After trying a number of Bisophonates in my 60ies [after diagnosis of Osteopenia] my OBGYN put me on Actonel. I took it with acceptable side effects. After 4 months my jaw started hurting. I explored dental and other issues until learning that jaw osteonecrosis could be a side effect. I quit all and added exercise and not even social drinking. Now in my 80ies, a fall gave me a fracture in my spine that has healed well. So, 30 years later, I am back trying to determine the best course of action. The side effects of all these drugs for Osteoporosis can, for many, lead to a decrease in the quality of life. So, can a serious fall! Both my grandmothers in their late 80ies fell, broke a bone which resulted in their deaths from pneumonia in a hospital. Read McCormicks book and be knowledgable as you discuss meds with your doctors. I'm seeing an Endocrinologist after this next DEX scan. I'm leaning towards doing nothing again as jaw osteonecrosis scares me to death. Many drugs don't leave the system quickly .....if symptoms surface. It's like Russian Roulette and a very individual decision.