what is your experience with fosamax?

As this is only my 3rd week on fosamax, I have had heartburn but just on the day I take it. I follow the directions, drink plenty of water and stay in the upright position for more than 1 hour before eating or drinking anything. I wonder if I should be concerned, but as I said it has only happened on the day of my dosage .

I have had my share of negatives while on Fosamax. I have IBS and Fosamax has made my intestinal issues a lot more sensitive than before taking this medication. I have learned what I can and cannot tolerate while on Fosamax and avoid those foods. Usually I am very tired the day I take the dose but feel better the next day. Here is my dilemma. I already have had a year on Evenity and needed a new med after the 12 month course. After learning about possible side effects of Prolia and Reclast, I just could not take the chance. I am 75 years old and am afraid my remaining years could be devastating with the possible side effects of these drugs that stay in your system for an extended period of time. At least with Fosamax, you can stop the drug at any time. I am not thrilled with Fosamax but the way I see it, all osteoporosis drugs have theirs cons so which of all these is best for your situation? Too bad a safer medication with less severe possible side effects is not available.

@inlimbo reading your post raises this thought: Are you looking at the balance and absorption of nutrients? Also, if you consume alcohol, that adds to the problems related to bone health. Any alcohol! (Yikes!) There are many factors to look at that may include medications. Medications should not be the first course of action. Fosomax takes calcium out of bone to put it somewhere else does not address why the body is not producing/eliminating bone material (osteoblasts and osteoclasts).

@hmbrglr I am on Fosomax and very unsure if it is the right drug. It has way too many downsides!! Am interested in experiences from others.

@nannygoat5I take an over the counter for bone loss and after a few months I no longer have osteoarthritis ..

@inlimbo reading your post raises this thought: Are you looking at the balance and absorption of nutrients? Also, if you consume alcohol, that adds to the problems related to bone health. Any alcohol! (Yikes!) There are many factors to look at that may include medications. Medications should not be the first course of action. Fosomax takes calcium out of bone to put it somewhere else does not address why the body is not producing/eliminating bone material (osteoblasts and osteoclasts).

@annshrader I'm a military vet who was exposed to an unknown toxin in 1990. My health has been changed since then. I don't drink or do drugs or smoke. All of what you shared I already know. I have horrid gut issues with malabsorption to boot. GERD, malabsorption and roseacea which began after beginning Fosomax. along with other problems I don't care to discuss here.
I don't fit ANY textbook medical diagnoses at all. In fact, whatever I was exposed to has mimicked so many conditons and has done so for weeks and/or months then can just go away on its own. Some things however, have chosen to take up permanent residence in my body. Most if not all doctors get that deer in the headlights look if I mention anything about what happened to me so these days I typically don't. For 36 years now, I get more results from doing my own research and trial and error. I've spent a small fortune on supplements and regimens over the years I've spent copious amounts of time researching and am well versed in medical jargon for a layperson. I've resigned myself to the fact that I'm stuck with whatever was done to me for life. Osteoporosis did not go away and even though I have done everything I should be doing, it did not help my bones. ALL courtesy uncle sam. More MALE military vets now get diagnosed with osteoporosis. All of us vets have one thing in common which I won't share here because the MIC is in denial about it. Nuff said.

I have had my share of negatives while on Fosamax. I have IBS and Fosamax has made my intestinal issues a lot more sensitive than before taking this medication. I have learned what I can and cannot tolerate while on Fosamax and avoid those foods. Usually I am very tired the day I take the dose but feel better the next day. Here is my dilemma. I already have had a year on Evenity and needed a new med after the 12 month course. After learning about possible side effects of Prolia and Reclast, I just could not take the chance. I am 75 years old and am afraid my remaining years could be devastating with the possible side effects of these drugs that stay in your system for an extended period of time. At least with Fosamax, you can stop the drug at any time. I am not thrilled with Fosamax but the way I see it, all osteoporosis drugs have theirs cons so which of all these is best for your situation? Too bad a safer medication with less severe possible side effects is not available.

@susanew Although you can stop taking Fosamax at any time, it's important to know the following:
Half-Life of Fosamax: The elimination half-life of Fosamax, which contains the active ingredient alendronate sodium, is approximately 126 months. This extended half-life indicates that the drug remains in the body for a significant duration after it is taken.
Implications of the Half-Life: Long-Term Effects: Due to its long half-life, Fosamax can continue to exert its effects on bone metabolism long after the last dose is administered.

@daisy17 I am not worried about half life. I would stop because of the side effects and how I felt when taking the meds. Please read reactions to Reclast infusions. I even joined a Facebook group to learn more about Reclast side effects with so many negative posts. I realize that some do not suffer extreme side effects but many do. At my age, I do not want to chance that I may be the unlucky one living with severe side effects. And Prolia, once you start taking it, impossible to stop with also bad side effects reported. Not too many great choices in Osteoporosis therapy.