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Long-Term Use of Osteoporosis Drugs May Increase Fracture Risk

Two new studies shed light on the rise of a rare femur fracture in patients who take bisphosphonates.

By Jennifer Davis

3/11/10 Two new studies presented at the 2010 conference of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) are highlighting health concerns with long-term use of bisphosphonate medications, which are used to treat the bone loss caused by osteoporosis.

The studies suggest that when the medications are taken for longer than four years, the drugs, which are designed to strengthen bones, may actually make them weaker, leading to an increased risk of fractures in the femur, the long bone of the thigh.

In response to the studies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that it is conducting an ongoing review of the safety of this class of medications, which includes the popular drugs alendronate sodium (Fosamax), ibandronate sodium (Boniva), risedronate sodium (Actonel) and zolendronic acid (Reclast), to see if the increased risk of femur fractures outweighs the proven benefits.

Read the FDA’s full safety communication here.

And people like Jennifer P. Schneider, MD, PhD, a doctor of internal medicine in Tuscon, Ariz., say they feel validated by the results of the new studies.  

In 2001, Dr. Schneider was riding the subway while visiting New York City when one wrong step changed her life.

“The train jolted. I stepped hard on that leg and it buckled. The femur broke, and I fell,” she says.

At the age of 57, Dr. Schneider was hospitalized for weeks, needed two surgeries and had to use a walker for a year-and-a-half.

It was years before she learned the bizarre fracture caused in a low-impact situation could have been related to the long-term affects of the prescription medication alendronate sodium (Fosamax) that she had been taking for about seven years to treat osteoporosis.

“I had pain in my thigh for several months before that, and back then, nobody even suspected it was connected to Fosamax, and the doctor didn’t think anything was wrong with my leg. But I was walking around with an undiagnosed stress fracture of the femur,” she says.

On March 1, 2010, the FDA approved a change to the patient labeling for Fosamax that informs people taking the drug about the risk of low-energy femoral fractures.

Merck, the company that makes Fosamax, says it updated the labeling to reflect the experiences reported by patients, not to “reflect a conclusion that post-marketing event is caused by the product,” says Ron Rogers, a company spokesman.

“Just because a post-marketing event has been reported doesn't mean there's a causal relationship. In fact at this point, no causal relationship has been established between bisphosphonates and low femural fractures,” Rogers says.

He continues, “In clinical studies, which are the gold standard for assessing the benefits and risks of medications, Fosamax has not been associated with an increased fracture risk at any skeletal site. “

New research sheds light on rise in rare fracture

Bisphosphonates are a type of drug designed to prevent and treat osteoporosis by building bone and stopping calcium loss.

Many previous studies have shown that short-term use of these medications is very successful early on at stopping the outflow or destruction of bone and preventing fractures of the hip and spine.

But with long-term use of these medications, doctors have been seeing a growing number of patients suffering from a rare type of thigh fracture as a result of little or low trauma. Such trauma can happen from stepping off a curb too hard, for example, or from a relatively minor fall.

