Fosomax for osteoporosis

Posted by larrick @larrick, Dec 14 7:52am

Just took my first fosomax pill & im frightened of side effects. I tried it years ago & had to stop it..but the osteoporosis has worsened. I thought fosomax presented fewer side effects than other meds. I am over 80

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Following your progress…

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Please keep us posted on your decision and how it is working or not working for you. These decisions are not easy. Are you willing to share your dexa scan numbers?

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Every try Prolia, twice yearly shot? Has your doctor ever mentioned it?
Is your doctor a Endocrinologist?

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after reading the side effects of prolia, i decided to start w/fosomax (also scary side effects). if fosomax doesn’t work, alas, i will probably go to prolia..

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I have been taking weekly doses of alendronate for several months, and basically have no side effects. I tried daily doses about 20 years ago, due to slight osteopenia, but it was very impractical then due to experiencing very acidic heartburn, and also needing to rush off to work every morning. I am retired and age 73, and just now scored slightly in the osteoporosis range, so okay, it's time! Due to previous side effects, I doubled the amount of water suggested on the package insert for before, during, and after the dose, with my doctor's knowledge. (PLEASE, ANYONE, request your own medical advice about this; my doctor is fine with how I do this, based on what she knows about me.) As suggested in dosing directions, I do not move much for the 30 minute wait time before eating, after taking the alendronate. Instead I use the time for email or reading. Also, I drink at least another full cup of water during the 30 minute wait time. When my timer goes off after 30 minutes, I drink another cup of water, and I remain, upright either standing or sitting, afterwards for most of the day. This routine has worked well for me, for over a year.

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Profile picture for magert52 @magert52

I have been taking weekly doses of alendronate for several months, and basically have no side effects. I tried daily doses about 20 years ago, due to slight osteopenia, but it was very impractical then due to experiencing very acidic heartburn, and also needing to rush off to work every morning. I am retired and age 73, and just now scored slightly in the osteoporosis range, so okay, it's time! Due to previous side effects, I doubled the amount of water suggested on the package insert for before, during, and after the dose, with my doctor's knowledge. (PLEASE, ANYONE, request your own medical advice about this; my doctor is fine with how I do this, based on what she knows about me.) As suggested in dosing directions, I do not move much for the 30 minute wait time before eating, after taking the alendronate. Instead I use the time for email or reading. Also, I drink at least another full cup of water during the 30 minute wait time. When my timer goes off after 30 minutes, I drink another cup of water, and I remain, upright either standing or sitting, afterwards for most of the day. This routine has worked well for me, for over a year.

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glad to hear it’s working for you after months of use! like you, i tried it years ago but it didn’t work well. now i take lots of water like you with wkly pill. i had some dizziness after taking but not for long. i hope i can stay on it like you, with no issues & i hope my #’s improve. thx for your input! happy bones!

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Profile picture for magert52 @magert52

I have been taking weekly doses of alendronate for several months, and basically have no side effects. I tried daily doses about 20 years ago, due to slight osteopenia, but it was very impractical then due to experiencing very acidic heartburn, and also needing to rush off to work every morning. I am retired and age 73, and just now scored slightly in the osteoporosis range, so okay, it's time! Due to previous side effects, I doubled the amount of water suggested on the package insert for before, during, and after the dose, with my doctor's knowledge. (PLEASE, ANYONE, request your own medical advice about this; my doctor is fine with how I do this, based on what she knows about me.) As suggested in dosing directions, I do not move much for the 30 minute wait time before eating, after taking the alendronate. Instead I use the time for email or reading. Also, I drink at least another full cup of water during the 30 minute wait time. When my timer goes off after 30 minutes, I drink another cup of water, and I remain, upright either standing or sitting, afterwards for most of the day. This routine has worked well for me, for over a year.

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@magert52

Have you discussed drug sequencing with your doc? It is quite important to the process to have a plan in place. Recently thinking seems to have changed on sequencing...depending on other health issues. Anabolic first then bisphosphonate. It is thought now that leading with bisphosphonates can lessen the positive effects of anabolics.

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Profile picture for magert52 @magert52

I have been taking weekly doses of alendronate for several months, and basically have no side effects. I tried daily doses about 20 years ago, due to slight osteopenia, but it was very impractical then due to experiencing very acidic heartburn, and also needing to rush off to work every morning. I am retired and age 73, and just now scored slightly in the osteoporosis range, so okay, it's time! Due to previous side effects, I doubled the amount of water suggested on the package insert for before, during, and after the dose, with my doctor's knowledge. (PLEASE, ANYONE, request your own medical advice about this; my doctor is fine with how I do this, based on what she knows about me.) As suggested in dosing directions, I do not move much for the 30 minute wait time before eating, after taking the alendronate. Instead I use the time for email or reading. Also, I drink at least another full cup of water during the 30 minute wait time. When my timer goes off after 30 minutes, I drink another cup of water, and I remain, upright either standing or sitting, afterwards for most of the day. This routine has worked well for me, for over a year.

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@magert52 I took that 30-minute period to do YouTube meditations.

@larrick I took Fosamax for about four years, not a single side effect. Don’t lie down or eat for that 30 minutes. I think that’s probably the most important instruction to follow.

Wishing you success and healthy, strong bones to boot! 💪

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Profile picture for gravity3 @gravity3

@magert52

Have you discussed drug sequencing with your doc? It is quite important to the process to have a plan in place. Recently thinking seems to have changed on sequencing...depending on other health issues. Anabolic first then bisphosphonate. It is thought now that leading with bisphosphonates can lessen the positive effects of anabolics.

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@gravity3 Yes, I am reviewing these possibilities.

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