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Alendronate (Fosamax) Feeling Crummy Day 1
After a year of Evenity, I am now on Alendronate (Fosamax) to hold in gains. Every Sunday I take the medication but undoubtedly my day is not a good one afterward. I do follow the instructions, drinking a full glass of water on empty stomach and being upright for at least 30 minutes. I usually feel nauseous and tired out. By the next day, am feeling much better. Also I noticed my digestion is much more sensitive on this drug. I no longer eat chocolate or most sweets. It is not worth it. I have IBS and the Alendronate seems to aggravate this. Anyone else experiencing a bad day when taking the medication? Please do not suggest Reclast. I have read too many horror stories and do not want to chance being the unlucky one with horrible side effects.
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@lizzie12 I was relieved to find this thread as I too have taken myself off Fosamax after only 3 months of taking it. It is the first medication I agreed to try due to my worsening DEXA scores. Like others, I started experiencing a burning sensation in my stomach and had to be much more cautious about what I was eating. Also more discomfort in my hips and legs. I already feel some relief after being off the Fosamax for 2 weeks. I would really like to hear about your experience with Reclast. My endocrinologist suggested it as an alternative but I am now reading about some very scary side effects from Reclast as well. I will have to see my rheumatologist to find out what his suggestion would be. Have you done well on the Reclast?
Like you, I'm so thankful that I've found this group!
Like you, my IBS was aggravated by Fosamax. I was only able to stay on it for 3 months before I decided it wasn't worth the discomfort. My "bad day" was usually the day after taking the weekly dose. I found myself questioning everything I ate, worried it would bother my stomach. Continual aching in my hips and legs. I too want to protect my bones but at what cost is an excellent question. I took myself off the Fosamax (perhaps not the smartest move) but after two weeks I am feeling better. I plan to follow this thread to hear about others experiences and decisions. I had planned on asking my endocrinologist about Reclast but from your comment, that may not be the way I want to go. Have you been able to faithfully take your weekly doses, despite the side effects?
@strongbonez I have been taking the weekly doses and still dealing with day 1 symptoms. Thankfully it is only 1 day. I do limit my sugar intake and carbonation and for 6 days I do ok. After doing a year of Evenity, I needed a bisphosphonate. After a bone density when my year of Alendronate is up, will see where to go.
@strongbonez
I had my 2nd infusion on 9/17. Like last time I had heart burn for few days after, no other noticeable effects though. When I had the 1st infusion and had heartburn the next day I wasn't sure if it was the infusion or something I ate. This time same happened, but resolved in a few days, so it was the Reclast, my Rheumatologist said it is a side effect of the infusion itself. Now back to normal. I am due for a dexa scan next August so I'll see how that goes. On the generic Fosamax I moved into the osteopenia range with my spine, hips were stable at 2.6. Not thrilled with the heart burn side effect, but at least it's subsided.
I do like the drug holiday aspect of Reclast and not taking a pill which originally caused the reflux issue. I really don't want to try Prolia, so next year I'll discuss with my bone doc and GI doc.
Hope all goes with you!