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MARIA
20 Dec 2011, 16:25
I took Fosamax for a year and then I changed to Boniva for about 8 years. I am also taking the presciption vitamin D and calcium.
My BM improved greatly and the doctor told me that we will discuss the pro and con of stopping the med.
I will have to make a decision
I would appreaciate some help in making this decision.
Thank you
shelly
29 Jul 2011, 13:47
I refused to take Fosamax 2 yrs ago when i was diagnosed with osteopenia (age 45). Today, i just did a bone scan after 2 yrs. I have improved by SIX PERCENT. I attribute it to taking daily: 6000 units of Vit D, a Calcium supplement derived from Algae, limit caffeine, eat lots of veggies, snack on almonds, eat well (no sugar, very little wheat), and weight-bearing exercise. I was initially very low in Vit D and so i got my levels tested every 3 mos for a year, to see.
trinnnity
09 Jul 2011, 12:22
These drugs are not good from dental standpoint, we know this for certain already. Also, they have a 10 year!!! half-life. If I were Sally Fields I would stop my association with Boniva.
Judy Doerfler
01 May 2011, 10:00
I have been on actonel for 5 years, with a dx of osteopenia. I had a hip fracture last year, requiring 2 surgeries. I thought this drug was suppose to prevent fractures.
Linda
31 Jan 2011, 10:30
I had been on fosamax for 4-5 years due to a diagnosis of osteopenia. In 2007 I fell while jogging and ended up with three fractures of my pelvis. I am small and thin, but had good vit D levels and calcium levels, as well as a jogger and I lifted weights. All the doctors were surprised that such a low impact would cause such fractures. I now think maybe it was the fosamax. I did 2 years on Forteo with improvment in bone of my hips but not my back. I am now on Actonel, but think I will take a holiday and see what happens. I still only have the diagnosis of osteopenia.
Judy Rothstein
24 Dec 2010, 07:42
Like so many others here I was on Fosamax or Boniva for 10 + years. In July of '08 I started experiencing pain in my right groin then rt. thigh. Then the same thing happened in my left groin and thigh. I went to doctors who sent me to PT, other doctors, spine guys, neurologists, vascular docs, rheumatologists. Two actually diagnosed me with polymyalgia, though not completely certain. The prescribed med was a steroid for two weeks. No help with the pain. Then I broke my left femur and had a rod implanted. That was 10 months ago. My PC decided to have the right femur x-rayed. It showed slight stress fractures.

My ortho guy is saying the left femur healing is delayed and considering rodding the right femur and putting in a bigger rod in the left femur. He has advised using crutches until he sees me after a month-and a-half to see if any changes have occurred.

