 5 or 6 oz of water. Then sit up straight and quietly think beautiful thoughts for 30 minutes. You may find out as I did that the scary reports you have read may be because of how folks take the medication, not the medication itself.
Good luck to you with your selection process.
May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris
OMG, Chris....THANK YOU! LOL I think my panic is lessening...it first started when I read the info. that came with it....then different stories about it on the Internet. I do know I can only take it for so long....then the benefits stop? I wish it could 'grow' new bone, but I guess if it helps stop more damage to the old bone, that's something to be glad about? I guess too many things have happened too quickly here...family deaths (worst was my 18 yr. old grandson, such a sweet boy, loved him so much), now new meds from a new Dr., and an ailing husband...but I will make it! Thank you so much, lol the more I hear positive things, the better I feel. I know, of course, many will have side-effects from meds, and it's a good thing that they let us know what they are going through....or HAVE been through, I appreciate all of that. I feel bad for them and wish the best for everyone. We all deal with our issues, I guess....and sometimes I feel like I'm just muddling through. I WANT to be healthy....but getting older, things just sometimes crop up & lol I don't want that! I tell myself it could always be worse and I know that it could be. Sending a huge thank you and a hug, too...I appreciate your response so much! < 3
Thank you!! This is the first positive thing I have read about Fosamax...I am scared to death to take it. Have had osteoporosis for a while...but a new Dr. just put me on it. It's the once-a-week 70 mg. pill, picked up the prescription today. I've had no problems, though...and had a hip-replacement March of 2023, no problems there. (lol except pain...but NOW I'm glad I gave in & had it done) Anyway, I'm messaging my Dr. (Unity Point 'My Chart') to first ask what my T-Score on my test was, last week....I have to go in Mon. & have a new bone density test done (have no idea WHY), plus the lab to check my D3. I'm afraid of the jaw damage...was supposed to have had oral surgery back in Nov., but nothing bothers me and I put it off. (the $15,000 threw me!) It all feels fine...but anyway, is Fosamax a milder medicine for osteoporosis or what? I need to get over this fear. I have the cardiologist next Thurs., geez I'm like....please, one Dr. at a time lol! I'll wait until after I see the cardiologist.....then think about the Fosamax I have sitting here. I have enough for 3 months. I do wish everyone well...and I thank everyone for their input on everything...it helps me!
I was scared to take it too. I have been on Fosomax 2 years now as prescribed. So far worst thing about it is having to wait the 30 minutes before I can have my coffee. But I utilize that time for standing chores.
As far as supplements ( wish I had started them sooner) I take Nature Made ( only ones USP Certified for ingredients) - D3, calcium, and K-2 the type that’s MK-7 form for better absorption supposively. Next DEXA in a couple years, fingers crossed no worse.
As far as teeth my jaw bone couldn’t handle the implant so I just got the total bridge, not worth the risk and expense at my age. And after what happened to my husband I’d never do it if any question on bones ability to handle an implant. My husbands failed after bone graft and anchor migrated up to his sinus cavity requiring a major surgery with residual damage.
I was scared to take it too. I have been on Fosomax 2 years now as prescribed. So far worst thing about it is having to wait the 30 minutes before I can have my coffee. But I utilize that time for standing chores.
As far as supplements ( wish I had started them sooner) I take Nature Made ( only ones USP Certified for ingredients) - D3, calcium, and K-2 the type that’s MK-7 form for better absorption supposively. Next DEXA in a couple years, fingers crossed no worse.
As far as teeth my jaw bone couldn’t handle the implant so I just got the total bridge, not worth the risk and expense at my age. And after what happened to my husband I’d never do it if any question on bones ability to handle an implant. My husbands failed after bone graft and anchor migrated up to his sinus cavity requiring a major surgery with residual damage.
Oh my goodness...your poor husband...he went through hell! I feel so bad for him. I hope he is feeling better by now. That's just AWFUL. I guess if I have to do it, I wouldn't get the 2 implants they said I'd have to do....plus whatever they'd do to make a bridge for 3 teeth....my one is a real tooth. They said MAYBE they could saw (yes,,,,ugh) the bridge and maybe save the one tooth....but it all sounds like a mess to me.....at my age, I don't need that. I guess...if I end up getting it, I'll go for the bridge, too. Also, thank you so much for all the information on the Fosomax. I really appreciate it. I was going to take the first today (Sunday), but am going to wait till next Sunday. The one supplement I wasn't taking was calcium, took it for many yrs., then read about how it may harm your heart....yrs. ago, so I stopped (that news scared me) and hoped I'd get enough through food, drink, etc., but didn't. I ordered Calcium (Standard Process) on Amazon last night. I guess better late than never? Not sure. I'm trying, though. My worst pain has been in the right side of my neck.....sometimes excruciating, other times bearable. I dug out the last bone density test I had (2017).....the worst T-score was in my neck... -3.0. Maybe I should have taken something sooner? I was scared & my Dr. (she's retired now, just loved her) left it up to me, but gave me the options. I was hoping I could improve things on my own. They didn't give me my T-scores this time, I left a message at the Dr's. office, asking for them. I always get copies...will need to ask for one from them. Thank you so much!!
