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Share your experience: submit a drug review
Below are Fosamax (Alendronate) reviews, ratings, comments submitted by patients and caregivers. Based on a total of 20 ratings/reviews, Fosamax has an overall score of 4.40. The effectiveness score is 4.90 and the side effect score is 6.40. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst. This information is not vetted and should not be cosidered as clinical evidence. | | Fosamax review by 59 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | |   |
| Effectiveness: | | Ineffective |
| Side effects: | | Severe Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Early onset osteoporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 1 tablet per week in the morning taken 1 per week for the period of 4 months |
| Other conditions: | | None |
| Other drugs taken: | | None | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | I was led to believe my bone density would improve with this drug and it would only need to be administered once a week. |
| Side effects: | | After two months, leg pain and weakness throughout body. I was an avid camper and hiker, and I lost a considerable amount of endurance and strength in my whole body. Leg pain woke me up several times during the night. The leg pain was not like cramping, but more like general dull aching, only sometimes severe. By the third month I could not lie on my side (one side was worse than the other), because the pain was so intense. I felt it resonating from my hip joint and going down my legs. When I awoke in the morning, my usual sprint to the bathroom was replaced by tiny hobbling steps; I was extremely weak in the morning. |
| Comments: | | I elected to stop taking Fosamax because of side effects (above). My physician is concerned and wants me to try a different osteoporosis medication, but I am afraid to take anything like that again. I have elected to self medicate with liquid calcium citrate/magnesium formula, and other vitamin and mineral therapy. |
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| | Fosamax review by 75 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Marginally Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Osteoporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 10 g (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of about 12 years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Fosamax tended to hold the line, i.e., my bone density did not progress rapidly.
It never increased the density. The density decreased gradually. |
| Side effects: | | Some stomach discomfort. |
| Comments: | | I took one tablet each morning on an empty stomach and waited a minimum of
one hour before eating or lying down. I tried the weekly dose, but this
did not work and my bone density increased. For me, this represented a
difference between the daily and weekly versions. I never took the
generic version released recently.
Three years ago, I replaced Fosamax with Strontium and for the first time,
my bone density increased 3%. |
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| | Fosamax review by 52 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | bone loss |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70mg taken weekly for the period of 7 years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | multi vitamins | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Helped build bone loss. Osteoporsis runs in my family. We are thin. Two of my sisters were diagnosed with osteoporsis in their early 40s. One sister fractured her pelvic bone at 40 from bone loss. |
| Side effects: | | I had no side effects. I always followed the directions - take it with water. No other foods or drinks for an hour afterward. Don't ly down. |
| Comments: | | I took the drug weekly for about 8 years. During that time I have had 3 bone scans. My bone loss subsided. I also drink a lot of diet soda though, and that can effect calcium intake. In the last year I have increased exercising with weights. I am due for another bone scan in the fall. |
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| | Fosamax review by 41 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Marginally Effective |
| Side effects: | | Moderate Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteoporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70 mg taken once per week for the period of 6 months |
| Other conditions: | | early menopause and small stature leading to early osteoporosis |
| Other drugs taken: | | only vitamin supplements | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | marginal increase in bone density |
| Side effects: | | joint pain in neck, back, hips, and jaw in addition to constant heartburn despite following dosage instructions accurately. |
| Comments: | | Because side affects were so severe (I am 41 and felt like 80) I researched alternate remedies and began a program of weight-bearing exercise, calcium and magnesium supplements and natural hormone creams. |
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| | Fosamax review by 41 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Marginally Effective |
| Side effects: | | Moderate Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteoporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70 mg taken once per week for the period of 6 months |
| Other conditions: | | early menopause and small stature leading to early osteoporosis |
| Other drugs taken: | | only vitamin supplements | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | marginal increase in bone density, however I stopped using it before maximum benefit could be acheived due to adverse side affects. |
| Side effects: | | severe heartburn all week even though I followed dosing instructions accurately. Joint aches, including hips, back, neck and jaw. |
| Comments: | | I stopped taking Fosamax against my doctor's wishes due to the side affects. I am only 41 and it made me feel like I was 80 years old. After conducting my own research I opted for weight-bearing exercise, strength training, natural hormone supplements, and calcium and magnesium supplements. |