If no positive changes have occurred, should I proceed with the additional rodding or are there other alternatives? All my dotors are advising increased dosages of Vitamin D and Calcium and blood is tested regularly for Vit. D levels.
Auburn
15 Dec 2010, 22:06
To all: I hope that all of those writing in and who have or are concerned about bone problems have had their vitamin D level ((25(OH)D)) tested. Take sufficient D-3 to get it up to at least 40 ngr/mL. Don't overdo the calcium supplement as too much can do the opposite of what you expect. My wife's scan showed significant improvement after two years of being on 4,000 IU of vitamin D-3 with no calcium supplementation. Before going on vitamin D-3 she took Fosamax for about four weeks and then stopped. It is absolutely essential to get tested to determine your vitamin D status and then supplement as needed. There is as much as a sixfold difference amoung individuals in the amount needed to get to the same level. If your doctor prescribes a vitamin D dose without testing that is a pretty good indication that his/her knowledge of vitamin D is greatly lacking. One way to gauge their awareness of vitamin D research is to ask them if they have had their level tested.
Vitamin D doesn't cure every problem but it is important to start by correcting any vitamin D deficiency (costs about 6 cents per day)before subjecting yourself the unknown side effects and questionable benefits, if any, of the currently used drugs.
Denise
31 Oct 2010, 21:59
I have been taking actonel for two years and foxomax about two years before that-I have had two scans that have both fallen in the borderline range-recently my gynocologist raised my dose from 70 to 150 saying it wasn't enough. I have had pain in my hip where I have a rod in the femur due to a break a very long time ago, I also hav e exerienced pain in my bones that comes a n d goes. Most notably I had an unusual stress fracture in my right foot two summers ago with no memorable twist or fall to explain it and then anothr a few months after that. I notice my foot still aches occasionally-I am going to stop taking it until there is more clarification.
Dolores
28 Oct 2010, 15:32
I have been taking Boniva for the last 6 years, and Actonel for a year before the Boniva. I'm 79 years old and have been walking 4 to 5 miles every morning for the last 18 years. In July I began having pains in my right thigh, and by the end of August I could no longer take my walks and began using a cane. I went to an Orthopedic Dr., had an MRI and found out I have a stress fracture of my right femur. My life has been turned upside down as I have to stay off of my feet as much as possible using a walker and cane. I will never take Boniva again, I want my life back...I've got another 20 years to go!
carole
28 Sep 2010, 14:41
I urge Carol K. (Sept. 15th) and all the women who have used these drugs to read the comments on AskAPatient.com.....just type "Actonel" and then read the experiences of other women. Scary stuff!
Carol K.
15 Sep 2010, 17:48
I have been on either Fosamax or Boniva for the past 8 years. My doctor took me off a few months ago because of the femur fractures happening to many people. Since I've been off these meds. I started having severe arthritis pain in my hand and feet joints. Has anyone else experience this?
Sharon
09 Jul 2010, 14:25
I want to to comment on similar problems related to the drug Reclast. In 2008,after being diagnosed with osteoporosis, my doctor prescribe Boniva. One dose of Boniva caused ulcers in my esophagus. Next drug prescribed,3 months later,the infusion Reclast. 24 hours after my first infusion of Reclast,I was unable to walk without assistance and then in only with unbearable pain. Anytime I tried to stand on my legs, I felt as though they were broken and metal claps were griping them. This continued for 2 weeks. During which my doctor had to give me large doses of steroids. When my doctor called the company that produces Rituxan, they told her that they had not had anyone reports of leg pain and that was why there was not a warning of this type in the averse reactions listing. She told them that they must report this, no matter if I was the only patient to have this reaction. Now, I find the article in Arthritis Today, imagine my reaction! Finally the truth comes out. But by some of the posts, I see gals have had trouble for years. I smell a cover up!! This happened in 2009. In 2010, a bone tumor was also found in my ileam bone. It was at first dianosed as metacized cancer. I was then sent to a Doctor, who specilizies only in bone tumors. He seems to believe it is beign but but to biospy it to be 100% sure, would cause problems with my hip because the tumor is so deep and the biopsy very invasive. He checks for any change, every 6 months. No proof, but I bet the Reclast caused this. I have never taken another drug for my osteoporosis. I now just use, calcium citrate, Vitamin D-3.
I am tired of drug companies using us for their Guinea pigs!!
Carmen
23 Mar 2010, 14:43
Ten years ago, at the age of 31, I had some dental x-rays taken. They were completely normal. Now my dental x-rays show my teeth nerve capsules have shrunk to that of a 90-year old. It is not painful. My dentist practices at an university dental school. He says he's never seen anything like it. I have been on Fosamax for 14 years due to severe osteoporosis (from 25 years of steroids used to control my lupus) including multiple spinal compression fractures. The fractures started about 3 1/2 years after I started Fosamax. My DEXA scans were showing improvement of the osteoporosis in my spine at time, though still present. Osteoporosis is still present in my hips. I always thought the fractures were due to my osteoporosis--hmmm. My rheumatologist has taken me off Fosamax for a "vacation." I'm curious--has anybody had this problem of shrinking teeth nerve capsules?
Carol Goodman
23 Mar 2010, 08:34
I've had RA since age 5 and am now 50. My rheumatologist put me on Fosamax in the mid-1990s after a bone densitometry test came back showing osteopenia. Fosamax returned my bone density to normal and I've been on a lower maintenance dose (35 mg) for about 4 years, though to be honest I only remember to take it about twice a month.

I want to know what test will help people like us determine if we are at risk for fracture? Will a regular bone densitometry test do the job, or do I need a biopsy?

I've had both hips replaced and the implant rods extend down into my thigh bone. Does this protect my femurs from fracture, or up the risk?

My most recent physical showed I haven't lost any height due to vertebral micro fractures. Is this good news or not related?

Reports like these are frustrating - they never give you enough information.