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What did they do for your jaw necrosis ?
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1 ReactionEvidently there's not much to do for osteonecrosis, according to my oral surgeon. I've had follow-up scans since I was diagnosed, and it hasn't changed in a few years. The oral surgeon said it probably won't change unless I get back on biophosphonate type drugs, like fosamax.
It's a small area of necrosis - I only discovered it because I had a sore on my gum that didn't heal. (This was after I had been off of fosamax for a couple of years.) I was eventually sent to an oral surgeon who did a scan and saw the necrosis. The sore on my gum healed on its own after a few months.
I completely freaked out when I googled "osteonecrosis", but the oral surgeon was very reassuring that what I found on google isn't necessarily me. And now that the necrosis has not gotten worse, I'm not as freaked out as I was. The oral surgeon said that I need to avoid things like dental implants, since the jaw probably won't heal if it's injured. At baseball games, I definitely don't sit where I can get hit by a line drive!
The fosamax did help my osteopenia/osteoporosis for several years after taking it, but I'm having bone loss again and recently started Tymlos, which is bone-building so it shouldn't cause further osteonecrosis.
-
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Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsForteo is prescribed for osteonecrosis. I suspect the Tymlos will heal the lesion, since they are similar drugs. It's a god rule about baseball games, anyway. But I'd bet you could get implants after a couple of years on Tymlos.
I see this Comment was made in 2016, but wow....it kind of scares me. I have a new Dr., he sent me for a bone density (hadn't had one in 6 yrs.) and right off the bat, prescribed Fosamax...70 mg, a once-a-week pill. When I read the warnings and possible side-effects on the read-out that came with it, I almost panicked. I see a cardiologist next Thurs., so am putting off taking this for right now. LOL enough to worry about. This is a great site, though...and I can get some good info. from it. I'm so sorry that you went through all of that, but thank you so much for letting us know your experience. I'm just kind of 'in limbo' right now...I need to find out more. I have read about it on the Internet...and mostly BAD. Geez....it's always something. 🙁
I'm trying to find out as much about Fosamax as I can. I've had Osteoporosis for some yrs. now, no problems, but a new Dr. just prescribed this med. It's 70 mg., a once-a-week pill. Picked it up today. Read the insert...OMG, I freaked....the side-effects and warnings just about blew me away. I am supposed to have oral surgery...a complete bridge on the lower left side, which also includes an implant....I have no pain, though....so have put it off. I was told I needed this in Nov., 2023. They said approx. $15,000, minus what my ins. may cover...ugh. (let it go.....too close to Christmas....and maybe I don't need it, anyway?) But after I learned this can compromise the jaw bone...I was like, no way. Now I'M between a rock & a hard place. I take D3, Boron, Super K (K1, and 2 kinds of K2, which are in ea. vitamin), Magnesium and today I started taking Positive 'Super Silca', supposed to help with bone density, among other things...I just hope it helps! I suppose I should take calcium, as I don't get as much as I should through food. If anyone takes calcium, which kind do you take? I read that the 'citrate' is absorbed better, but is that true? Has anyone just refused to take a medicine like this (the Fosamax), where so many have had awful experiences with it? It really scares me. God....can't we get older and just have things easier lol? I guess getting old ain't for sissies?? Trying to do my best....I just don't really know what to do.....
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Hug
1 ReactionGood evening @monica1234. My oh my, you are experiencing the radical differences from patient to patient on the subject of osteoporosis. It seems to be a frequent issue with this group as we all search for the best medication possible to ensure our bone health as we age.
I read about your experience with Fosmax histories. I will admit that I too was frightened when my new endocrinologist reviewed my experiences with Boniva (bad) Tymlos (excellent), and Prolia, (scary). He then recommended Fosamax and I felt my resistance rising up. However, I agreed to give it a try. That was almost 2 years ago and I have never had any problem with the medication. What it did was reduce the amount of medication I had in my body to one week instead of six months. That long length of half-life was more than my body could sustain.