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| | Fosamax review by care giver of 81 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Ineffective |
| Side effects: | | Moderate Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteroporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 10mg? taken once per day for the period of 5 yrs. |
| Other conditions: | | pain in stomach area after eating |
| Other drugs taken: | | lipitor, synthroid | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | there were none that I know. Still has osteroposis. Had to stop because of the stomacjh effect. |
| Side effects: | | Developed atrial fibrillation of the heart. going to shock heart into proper rhythm. Looked down her throat with a camera to see if there was any blood clots around her heart. Ruptured her esophagus. Never did find out what caused this but i figure the fosamax caused a very very small hole in the esophagus, weakened the side and the camera scope tore a hole. When fixed, there was no more pain in the stomach. She is alright now--but almost died from this |
| Comments: | | See above for treatment details as I don't know what more I could say. She is healthy now from this. Fosamax and this type of drugs are not very good for some people. |
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| | Fosamax review by 58 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Marginally Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteopenia and osteoporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 10 mg each week taken once a week for the period of 10 years |
| Other conditions: | | high cholestral |
| Other drugs taken: | | zetia | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | The bone mass in my spine improved. One hip was stable and one had lower bone density |
| Side effects: | | none |
| Comments: | | I took the fosamax with 8 oz. of water and walked around for an hour.The first couple of years I did not take calcium supplements. Then I did. Since I do not think the results were really an improvemrnt, Now I am taking a calcium supplement with vitamin D and magnesium and a fairly new drug called foseum which is suppose to be entirely natural like an herb, but more expensive than fosamax that must be taken twice a day. |
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| | Fosamax review by 54 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Moderately Effective |
| Side effects: | | Moderate Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Osteopenia in both hips and lower back |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70 mg? iu? per week taken once a week for the period of 7 months |
| Other conditions: | | IBS, Mild depression |
| Other drugs taken: | | Zoloft | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Slight increase in bone density in hips, however no change in back (vertabrae) |
| Side effects: | | After taking the drug for 7 months, I literally developed severe gastric reflux one evening (June 2007). Actual acid reflux disappeared within a few days, but symptoms feeling like a hard, sometimes painful lump in my esophagus persisted for months, especially when lying down. Even after giving up Fosamax 2 months after initial symptoms occurred (in Sept '07, the condition persisted. |
| Comments: | | I was sent by my general practitioner for an endoscopy 3 months (Dec '07) after giving up Fosamax, results of which showed irritation of end of esophagus tube where it joins my stomach. I was prescribed Nexium for the condition, and after taking for 3-4 months, the symptoms finally disappeared. I would NEVER take Fosamax or any alendronate based or similar drug again. |
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| | Fosamax review by 45 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Ineffective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteoporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70mg taken once a week for the period of 3 1/2 years + |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | e-string (estradiol vaginal ring) | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | in theory, my bones should have gotten stronger, as measured by the bone scan done at my gynecologist office once every 18 months |
| Side effects: | | I first tried the tablets and they would sit on my stomach as if I had a brick for breakfast. So I tried the oral solution which, in fact, was better on the stomach but,still, not completely without side effects. Most of the days I took Fosamax I had a slight stomach discomfort during the morning. |
| Comments: | | I took Fosamax for almost 4 years and after 2 bone density scans which showed no improvement I decided to stop the treatment, against my doctor advice which was to take Fosamax for at least 5 years. I believe that we still do not know enough about how the bone keeps itself healthy and that bone scans are not yet reliable. It's a big business and I finally refused to keep a medication that is so hard on the digestive system and can also have very dangerous side effects (frozen bones, I believe it is called). I still have to be convinced that a low density bone is not necessarily stronger than a bone with more density. Waiting for more research I am trying to walk as much as possible and to follow a reasonable diet. And to be at peace with myself... Thanks! |
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| | Fosamax review by 56 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | Mild Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteoporsis |
| Dosage & duration: | | once a week (dosage frequency: 2 years +) for the period of 2 years + |
| Other conditions: | | scoliosis |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | better T scores after 2 years |
| Side effects: | | Feeling a little "creaky" the day of treatment |
| Comments: | | You must take this with alot of water first thing in the morning on the same day of the week. You need to sit or stand for an hour after taking the pill and wait that long until eating anything |