Joy G
19 Mar 2010, 20:55
I was on Actonel for 4+yrs for osteopenea (with no improvement in bone density). I had some bone xrays about 1 1/2 years ago in order to finally check some hip discomfort which I'd been having for about 2 years. To my surprise, the xrays showed "spots" on the thoraxic discs in my spine Because I was a breast cancer survivor, I was immediately referred to my oncologist who did a CT scan and MRI, and he said that it was likely metastesized breast cancer. I asked about a biopsy, but the spots were too small. In order to confirm the cancer possibility, a follow up CT and MRI were done 6 months later, and then he said that one spot had gotten larger and there were new ones. He told me that it was cancer and started to talk to me about how long I had to live, etc. Then I stopped him and asked, "How sure are you?" He said about 90%. I told him that I was not a 90% person; I was a "100% person", so I then asked for a biopsy, which he did order. The biopsy showed no cancer cells !!! It was a misdiagnosis. I even spoke to the radiologist who did it, to make sure she was confident that it was a "good" biopsy, and she assured me it was. She also mentioned that the bone that she had to go into was incredibly hard, unlike normal bone (interesting).
Over the past 2 years, I have done considerable research on the internet about the long term use of bisphosphonates. A few points that I find quite interesting and disturbing are below:
- Bisphosphonates were tested 2 to 3 years max, then they were put on the market for millions of women (and men). The long term effects were obviously unknown.
- It is known through studies, that Bisphosphonates in the short term (a couple of years) do strenghen bone which I think is good for people with incurable bone cancer as they generally don't live long.
- In the long term studies, they are finding that bisphosphonate make the bone brittle and hard. We are hearing about more and more cases of fractures, as well as osteonecrosis ONJ, etc..
- Animal studies have also shown vertebral dammage as well.
- When looking at images (CT & MRI) on the net, it is interesting to note that Bisphonsphonate-damaged bone images and cancer-damaged bone images look the same. Hence the possibility for a misdiagnosis as cancer, as in my case.
- The way that bisphosphonates "work" is disturbing, as it is a completely unnatural process. How can it be a positive thing to change the natural way that the bone works.
- Bisphosphonates stay in the body for years after you cease taking them. Do they stop having adverse effects on the bone as soon as you stop taking them, or not?
- Doctors (GPs), who obviously don't have time to research every drug on the market, are unaware of the recent concerns about bisphosphonates, and so they continue to prescribe them freely.
I have been off Actonel now for about 9 months. I changed my calcium from "carbonate" to "citrate" (which absorbs better), and added more vitamin D. I just had a bone density done and there has been no change. I will not go back on bisphosphonates, as I believe that it is likely that they caused the damage to my vertebrae.
Do you know if there is a way to determine if this damage is a result of long term use of a bisphosphonate?? Do you know who I could contact in the medical/research field?
Cathy Fromm
18 Mar 2010, 20:53
I initially went on Actonel at the age of 52. I took the medication for about 6 years not experiencing any side affects. The last two years I have been taking the generic for Fosomax. The recent news scared me enough that I stopped the medication this past weekend. Coincidently, I received a phone call from my gynocologist's office to discuss my recent bone scan. She also advised that a take a "holiday" from the medication. I would recommend having a conversation with your doctor or perhaps seeing an endocrinologist to have them review your bone scans.
Sandy Blackburn
18 Mar 2010, 13:31
I turned in my yard and went down, suffering a fractured femur. I had been on Fosamax for over 6 years. Now I am preparing to have a rod put in my other femur due to a stress fracture. I was very active as a walker, exerciser and dancer. The fractures have taken away my independence. I was blessed to connect with Dr. Jennifer Schneider who is mentioned in the above article. She has a support group of close to 35 people now, including two sisters and one man. We have all endured the agony of a fractured femur and many have had the second fracture or have elected prophylactic rodding. The medical community has mixed reactions but are more aware after the national coverage in the past weeks plus the American Academy of Othopedic Surgeons met in New Orleans last week and this was a hot topic. I encourage you to contact Dr. Schneider at jennifer@jenniferschneider.com Our group is supportive and informative and we are very determined to get the word out.
Rita Prassa
18 Mar 2010, 10:46
Let me add myself to the increasing line of women damaged by Fosamax. I have been on this drug for 12 years with no improvement in my bones. Over the years I have sustained 5 compression fractures of my spine which are getting worse as they occure. Extreamly painful. In Sept 2008 after many months of pain in my right femur I stood up from my chair and my right Femer colapsed. I landed on my right elbow which was skinned and bled, but did not break. So I do not think and my surgeon confirmed, my bones were not that weak, but the Fosamax weakened my femer. I just found out about others having the same experience and have stopped taking Fosamax on my own.
Judy Murray
18 Mar 2010, 00:01
