@suzlaidler , I just started fosamax. I take one pill weekly first thing in the morning. Then I have to wait 30 minutes to take any other meds or food or drink other than water. I have had no side effects and I was extremely hesitant to start the drug. That's why I'm taking the weekly and as opposed to the monthly in case I would have a side effect. But I'm doing very well and hope it's doing something. It is supposed to stop any further bone loss. There are some meds that as well as stopping bone loss will create bone but they recommend the category that fosamax is in as a first line of treatment. I will be 76 in a few days. I have lost 2 in. And have had several falls one full. I fractured part of my spine and another fall I fractured my arm. I'm very concerned about the spine. I can walk and do everything but if I had another fall or if something happened I might not be able to walk. So I chose the fosamax and I hope to get a dexa scan one year after starting. Although Medicare will only pay for 2 years after starting unless the doctor advises the test which I hope she will. My suggestion is give it a try. Take the once weekly. If you have a bad reaction just stop taking it. I would hate to take a monthly pill and have a bad reaction for a month