What to eat and drink when taking Fosamax

Posted by cloud60 @cloud60, May 20, 2023

I read that yes take fosamax on an empty stomach with 1-2 glasses of water , but I also read not to have any calcium or calcium products like cheese or milk for two hours before or after the fosamax or any bidohodphonates. That’s like really hard not to have any coffee til like 11 am

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

I take Alendronate -- the generic of Fosamax. I know there are a multitude of possible side effects but as far as I know I've never experienced any beyond one day of soreness the first week I took it, over one year ago now. I've not had any of the side effects you mention from negative comments in this forum, but that doesn't mean that you and/or others might not suffer from them. Truthfully, I won't know whether the med is doing anything for me until I have my next scan around this time next year. So I'll continue with the regimen until that time and see what happens.

We can only do what we feel right doing for ourselves. My doctor was surprised at my osteoporosis, as was I! It was totally unexpected, as I'm an otherwise healthy 66 year old female and have never had any bone issues. She mentioned other meds if I couldn't take the Alendronate. -- infusions, etc. -- which I'm not interested in pursuing though I know others who've gone that route.

Good luck in your journey!

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Profile picture for dmg777 @dmg777

Hi all,

I realize that some of the symptoms I mentioned may be rare since the sample of people on Fosamax is limited. However, I am borderline osteoporosis/osteopenia and like to know more about a powerful drug before I commit to it. I also am concerned that the most serious issue I have may not be my back but the weight loss as I'm now below my young man weight that I held for several years due mostly to muscle loss. I have had many tests to determine if there is some sort of a problem but so far nothing. I am only 77 years old - I say only because the results of my physical always look good and I always felt healthy until I broke 5 vertebrae and slipped a disc in my spine. Up to that point I was very active and am still active on an average level but limited by back pain.

I don't know much about Fosamax but if it is helping you that is a good deal. People's success or failures with the same treatment vary. Almost every medicine has side effects, so it is a matter of choice - pros and cons. I like my primary health care physician, and I don't want to lose him by not taking Fosamax. He has tried his best to figure out the weight loss problem. However, he strongly disagrees with my conservative spine Doctor concerning Fosamax and I have my own reservations.

I am doing the usual recommendation of calcium and vitamin D3 but I wonder if I could do better.

Dan

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If calcium and vitamin D3 were all we needed, nobody would have osteoporosis.

Primary care physicians, in general, either don't know the first thing about osteoporosis, or their knowledge is so outdated as to be useless.

My PCP told me "take Fosamax and check again in two years." He didn't even know what an anabolic was. Luckily, I didn't trust his horrendous advice.

REPLY
Profile picture for dmg777 @dmg777

Hi all,

I realize that some of the symptoms I mentioned may be rare since the sample of people on Fosamax is limited. However, I am borderline osteoporosis/osteopenia and like to know more about a powerful drug before I commit to it. I also am concerned that the most serious issue I have may not be my back but the weight loss as I'm now below my young man weight that I held for several years due mostly to muscle loss. I have had many tests to determine if there is some sort of a problem but so far nothing. I am only 77 years old - I say only because the results of my physical always look good and I always felt healthy until I broke 5 vertebrae and slipped a disc in my spine. Up to that point I was very active and am still active on an average level but limited by back pain.

I don't know much about Fosamax but if it is helping you that is a good deal. People's success or failures with the same treatment vary. Almost every medicine has side effects, so it is a matter of choice - pros and cons. I like my primary health care physician, and I don't want to lose him by not taking Fosamax. He has tried his best to figure out the weight loss problem. However, he strongly disagrees with my conservative spine Doctor concerning Fosamax and I have my own reservations.

I am doing the usual recommendation of calcium and vitamin D3 but I wonder if I could do better.

Dan

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Tymlos builds bone and is more effective than Fosamax. However, if you take a bisphosphonate prior to Tymlos, it decreases the effectiveness of the Tymlos. I was told this by my rheumatologist and was glad I had resisted Fosamax..(due to GERD and dental issues).

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I just heard about TYMLOS from a friend who saw info on
Facebook. Does anyone have any experience with it? Side effects?
Does it help build bones?
Thanks very much!
Deanna

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Profile picture for deanna1320 @deanna1320

I just heard about TYMLOS from a friend who saw info on
Facebook. Does anyone have any experience with it? Side effects?
Does it help build bones?
Thanks very much!
Deanna

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Hi @deanna1320. You will find a lot of information regarding Tymlos on this website by entering your inquiry in the search bar. I would be as specific as possible as the volume for a general inquiry can feel overwhelming! Including where you're at in your osteoporosis journey would be helpful.

Questions for you: Are you recently diagnosed? Have you been on any medications for osteoporosis? Have you had a DEXA and TBS? Do you see a doctor who specializes in osteoporosis?
Best wishes to you moving forward!

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