I've just finished reading all the comments above. I'm interested as I was in auto accident in 1993 and now have osterarthritis. Last year I developed RA and now take Remicade insusions.I'm horrified at the problems you guys are having mostly as a result of your medications. I have no ideas or solutions for you; just a desire to say you are my heros and I am so sorry you have these problems. And a little frightened that I soon may have some of your symptoms. God Bless.
pam
17 Mar 2010, 21:48
I tried taking Actonel and it upset my stomach so much the doc switched me to Boniva. I went to see the orthopedic doc because after some months i could hardly walk, couldn't climb up or go down stairs, could hardly get out of my car. He sent me for physical therapy after doing x-rays on my back and hips and not finding a problem. The PT found big knots in my thigh muscles was causing my problem. After researching online I found this was sometimes a side-effect of Boniva. I immediately came off the drug and went to PT for 3 mts 2-3 times a week before i could walk normal and climb stairs. I upped the amount of calcium and vit D i was taking and my bone density levels have remained stable.
joanne
17 Mar 2010, 16:35
I have been taking Actonal for 9mos.and I getting worried bout all I have been hearing about these drugs....It's not my bones(yet) but other things,tiredness,stomach...etc.....
Pat Hatch
17 Mar 2010, 13:27
I took a bone density test and my doc. thought I should take reclast since I am alergic to atonel.He assured me that they don't have any of the same ingredients,I had to go to the hospital,had terrible pain,couldn't walk on my own.Be very careful of what you take,research everything.Switched doc. and she said vitiman D is the answer to build up your bones,take a blood test to see if you need more vitiman D,that may be the answer.frettistadaware
Lori Geiger
17 Mar 2010, 11:45
I Have been taking actonel for a about 1 year and I am concerned about problems arising , I have had a Hip Replacement 1 and half years ago . My Knee has been hurting and back and I do not want problems so I am going to stick to more calcium and vitamins for my osteoporosis and osteopenia...
Doug
17 Mar 2010, 09:51
I have been taking fosamax for many years and am an below the knee amputee and the end of my femur is crumbling of in piece & small chunk's. I have been wondering about this ever sence I learned about the pulling of teeth & the jaw bone problem with this type of drug.
Marcia
16 Mar 2010, 20:13
I have been on Fosamax for at least 10 years and I haven't really had any major problems with my thighs/legs. Of course, I have RA, Sjogren's, Degenerative Arthritis and Osteoporosis. So I'm used to some part of my body aching at all times. I wouldn't know if it was connected to taking Fosamax until something breaks for no known reason.
Gail
16 Mar 2010, 19:44
3 years ago I fell at home and shattered my right femur and dislocated my right knee cap. The femur was stabilize by a titanium plate and 4 screws. After two months it still was not healing, and my orthopod prescribed an electric stimulator boot to wear at least 8 hours a day. It has nowbeen 3 years since my accident, my right hip , which was broken 10 years ago, has totally collapsed, and surgery to replace it is contraindicated due to the length of the titanium plate in my femur, having RA, and the good chance that complications would result. I have been taking Actonel on and off for the last 5 years, and am currently on it again. Should I continue?? I have one leg shorter than the other now, back problems, and must still use a walker to ambulate.
tess
16 Mar 2010, 19:02
took fosamax for a year. put me in bed for a year. recently found out I have an immune system disease so if you do beware. It took me 6 years to find the immune system problem because they are not looking for it. I saw multiple specialist. I presume the fosamax toxified the liver and to think I was wanting Reclast. I have a hip that feels like it fractures everyday now. Every step I take aches.
Donna Safrit
16 Mar 2010, 18:36
My mother in law took Fosomax for 3 years. 2 Years ago she developed 2 small holes in her chin. It drains and looks nasty. Her doctor took her off the Fosomax immediately. She is 93 years old and it is too dangerious for her to have surgery to fix the bone in her chin. She has to go to her ENT doctor about every 4 months to get it cleaned out and scrape the chin bone. After this happened her Rheumatologist put her on the Forteo shots. I have given them to her every day for 23 months. She has developed severe leg pain in her right Femur. She had a MRI on Monday and it shows she has a tumor in that bone.She was told to stop taking the Forteo shot, but her 2 years would have been up next month anyway. I do not know what can be done at her age.
Marilyn
16 Mar 2010, 18:20
I have been taking Actonel one a week for about 3 years. Last year, I switched to Reclast and had a once a year I.V. treatment. For about 3 months now, I have been experiencing pain in my hip and now started pain in the top of my foot. It is only on my right side. Could this be a side effect from taking these drugs?
Kathie Cowperthwait
16 Mar 2010, 15:59
I had been on Fosamax for 11 years. I am 63 years old, 5'3" and 166lbs. In April of 2009, while on a trip, my right ankle and leg began to hurt. When I got home the ankle was ex-rayed and diagnosed as broken. In August, because it was still not healed, an MRI revealed that the break was worse and a cyst was developing in the space. In December I was prescribed a bone stimulator to wear over the break for 3 hours a day.

