Fosamax side effects

Fosamax side effects can be serious. The first things you need to remember are the precautions given by the manufacturer of this Osteoporosis drug.

Here is a list of those precautions:

1.  This drug should not be taken by ANYONE with significant kidney disease ie., creatine clearance less than 35ml/min -      
   
2. Fosamx tablets should not be taken by anyone who can not sit or stand upright for 30 minutes after each dosage since the pills has been known to erode the esophagus is the rest on its walls. 
   
3. This drug should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or nursing an infant.
   
4. Other medications and/or supplements should not be taken at the same time as this medication. The manufacturer cautions that users wait at least a half hour.... an hour is better.

Potential Fosamax side effects include:

1.  Stomach pain is the most common side effect of Fosamax
2. Fosamax may "also may cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, black stool (due to intestinal bleeding), change in taste perception, and muscle or joint pain." (http://www.medicinenet.com/alendronate/article.htm)
3. It can cause irritatin and possible ulceration of the esophagus if the tablet is not taken with sufficient water and/or it rubs against the esophagus. Irritation of stomach may occur if the drug is used by persons taking aspirin, drugs with aspirin or salicylates (often found in natural pain relieving formulations ] containing products. If you experience pain or burning of the throat after taking Fosamax, contact your health care provider.
4. Some people have reported allergic reactions such as skin rash or redness.
5. Sometimes the drug induces headache. This is infrequent side effect.
6. It can cause excess gas [flatulence] especially in men. It sometimes causes diarrhea or constipation.
7. Muscular pain is an infrequent but reported side effect.
8. There can be mild calcium decrease
9. Also there can be mild decrease in phosphorus -  as much as 6%

        10.Fosamax and other bisphosphonates have been the subject of claims of Osteonecrosis of the jaw.          

    This is a serious condition. It is not a frequent side effect but your should be aware of it and if you are planning to have dental work, be sure to tell your dentist that you are taking Fosamax and your dosage and how long you have been on the medication. As early as 2006, there was a study published in Ann Oncol that reviewed 22 scientific papers detailing 225 patients,  The prevalence of osteonecrosis of the jaw was estimated at 1.5%.                                                                                

 It was not just Fosamax. The drug list included pamidronate ( aredia ), zoledronic acid ( zometa ),  and risedronate (actonel) as well as Fosamax.  In 69.3% of patients Osteonecrosis was preceded by a dental extraction. That is why it is important to inform your dentist if you are taking this drug because Osteonecrosis is a possible Fosamax side effect. 74.5% of patients who developed osteonecrosis were receiving chemotherapy and in 38.2% of cases they were taking corticosteroids. Although various conservative and surgical treatment modalities were reported, residual sites of osteonecrosis persisted in 72.5% of the cases                                               

The study concluded: "Although not enough evidence is available to prove a causal link, it seems that under specific circumstances local defenses can become overwhelmed resulting in ONJ."

To read more about Osteonecrosis, go to Fosamax side effects

To read  about other Osteopenia medications go to: Osteopenia Medications

If you are interested in the many effective Natural Treatments to reverse bone loss go to: Natural treatments for Osteopenia or Osteoporosi