Can Alendronate Side Effects Emerge Slowly Over Time?

Possibly. I’ve been on it for 3 years and I ache a bunch. Not sure if it’s related or if it’s something else. But I find what you say very interesting

Thank you so much for your reply!

I find that I have different aches from day to day. My upper back can be fine one day, the next day not so much. Sometimes I feel an ache in one leg, the next day it might be the other. For the past week or so I've had minor pain in my left scapula and tenderness in the high ribs on both sides, but today they feel much better. I have slight dizziness on occasion. I had a short episode of vertigo the week I began taking the med but not another one until a week or so ago. Gas is also a continuous side effect. These are all problems that I either didn't have before taking Alendronate, or that have increased since I began the medication.

I've decided to track the effects following each dose from now on, to see whether there's a continuing increase, more for my mental state of mind (!) so that I know I'm not imagining things. I can so far function normally with the effects. I just want to know what's going on and if it's normal for effects to increase or appear spontaneously after taking the med for a while after initially not having any problems.

Thanks again for your input. It's very much appreciated.

Wow. That’s unfortunate to have side effects. I believe some of mine could be from it as well. I have all of what you’ve said here also. I can’t say the vertigo though, although I do and have always had motion sickness issues

Yes. I developed sudden severe acid reflux after being on Fosamax for 9 months.

Wow! Thanks for the information. As I posted earlier, none of my side-effects have affected my daily routines. But I'm concerned that they may increase or become worse in the future. Or maybe I'm just neurotic... 🙂

Looking back over the past month, all of what I consider side effects have come on suddenly, as you mentioned your reflux did. Did you speak with your doctor about the reflux? I have an appointment in two weeks and plan to talk with my doctor about what's been happening with me. Mainly to set my mind at ease.

I saw PCP about a week after the reflux started as it was unusual for me. She started me on Famotadine and acid reducer and when it had little effect she had me stop the Fosamax which helped a lot after several months. She referred me to a GI for an endoscopy which was benign, took biopsies. I'm still on meds for the reflux, as I still get flares up and I'll have another endoscopy in May.
I have read that side effects from Fosamax can occur at any time during treatment. I had a Reclast infusion 9/2024 which bypasses the GI tract and so far no side effects.
I did have gains with the Fosamax and would have kept taking it if not for the reflux. I did follow the directions exactly in terms of taking the Fosamax, but still had the side effects 9 months in.
Good to talk with your doctor about your side effects. So much to learn about osteoporosis! I was not expecting the diagnosis. In addition to meds I found a great exercise class for osteoporosis using weights and weight bearing exercise with members who are all very positive and fun to be in the same boat with.
That's my story so far.

Now experiencing reflux, after 6 months on fosamax. Tried Pepcid, but gave me heartburn. Now GI doctor wants to put me on a prescription PPI. Going to try it. Said it won’t harm me if it’s short term. Don’t want to stop Fosamax, because doctor wants to put me on Prolia. Don’t want that.

I have been experiencing nausea on the day I take it. Subsides by second day. I also found I have no tolerance for sugary foods. If I eat a cookie or piece of cake, my intestinal tract reacts badly. Positive side, will loose weight from not eating sweets. And coffee, now only drink 1/2 cup … can’t tolerate a full cup.

My GI switched me from Famotidine (aka Prilosec) to Omeprazole 10mg (aka Pepsid) as I was still having flare ups and 1st endoscopy showed possible Barrets Esophagus even though esophagus looked normal. The Omeprazole is working to control the reflux and I am careful about my diet which is key for reflux and also osteoporosis. My last endoscopy in May showed no indication of Barrets and all results normal. I'll see my GI again next May and will ask to try the Famotidine again which is less hard on the body. In Sept I have my 2nd Reclast infusion. No significant side effects with the 1st one last Sept.

Hi @lizzie12 just wanted to clarify for others Famotidine is also known as Pepcid while Omeprazole is also known as Prilosec. I have had experience with both just like you! I actually am on Prolia due to the Fosamax GI issues. Happy to see you had successful Recast infusions because I will be ending Prolia soon with Recast and hoping like you I will not have significant side effects.