Has anyone used Fosamax for bone health and did it help?

First, is your osteoporosis connected to loss of hormones during and after menopause? Have you been tested for hormone level and for other possible causes? What does "in a bone" mean? What are your dexa scores? Having this may help you and members here explore possible approaches that you might talk with you doc about. There is lots of great info here and elsewhere so that you can do your own research. Many of us here have found that the more information we have will allow us to be advocates for good and informed treatment planning. Is your doctor your PCP or an endocrinologist? How much training and experience do they have in treating osteoporosis?

Hi, I was diagnosed with mild osteoporosis in my spine in my mid-60s. My PCP prescribed Boniva which is similar to Fosamax. I couldn't tolerate it due to GI issues. I stopped it and relied only on a calcium/Vit D/mineral supplement for a year. My next Dexa scan showed a significant deterioration. At that point my PCP recommended a rheumatologist who tested me for various possible causes of the osteoporosis (for example, celiac disease can be a factor). She started me on Evenity because it was at the "severe" point. She said she wouldn't choose this drug for mild osteoporosis.

I feel I made a mistake not being more proactive when I was first diagnosed and seeing a specialist right away. Waiting a year was a mistake because in the meantime I got significantly worse. As I understand it, supplements and HRT do not rebuild bone but only maintain what's there. My friend has mild osteoporosis in her hip and has been able to stay stable with calcium foods and supplements (that is, she's not worsening).

Menopause is one big cause of osteoporosis and/or osteopenia. Once diagnosed, it is important to make sure you get enough calcium daily as well as incorporate weight bearing exercises to help improve osteoporosis.
A test that is better than dexascans is the REMS. Comparing dexascans requires doing the test on the same maching - Why? because these machines are manufatured by different companies.
My doctor recommended the REMS - a new test out there so you may need to hunt one down in your area or somewhere near you. What I loved about the REMS is that it also gives your fracture risk. And again, I was told that adding calcium rich foods into my daily diet and weight bearing exercises are critical to increasing bone density. I purchased a weight bearing vest I wear when I walk. I also purchased ankle weights that I use when I walk. Both can be purchased on Amazon.

@followheart87 thank you very much for your thorough and honest opinion. I guess I need to get back on a medicine track. I am on the plan of trying supplements and diet, but based on your experience, it sounds like improvement is hit or miss and degradation is likely.

@gigi4 thank you. I will try your suggestions. Truly appreciate it.

@gravity3 I will get some of the information. I don’t know what is driving the osteoporosis, hormones, lack of vitamins, or getting older. My calcium levels are high on tests. I take vitamin D since it is always low. I have a supplement with zinc, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium designed to strengthen bones. My doctor is a PCP and my confidence is low that he is focused on my particular numbers versus prescribing a pill for the generic symptoms. I will post more info soon.

It didn’t help me and. Gave me horrible GERD.

@bswpb thank you for your reply. I appreciate you sharing.

No problem. It’s hard to say how you would do with it. Maybe you wouldn’t have bad side effects.

What is your DEXA score in your spine? I've read you should avoid twisting movements, which is why I quit golfing as my DEXA is worst in my spine.

I declined Fosamax after reading articles that said bisphosphonates offered minimal benefits as far as fracture prevention. Bisphosphonates slow down the loss of bone but also slow down the formation of new bone. Your DEXA may appear better, but you could have older, more brittle bones. My doctor does not agree with this, but respect my decision to refuse the medication. Here are some articles that may be of interest.

https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(24)00101-3/fulltext
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/04/popular-osteoporosis-drugs-come-with-mounting-concerns/index.htm
If you decide to go ahead with the Fosamax, but are concerned about side effects, my Endocrinologist offered me a prescription for 1/2 the normal dose, which he said would still be effective. You could try that and if you don't have side effects, then consider the normal dose which I believe is 70-75mg/week.

It sounds like you are already physically active, but check out Brick House Bones on Facebook for great free exercise videos by a PT who specialized in osteoporosis. Also, search this support group and read about studies showing high doses of Vitamin K in the forms of MK-4 and MK-7 have been shown helpful when taken with calcium supplements, to direct the calcium to your bones. Boron is good and it's suggested to eat 5-6 prunes a day to add boron to your diet. Also, collagen supplements containing Fortibone have been shown to help with BMD.