Would like to know people's experience using Fosamax

Hi....wow, this scared me.....and oh my goodness, your poor mom!! I have some people telling me how 'good' Fosamax is.....how 'bad' it is....and SOME, that I'm just not very 'smart' for not taking it. That's all o.k.! To be honest, I am so confused about it....all I have READ in medical reviews on it is that it IS bad....sure, your next scan may show an improvement (or not), the 'number' may be a better one, but what I read was that your bones are not actually more dense....or stronger, but that they are made harder and more brittle with Fosamax, and the article also stated that after being on Fosamax, a person's bones were MORE likely to break or fracture, than NOT taking it. So.....I am still just putting it off. Am I taking my chances? I guess I am....I look at those boxes of Fosamax every night, sitting on my dresser, before I go to bed. I don't want to worry. I am now waiting to be scheduled for another open-heart surgery...to repair a leaky valve. I've had to do my OWN research on that, too....they wanted me to go to The Cleveland Heart Institute in Ohio or Northwestern Hospital in Chicago at FIRST....then mentioned Mayo Clinic in Rochester....for a 'full-on' open heart....I finally asked why I could not have a mitral clip instead, to stop the leaking blood...minimally invasive, so now I am waiting to hear from another hospital...he kind of 'frowned' on that one, University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa...I have researched them ALL & the Drs. they mentioned....I'm not sure if I should go there (it's only about 60 miles from here)....but he did as I asked, sent my medical records to them. They ARE the first hospital in Iowa that started using mitral clips...and for decades it stated....so I hope I am a 'candidate' & can have it done & over with. Didn't mean to get on THIS subject. Just seems like life is always throwing SOMETHING at us lol! Seems like we are always having to make one kind of medical decision or another....and hoping that our decision is wise. Well, I have my 18 yr. old Cocker Spaniel to carry outside, to see if she'll 'do anything'.....you all have a nice evening now....stay safe and hopefully happy! < 3

I know this comment was almost a year ago but did the diarrhea finally clear up? I only took 2 doses of fosamax but got diarrhea so stopped. Imodium AD helps and watching what I eat but as soon as I eat anything "normal" the diarrhea comes back. Did yours finally stop? How long did it take?

Fosamax (alendronate) is commonly used to treat and prevent osteoporosis, with many users reporting improved bone density and the convenience of a once-weekly dose. However, it can cause gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain and heartburn, as well as bone, joint, or muscle pain in some cases. Rare side effects include osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures. It's crucial to follow dosing instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare provider about any side effects to maximize the benefits and minimize risks.

I was very afraid to start this but of all the options I finally decided to go with it. Because fractures are not something I want to get!

It has been 6 months and -- virtually no side effects. My doctor did recommend taking something like Pepsid a bit more often to reduce the possible digestive upsets. I do take one the night before and occasionally some other stomach soothing over-the-counter product.....have no idea if it helps but I have been ok.....and although I have no idea if Fosamax is doing anything positive,at least it hasn't been a negative.....

Understand and appreciate your concern...

How are you doing since your comment here from Nov 2023, has your pain level improved? Do you think your pain is from Fosamax, or your back surgery? I was just prescribed Fosamax but haven't started taking it yet, kind of scared to. Thanks.

Can you provide an update from your Jan 2023 post? Did you continue taking Fosamax for 6 months?

never had problems with Fosamax ….. wish 5 years after surgery did as well as I’d hoped.

Still in a lot of pain as pelvis to above shoulder blades is as far as they got in 8.5 hrs. tailbone & neck really hurts now. No pain meds either, so try to sleep with ice where it hurts.

Did the side effects from Fosamax finally clear up, such as the diarrhea? I was prescribed this med but am afraid to start taking it. Thanks.

I stopped after 2 doses. Bad diarrhea and back pain. Now I'm on Forteo. I've had 9 doses so far and no problems. Not everyone has side effects. I'm just an unlucky one.

Also, still having bouts of heartburn and diarrhea. Not sure what's going on.