I took Fosamax for 10 years (5 years longer than rec.) and then took a break for 5 years. I'm back on Fosamax but considering other options. I have never had any problems with side effects. My doctor has suggested Forteo which actually does build bone. My doctor took it for 2 years ad reversed her numbers. The problem is that you give yourself a shot every day for 2 years and it has to be refrigerated. I travel a lot and travel long distances so this would take a lot of planning. I also sometimes am away from home for several months at a time in another country so getting the meds to me would be difficult. It is what I would take if I didn't travel.