How long will Fosomax stay in my bones after quitting?

I'm sorry to hear about the joint pain and leg aches you're experiencing while managing essential thrombocythemia (ET) with hydroxyurea (HU) and osteoporosis at 73. It's frustrating when medications like Fosamax (alendronate) don't agree with your body, especially after just five weekly doses. Many people report similar musculoskeletal side effects, such as severe aches in bones, joints, or muscles, which can emerge quickly and feel overwhelming alongside other treatments.

Stopping Fosamax abruptly due to these issues is a common decision, and while the drug does bind to bones with a long half-life—potentially lingering for years—the effects from short-term use like yours may not be as entrenched. Side effects often improve after discontinuation, with some noticing relief in days to weeks, though it can take longer for full resolution as your body adjusts. The persistence in bones means some anti-resorptive benefits might remain temporarily, but negative symptoms typically fade as the active drug levels drop.

Your shift to lifestyle changes is empowering: incorporating weight-bearing exercises, light weight-lifting, and a nutrient-rich diet (focusing on calcium, vitamin D, and bone-supporting foods like leafy greens and dairy) can help maintain bone health naturally. These approaches are evidence-based for osteoporosis and may enhance your overall well-being without added meds.

That said, consult your doctor soon—they can assess any risks, monitor bone density, and explore alternatives if needed. Patient stories from forums suggest many who quit early feel better over time, regretting it less as aches subside. Prioritize rest and gentle movement in the meantime. Hang in there; focusing on what you can control often leads to improvement. If symptoms persist, professional guidance is key.

Thank you for responding. I am still waiting for symptoms to subside. Joint pain and bone aches are my reason for stopping Fosomax abruptly. I appreciate your insight and advice. I have consulted with my Oncologist and am doing my best to move forward.

I hope you start feeling better soon! I also have osteoporosis and took Fosamax for a few months five years ago but discontinued for an unrelated reason. I don’t really know how long the drug stayed in my body - I was dealing with several other serious health issues and whatever side effects I had from the drug paled in comparison.

My internist persuaded me to restart Fosamax a few months ago since my osteoporosis is progressing. I have decided to take half a dose now - 35mg instead of 70. My doctor tried to persuade me to take the full dose, but I am not interested in getting all the potential side effects.

May be you can try a different medication for osteoporosis or take a lower dose of Fosamax?

I just completed a five year dose of Fosomax for osteoporosis . I am 76 years old. Thankfully, I had no side effects from it. I didn’t realize the side effects until I read these posts. I am so sorry that you had to go through those bad effects and that Fosomax didn’t help you. I am hoping that it stays in my body and continues to help my bones stay strong. Maybe there is another drug out there that could help you or as “alive” suggests, a lower dose of Foxomax. Wishing you all my best for a solution.

I took Fosamax for the first time and had severe joint, muscle pain. I wasn't 100% sure it was the fosamax so I took it the 2nd week. I was then 100% sure. My pain in my body was so severe. It felt like I had the body aches during a flu. The aches eventually settled in my legs and were so severe. I immediately stopped taking the med but the side effects lingered and were so incapacitating. I was out of work for an entire month before it cleared out of my system. I'm a nurse and could not take care of myself no less than someone else. It was horrible!!!

I have elected not to take any of the bone strengthening drugs even though my Osteoporosis is classified severe. I am in remission from AML but am being treated with INQOVI for MDS. The overall aches and body discomfort are appearing now and I do not want any other drugs that will exacerbate the discomfort I am already experiencing. I am taking additional Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium in pill form. Also eating yogurt, leafy greens and trying to get in bone building exercises. Good wishes to all of us.

The risk of osteoporosis and fractures is higher in people who have certain medical conditions, like cancer and its treatment. Bone breaks, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complications of osteoporosis. Hip fractures often are caused by a fall. A hip fracture can result in disability and even an increased risk of death within the first year after the injury. In some cases, broken bones in the spine can occur even if you haven't fallen. The bones that make up the spine, called vertebrae, can weaken to the point of collapsing. This can result in back pain, lost height and a hunched posture. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968

Even when taking steps to prevent bone loss, some people continue to lose bone or have fractures. In these situations, treatment with medicines may become necessary. There are several effective medications to help manage osteoporosis. You may appreciate these resources from Mayo Clinic:

- Osteoporosis treatment: Medications can help https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869

If your bone loss is mild and you haven't had a bone fracture, your healthcare professional might focus first on lowering your risk of osteoporosis through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

But if you are at increased risk of breaking a bone, or if your osteoporosis is more advanced, treatment will likely include medicines. At this stage, making diet, exercise and lifestyle changes alone is not an effective treatment. You can work with your health professional on a treatment plan that includes choosing the medicines that are right for you.

This Mayo Clinic Osteoporosis Bone Health Conversation Aid can help you and your doctor discuss what medication to use to reduce your risk for bone fractures.
- Osteoporosis Bone Health Conversation Aid https://shareddecisions.mayoclinic.org/osteoporosisdecisionaid/

Mayo experts also suggest not to rely entirely on medicines as the only treatment for your osteoporosis. These practices also are important:

- Exercise. Weight-bearing physical activity and exercises that improve balance and posture can strengthen bones and reduce the chance of a fracture. The more active and fit you are as you age, the less likely you are to fall and break a bone.
- Good nutrition. Eat a healthy diet and make sure you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
- Quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes speeds up bone loss.
- Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy women, that means up to one drink a day. For healthy men, it would be up to two drinks a day.