Fosamax Side Effects

Does Fosamax really cause bones to degenerate? Fosamax has created such a controversy after Stephanie george who is 76 years old and was taking Fosamax for 8 years risked degeneration of the bone in her jaw. Fosamax, one of a class of bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis is supposed to make bones stronger, can actually weaken the bones. Many women after taking Fosamax for long periods of time felt their femur bones had just snapped while just taking a walk. Check out more side effects of Fosamax, both severe and less severe and more common side effects below.

Fosamax for bone disease

When the bone mineral density gets lower than normal, which is especially true in post-menopausal women - this condition is called as osteopenia, they are treated with bisphosphonates like Fosamax. A mineral bone density score of -1.5 to -2.5 is considered osteopenia. Over -2.5 is osteoporosis. The chances of developing osteoporosis after osteopenia is high, not every person will get worse.

Doctors have been prescribing women with osteoporosis and women who are osteopenic the prescription medication Fosamax. Fosamax is supposed to strengthen bones and fight against bone diseases like osteoporosis by regenerating the bone. However, Fosamax’s side effects are leaving patients more prone to fractures and other bone damage. Numerous women have reported about fractures.

Bisphosphonates are standard medications for the treatment of osteoporosis. They include Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel and Reclast. Studies show in some women who take bisphosphonates (Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax), the bones can stop rejuvenating and become brittle after long-term use. Researchers urge limiting the length of time people take the drugs. The researchers stressed, however, that the drugs are still useful in the early years of use and people should not stop taking them.

Bisphosphonate (Fosamax) is still a very effective solution to treat bone diseases in most patients and physicians are not discouraged from prescribing Fosamx. However, as baby boomers age and continue to remain active, it is important to conduct more research and develop safe and effective treatments for osteoporosis.

Fosamax Side Effects

Other serious side effects of Fosamax include

• chest pain,
  
• difficulty with swallowing,
  
• heartburn,
  
• intense joint and bone pain,
  
• swelling in the jaw.

Less severe and more common Fosamax side effects include

• mild heartburn,
  
• nausea, stomach pains,
  
• slight joint pains or swelling,
  
• swelling of the hands or feets,
  
• back pains
  
• headaches and slight dizziness