1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

To start generic Fosamax soon and very concerned!

Posted by pattitoo @pattitoo, Apr 28, 2019

What can anyone share about their Osteoporosis meds......I have consulted with 2 Orthopods, GP, Dentist and Chiropractor. All feel I should try the med.
I am reluctant for some reason, know several that took one dose of their med and had side affects. I was going to start tomorrow morning, Have some busy weeks, in a quandary to say the least.
All 4 DEXA scans were requested by me, only the last one is in the Osteoporosis level.-- 2019 T SCORE -2.7 --in 2014 was -2.3 (what are Z scores?)
Z scores show also.
Please share your experiences with us if you want, the information will be helpful and appreciated by all..
For several years I have taken Vitamin D and Calcium.
I am almost 77 and live alone.. My weight is good, lost less that one inch in height.
Doing my best to be optimistic.
Thanking each of you for input you care to share.

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docb99 | @docb99 | Feb 28 5:19am
In reply to @destinnana "Can anyone share with me the side effects they’ve had with Fosomax or if there are..." + (show)
@destinnana

Can anyone share with me the side effects they’ve had with Fosomax or if there are any natural alternatives that have been keeping bone loss at bay?

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I’m 74. I was prescribed Evista about a decade ago when my Dexa score was borderline osteopenia. Generic is available. No negative side effects seen.
I consume a lot of dairy and greens and take a Vit D tablet but calcium only in a multivitamin.
My most recent Dexa showed normal scores. Evista might be a reasonable choice for you.

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willow5 | @willow5 | Feb 28 9:38am
In reply to @linamend "That's NOT a generic Fosamax. That's a vitamin. It's not even regulated by the FDA. Fosamax..." + (show)
@linamend

That's NOT a generic Fosamax. That's a vitamin. It's not even regulated by the FDA. Fosamax PREVENTS further bone loss at the molecular level. You can't add to bone by taking this vitamin, but at least it's something....and Fosamax can have negative side effects like jaw bone necrosis. Please make sure you discuss this decision with your health care professional.

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I’ve been taking a 35 mg (not the typical 70 mg) fosomax for two years consistently - improvement on my bone scan, i have no side effects. I opted for the 35 mg out of concern of side effects. It’s doing the job, along with weight lifting, along with the calcium dose suggested by the endocrinologist.

No longer osteoporosis in my spine, and my hip is now on the cusp of osteoporosis and osteopina. I am not crazy about medications, but I very much want my bones to strengthen so I opted for the generic fosomax at a low dose.

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linamend | @linamend | Feb 28 10:23am
In reply to @willow5 "I’ve been taking a 35 mg (not the typical 70 mg) fosomax for two years consistently..." + (show)
@willow5

I’ve been taking a 35 mg (not the typical 70 mg) fosomax for two years consistently - improvement on my bone scan, i have no side effects. I opted for the 35 mg out of concern of side effects. It’s doing the job, along with weight lifting, along with the calcium dose suggested by the endocrinologist.

No longer osteoporosis in my spine, and my hip is now on the cusp of osteoporosis and osteopina. I am not crazy about medications, but I very much want my bones to strengthen so I opted for the generic fosomax at a low dose.

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Excellent!!! 👍🏽💕

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richardab | @richardab | Feb 29 8:19am

I've been taking 4000 IU. of Vitamin D and 1000mg of Calcium daily upon the recommendations of my rheumy and heme/onc for my Smoldering Myeloma. 2 weeks ago I started a generic Fosamax, 1X weekly. I have not had any side effects.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Feb 29 2:46pm
In reply to @criss "I've had excellent improvement in dexa scans after taking supplements of AlgaeCal, a plant based calcium..." + (show)
@criss

I've had excellent improvement in dexa scans after taking supplements of AlgaeCal, a plant based calcium formula and doing bone strengthening exercises. Amazon has a very similar formula quite a bit cheaper. Over about 6 years I've gone from osteoporosis to nearly normal bone density! I'm 75.

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Hey Criss, can you elaborate a bit on the type of bone - strengthening exercises you do? Thanks!

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John | @johnnoregon | Mar 1 4:16pm

I've been on Fosamax for over 2 years. 68M. I've had no discernable side effects whatsoever. I have not discovered how it makes progress with improving left hip bone loss after a stroke so I can tell without a scan. I feel nothing physically or mentally from it. I'm just waiting on another Dexa in a while to see if it's doing anything while I continue to take the tablet every Monday morning,

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pkalkstein | @pkalkstein | Mar 2 6:38am

My wife has been on Fosamax for five years with zero side effects. It has helped to keep her bones from degrading.

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me49 | @me49 | Mar 3 5:59am
In reply to @murp "Hi Patitoo, I too started Fosamax this first quarter and have experienced gastrointestinal side effects, heartburn,..." + (show)
@murp

Hi Patitoo,
I too started Fosamax this first quarter and have experienced gastrointestinal side effects, heartburn, upset stomach and general overall malaise. So, I only took it for about six weeks. My doctor then switched me to ProLia by injection every six months. I filled the script and put the Prolia in the refrigerator as instructed. I then did some more research and read the extensive list of side effects reported by other users.It was then that I spoke with my sister, a natural medicine Shamen. She recommended trying a combination of vitamin d3 5000 iu, Juvenente, Strontium caps 750 mg,, and Bone Up brand calcium compound 5000 mg until my next DEXA Scan in September. So, that's what I doing now.If I don't have a significant improvement by then, I will reconsider the Prolia solution, ProLia keeps in the refrigerator for about two years so it will still be usable until the Fall. It's about a 65 dollar copay on my insurance, but at twice a year its not too bad. I hope it proves effective as the list side effect is daunting.
Good luck with whatever path you choose,
Chris

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Patitoo
Be sure to investigate what happens if you try to go off Prolia. Ask your doctor how to go off safely should you experience side effects. Patients have reported multiple spinal fractures after stopping or delaying injections.

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mlwh | @mlwh | Mar 4 1:16pm

Z-scores compare you to a woman your age. T-Scores compare you to a woman between 25-30 years of age, at what is usually peak BMD. It used to be specifically a white woman, and I don't know if that is the case anymore. Doctors only use T-scores in diagnosing Osteoporosis. The good thing about oral Fosamax is, if you experience side effects, you can stop. I had horrible heartburn but had GERD to begin with, (with an upper esophageal sphincter that has been described as "flapping in the breeze") so it was not unexpected. I quit after the first dose, and still had some mild improvement and stabilization in my T-Scores 2 years later.

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fessenbeck65 | @fessenbeck65 | Mar 5 9:50pm

Do not take Fosamax more than 2 years without taking a break. Because now they are finding out that long term Fosamax use causes very brittle bones. Even if your bone density is normal. I took Fosamax X 6 yrs at age 35, my bones were severe osteoporosis (my bones were the age of a 76-yr old). Now my bones r very brittle. I have had 4 fractures in 3 yrs. This info is from my bone Dr.

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