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| | Fosamax review by 59 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteoporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70 mg taken weekly for the period of 3 years |
| Other conditions: | | high choloesterol |
| Other drugs taken: | | lipitor | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | osteoporosis stabilized in hip and osteopoenia stabilized in back |
| Side effects: | | none known. Always taken with a full glass of water and nothing else was consumed for a least 30 min. There were no digestive problems even though I had long standing reflux. I was also told to take a pepcid AC the night before to reduce acid reflux and increase absorption of the fosamax. I think the Pepcid AC may have helped. |
| Comments: | | 91.37 mg alendronate sodium taken once weekly with a full glass of water stabilized bone density, but did not increase bone density over a three year period. |
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| | Fosamax review by 72 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Ineffective |
| Side effects: | | Extremely Severe Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | beginning of osteoporosis of the hip |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70mg taken once a week for the period of 6 months |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | none whatsoever as i was only on it for 6 months . I had no nhealth problems prior to taking this drug to help my bone density, it nonly created havoc with my previous good health. |
| Side effects: | | sever pain in muscles back and joints right arm hs only 50% use severe pain in forearms and elbows after two months offdrug I have constant pain everyday in my wrists and elbow |
| Comments: | | one pill once a week |
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| | Fosamax review by 56 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Considerably Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | a little bit of osteoporosis in the hips |
| Dosage & duration: | | once a day everyday then once every week (dosage frequency: once a day, then once a week) for the period of still taking it |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | over the counter Caltrate Plus 3x400mg. per day | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | The drug has slowed down the process of osteoporosis in my hips. I feel much better, with less pain than before. I was very pleased with my checkup when I went to my doctor. I feel the combination of the Fosamx and the Caltrate Plus
will continue to improve my condition and make my bones stronger. |
| Side effects: | | They said I could get sick to my stomach, particularly if I didn't stay up for a minimum of 1/2 hour after taking this medication. I am not allowed to lay down, as that will cause the sickness. I also have to wait at least 1/2 hour before taking a drink of juice, coffee, tea, etc. This drug can also cause heartburn. |
| Comments: | | There is really not much to describe. I now take the drug once a week instead of once everyday and am very happy with taking it this way. As I mentioned above, as per my doctor's instructions, I also take Caltrate Plus 3x400mg.tablets a day, as he feels this will also help to strengthen and build my bones and keep them from becoming brittle. |
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| | Fosamax review by medical professional caring for 61 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Ineffective |
| Side effects: | | Extremely Severe Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteoprosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70 mg taken one dose for the period of once |
| Other conditions: | | n/a |
| Other drugs taken: | | n/a | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | one dose don't know |
| Side effects: | | I took one dose on a Friday and that night I had such bad rib and breast bone pain I thought I had strained a muscle. Today is the fourth day and still in pain. The pain is moving to my back, sides and then back to chest. Today is the fourth day with this pain and seems to getting better. I am not going to take this drug any more. |
| Comments: | | one pill once a week |
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| | Fosamax review by 62 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Ineffective |
| Side effects: | | Severe Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | post menapausal osteopenia |
| Dosage & duration: | | 30mg. taken one tab per day for the period of 2 months |
| Other conditions: | | arthritis,sarcoidosis |
| Other drugs taken: | | naproxen 325 | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | I didn't realize any benefits since the medication is preventative and needed to be taken over time to prevent osteoporosis. I had experienced some bone density issued related to long term use of Prednisone or a period of years. |
| Side effects: | | Within two weeks of the first dose I began feeling a lump in my upper stomach ,even though I took my pill first thing in the morning and remained standing for more than two hours. I still started to have a feeling of acid reflux which I have never had. I reported continuing burning sensations in upper abdomen ,and gasy production which produced belches and burps , to the prescribing Dr. immediately but he suggested continuing the med ,and use an antacid which I tried. By the second dose I had serious heartburn ,reported it to the Dr. then discontinued the medication and they changed me to Actonel, once a week ,which had none of the same adverse side effect. |
| Comments: | | I had a bone density study done and it was stated that I had osteopenia, related to over 12 years of prednisone and seroid use to treat my Sarcoidosis.
At the time I was seeing a Rhuemotogogist who was treating me for side effects like joint pain and swelling. I was told I didn't have osteoporosis yet, but to start taking the Fosamax to prevent it .
