Fosamax for Osteopenia

Posted by cwal @cwal, Dec 7, 2025

Has anyone had any major issues or side effects taking Fosamax for Osteopenia? I've reached the point in my osteopenia where I need to start taking something and was wondering how common it was to have problems with the most common one to be prescribed first.

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Profile picture for jcnklsn @jcnklsn

@heyjoe415
Thanks. I am under a doctor's care. I've had blood tests, EKG, MRI, EEG and other tests. I am continuing to pursue the cause, though various sites, including the Mayo Clinic list joint and muscle pain as side effects of Fosamax. Not ready to accept that that is the definite answer to what's going on,

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@jcnklsn - Good for you. We certainly need to be able to trust our Drs, and ourselves. A bit of research into treatments is free and easy.

Joe

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I took Fosamax and both my femurs snapped. I now have titanium nails that go from my hips to my knees and my IT bands hurt all the time. It was horrific both times and has left me with terrible pain. Ruined my life.
Be careful with any similar drugs.

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Profile picture for gussie @gussie

I have to leave a negative reply also. Both my daughters have osteoporosis They were too young to do the dexa so they didn't know. One broke her femur by doing nothing and the other fell while ice skating and broke her shoulder. Then discovered by taking the dexa they both have osteoporosis. Yes I have it also, but another story. Neither one was put on Fosamax because it's an older med and is known for it's side effects. In the early nineties when Fosamax was the only med given for this problem there were a lot of women with lost jaw bones. I had a friend I hadn't seen in a long time and ran into her. A very attractive woman and I was shocked at her appearance. She had lost part of her jaw because of this particular drug. There are so many newer ones please ask your Endocronologist for something else. I hope that you are seeing one.

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@gussie DEXA scans are also a choice. If initial insurance rejects paying, then appeal.

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Absorbable calcium and moderate impact activity to increase density.

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I was on Fosomax for almost five years at the same time I was completely focused on exercise and a bone healthy diet. My scans showed real improvement and my hip went from osteoporosis to osteopenia. I’m taking a holiday as I’ve had a dental implant. I’m 77 and if my November DEXA is good I’m going to attempt to stay off of it. Both my sisters were on Fosomax for five years and stopped. They are not as vigilant as I am and their DEXAs have been good. None of us had side effects. It’s a very tough choice. I do believe exercise and nutrition make a big difference. Good luck!

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