Has anyone been helped by Fosamax?

@jasperina. I took Fosamax for 4.5 years and increased bone density. I went from osteoporosis to the osteopenia range. Prior to going on Fosamax I did everything I could to increase bone density including weightlifting, walking, X-country skiing, getting a minimum of 1200mg of calcium in diet and supplements (I took a supplement called Bone Health). Still, it wasn’t enough so I reluctantly agreed to try Fosamax. I had no side effects from taking it. I kept up all of the activities and my bone density increased with Fosamax. Fosamax is often the first med that physicians prescribe for osteoporosis. It’s inexpensive (I had no cost on Medicare Part D), and it’s been around for a long, long, time.

Was the Fosamax suggested by your primary care doctor or do you see an endocrinologist?

What are your DXA t-scores for spine, hip, femoral neck? That info helps a lot re: medication pathway.
Did you get tested for celiac disease? Fosamax will be less effective if celiac disease -- or another malabsorption condition -- is not under control.
I strongly recommend you purchase "Great Bones" by R. Keith McCormick. It has an extensive section on osteoporosis medications. You can get it on Amazon.
My primary care physician also recommended Fosamax (oral) or Reclast (intravenous), both anti-resorptive medications. After reading and doing my own research, I requested a referral to see an endocrinologist. Short story: I am taking Forteo, an anabolic medication.
Also, you do not need to make a decision immediately about next steps. Gather info first. Ask your doctor how long you can wait to make a decision. (Mine said 3-6 months after diagnosis.)

Primary care docs prescribe Fosamax or Prolia because insurance require these for those with mild osteoporosis and no fractures. This needs to change! These meds can interfere with the effectiveness of bone builders like Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity.

We don't know your scores but it they are serious, you might want to see an endocrinologist and get on a bone -builder. You eventually lock in gains with one of the bisphosphonates (Reclast or Fosamax etc.). "Great Bones" is a great book and resource! Also a video online by Dr. Ben Ledr about the Sequencing and Combinations of meds.

A friend of mine took Fosomax.
She was on it for a few years, and one day stepped off a curb, and broke her femur.
It makes plastic bone.
She had a law suit against the company, and won.
Also another side effect listed is, osteonecrosis.
No thank you to Fosomax.

How awful for your friend. Does everyone else agree that Reclast, even with all of it’s scary side effects, is the best choice for holding bone gains after two years on Forteo?

Depending on your cancer type, check Dr John Lees books.
Naturopaths should know about him.
It depends on what drives your cancer.
Progesterone Cream can help osteoporosis, but not if your cancer feeds on it.
He has several worthy books but he is is no longer living.

After forteo I was on fosamax for 4+ years. No side effects on either. Currently I will be having my third injections of evenity uwith no side effects yet. All bodies are individual though as we know. I am 75.

Thank you! Sounds like several different ones have been helpful for you.

@gravity3 I just started on Evenity. Are you having any side effects from Evenity?

After the first injections I experienced some heat around the sites, a bit of soreness that lasted about an hour and what I would call an awareness of the drug moving through my body. Nothing since. Time will tell I guess. It all feels like a crap shoot. I am okay with it though. I hope it goes well for you.