I did but the issued reported above,meant I had to switch to another similar but milder medication , Actonel and take it one lowered dose pill a week. |
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| | Fosamax review by 63 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Ineffective |
| Side effects: | | Extremely Severe Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | Possible Osteoporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 1 tablet weekly taken once per week for the period of three years |
| Other conditions: | | None |
| Other drugs taken: | | None | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | No benefits whatsoever, no change in bone density. I took one tablet on the same day each week with plenty of water first thing in the morning and stood upright for the next two hours as I prepared for work. The side effects were numerous and severe, and with continued use compounded themselves to the point that I feared I may not survive the year. My physician at the time refused to believe me and insisted that I continue taking the drug. I began intense research on my own and discovered I was not alone, and would have to make every attempt to save myself. |
| Side effects: | | The side effects began with nausea and stomach pains mirroring acid reflux which even Nexium could not relieve. Then difficulty breathing and irregular heartbeat, extreme fatigue and body aches, finally vomiting matter resembling coffee grounds - really scary! |
| Comments: | | After extensive research, I began a complete detoxification process accompanied by acupuncture which I believe ultimately saved my life. My advice: listen to what your body is telling you, be aware and be pro-active with your treatments. |
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| | Fosamax review by 63 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteoporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70 mg taken once/week for the period of ongoing |
| Other conditions: | | high cholesterol |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | Reduce the osteoporosis |
| Side effects: | | None |
| Comments: | | Take one pill each week, the first thing in t he morning, You must be able to stay up for at least 30 minutes after taking the pill, and you cannot eat or drink anything besides water within 30 minutes of taking a pill, and then you must eat before lying down. |
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| | Fosamax review by 63 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Moderately Effective |
| Side effects: | | Extremely Severe Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteoporosis |
| Dosage & duration: | | 150 mg ? taken weekly for the period of 5 years |
| Other conditions: | | high cholesterol |
| Other drugs taken: | | Lipitor | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | An increase of bone density after a year so I was told I went from being a sever case of osteoporosis to moderate. I took Fosamax from 2003 to 2007, when my gynocologist switched me to Boniva. From what I've heard lately, Merck knew of this problem but would not publish information regarding what could happen to other bones. |
| Side effects: | | April 29, 2010 I broke my femur (rt leg) mid-thigh due to a pre-fracture very possibly caused by taking Fosamax. Clearly from the x-rays my body was trying to heal the fracture. After walking I would notice an aching at the site about 3-4 months before it broke. I did not fall hard nor far--just about a foot and landed on my right foot. This is obviously a huge consequence for taking this drug. |
| Comments: | | Surgery and rod implanted in my right leg, thigh to knee. It is also a long recovery and rehabilitation from walker to crutches and cane. I am taking calcium (Jarrow's Bone-up) twice daily, 50,000 units Vit D weekly, and will have a variety of tests regarding Niacin in about 2 weeks as a follow-up with my primary physician. |
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| | Fosamax review by 60 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Highly Effective |
| Side effects: | | No Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | osteopenia |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70 mg taken weekly for the period of 2 years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | none | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | yes - increased bone mass 4% over 2 years. sonagram taken twice in two years this is a very effective drug and i was happy with this experience |
| Side effects: | | none |
| Comments: | | weekly by pill
no food for at least 30 minutes
said to remain resident in the body up to 10 years
initiated weekly exercise - weight bearing to improve the potential for success |
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| | Fosamax review by 69 year old female patient | | | Rating |
| Overall rating: | | |
| Effectiveness: | | Marginally Effective |
| Side effects: | | Severe Side Effects | | |
Treatment Info |
| Condition / reason: | | loss of bone density in spine |
| Dosage & duration: | | 70 mg taken weekly for the period of 2 years |
| Other conditions: | | none |
| Other drugs taken: | | simvastatin 20mg daily | | |
Reported Results |
| Benefits: | | bone scan showed no increase bone loss. |
| Side effects: | | mild at first,slight headache,jaw pain,some stiffness in joints.thought that it was drug related,but could tolerate it if it was working.than this spring,started to have increasing pain and swelling ,knees,fingers,trouble lifting up arms.at some point i realized that this was getting serious |
| Comments: | | i stopped taking the medication and i am improving.i have been off medication about 5 weeks now.aspirin only 325 mg 2-3 tabs a day has helped me along with mild frequent exercise |
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