Fosamax did work for me; but not a lot - about a 4% increase in areas; femur stayed the same at -3.5 - my worst number. So doc put me on Reclast. Fosamax caused a lot of bone pain, also started having more stomach issues (IBS the only health issue I have so not a surprise got worse), and I started having heartburn (which my husband had to tell me what that is about as I never knew what heartburn felt like!). Side effects not life altering but really annoying. I've also had bone pain (sometimes severe) while on Reclast; finally, 10 months later it seems to be dissipating. Again, not life altering.