Therefore the weekly Fosamax gives me just enough medication for what my body can handle. One hint for you.....please remember to take it first thing in the morning before breakfast with 5 or 6 oz of water. Then sit up straight and quietly think beautiful thoughts for 30 minutes. You may find out as I did that the scary reports you have read may be because of how folks take the medication, not the medication itself.
Good luck to you with your selection process.
May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThank you!! This is the first positive thing I have read about Fosamax...I am scared to death to take it. Have had osteoporosis for a while...but a new Dr. just put me on it. It's the once-a-week 70 mg. pill, picked up the prescription today. I've had no problems, though...and had a hip-replacement March of 2023, no problems there. (lol except pain...but NOW I'm glad I gave in & had it done) Anyway, I'm messaging my Dr. (Unity Point 'My Chart') to first ask what my T-Score on my test was, last week....I have to go in Mon. & have a new bone density test done (have no idea WHY), plus the lab to check my D3. I'm afraid of the jaw damage...was supposed to have had oral surgery back in Nov., but nothing bothers me and I put it off. (the $15,000 threw me!) It all feels fine...but anyway, is Fosamax a milder medicine for osteoporosis or what? I need to get over this fear. I have the cardiologist next Thurs., geez I'm like....please, one Dr. at a time lol! I'll wait until after I see the cardiologist.....then think about the Fosamax I have sitting here. I have enough for 3 months. I do wish everyone well...and I thank everyone for their input on everything...it helps me!
OMG, Chris....THANK YOU! LOL I think my panic is lessening...it first started when I read the info. that came with it....then different stories about it on the Internet. I do know I can only take it for so long....then the benefits stop? I wish it could 'grow' new bone, but I guess if it helps stop more damage to the old bone, that's something to be glad about? I guess too many things have happened too quickly here...family deaths (worst was my 18 yr. old grandson, such a sweet boy, loved him so much), now new meds from a new Dr., and an ailing husband...but I will make it! Thank you so much, lol the more I hear positive things, the better I feel. I know, of course, many will have side-effects from meds, and it's a good thing that they let us know what they are going through....or HAVE been through, I appreciate all of that. I feel bad for them and wish the best for everyone. We all deal with our issues, I guess....and sometimes I feel like I'm just muddling through. I WANT to be healthy....but getting older, things just sometimes crop up & lol I don't want that! I tell myself it could always be worse and I know that it could be. Sending a huge thank you and a hug, too...I appreciate your response so much! < 3
I was scared to take it too. I have been on Fosomax 2 years now as prescribed. So far worst thing about it is having to wait the 30 minutes before I can have my coffee. But I utilize that time for standing chores.
As far as supplements ( wish I had started them sooner) I take Nature Made ( only ones USP Certified for ingredients) - D3, calcium, and K-2 the type that’s MK-7 form for better absorption supposively. Next DEXA in a couple years, fingers crossed no worse.
As far as teeth my jaw bone couldn’t handle the implant so I just got the total bridge, not worth the risk and expense at my age. And after what happened to my husband I’d never do it if any question on bones ability to handle an implant. My husbands failed after bone graft and anchor migrated up to his sinus cavity requiring a major surgery with residual damage.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsOh my goodness...your poor husband...he went through hell! I feel so bad for him. I hope he is feeling better by now. That's just AWFUL. I guess if I have to do it, I wouldn't get the 2 implants they said I'd have to do....plus whatever they'd do to make a bridge for 3 teeth....my one is a real tooth. They said MAYBE they could saw (yes,,,,ugh) the bridge and maybe save the one tooth....but it all sounds like a mess to me.....at my age, I don't need that. I guess...if I end up getting it, I'll go for the bridge, too. Also, thank you so much for all the information on the Fosomax. I really appreciate it. I was going to take the first today (Sunday), but am going to wait till next Sunday. The one supplement I wasn't taking was calcium, took it for many yrs., then read about how it may harm your heart....yrs. ago, so I stopped (that news scared me) and hoped I'd get enough through food, drink, etc., but didn't. I ordered Calcium (Standard Process) on Amazon last night. I guess better late than never? Not sure. I'm trying, though. My worst pain has been in the right side of my neck.....sometimes excruciating, other times bearable. I dug out the last bone density test I had (2017).....the worst T-score was in my neck... -3.0. Maybe I should have taken something sooner? I was scared & my Dr. (she's retired now, just loved her) left it up to me, but gave me the options. I was hoping I could improve things on my own. They didn't give me my T-scores this time, I left a message at the Dr's. office, asking for them. I always get copies...will need to ask for one from them. Thank you so much!!