In February of this year, 2010, again on a trip, my left ankle and leg began to hurt. I immediately went to a drug store and purchased a brace for the left ankle. (I was still wearing a brace on the right ankle.) When I got home my orthopedist diagnosed another fracture--this time the left ankle. He is trying a prescription of ZyfloCr 600mg 2 tablets twice daily. My endocrinologist had advised me to stop Fosamox, which I did after the first fracture in April of 2009.

So now I am in an ankle brace on the right ankle (It has not yet healed after 11 months.) and a boot on the left ankle for a new fracture and am using a cane to help me get around. I now use the bone stimulator 6 hours a day! I had a second opinion also. Every doctor just shrugs his shoulders and tells me to be patient. I could have surgery to put a plate and screws in each ankle but so far I have resisted until someone can tell me what is going on.

I am going "loopy" and would like some answers or at least suggestions as to what direction to go. PLEASE HELP!
JUANITA SIPES
16 Mar 2010, 15:54
I HAVE BEEN TAKING FOSAMAX FOR 2YRS.AFTER READING ABOUT FEMURS BREAKING SHOULD I STAY ON IT OR STOP TAKING IT?ITS BAD ENOUGH MY BONES ARE WEAKER NOW I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE MEDICINE THAT IS SUPPOSE TO HELP MY BONES MAY CAUSE BONES TO BREAK.ANYBODY KNOW WHAT TO DO?
Rosemarie
16 Mar 2010, 15:24
I am 56, and have been on Fosamax for about 4 years. After experiencing weeks of intense low back, right hip and pelvic pain, my physician ordered several tests. An MRI reveaved several insuffiency fractures of the pelvis. I did not have any trauma to cause this. I don't smoke and I lead a pretty active, healthy life. I am seeing an endocrinologist who is trying to find the cause. She is considering Forteo if everything except osteoporosis is ruled out. From what I understand, that can only be take for two years.
Faye Threadgill
16 Mar 2010, 14:49
I was on fosamax for several years. The bone density test wasn't any better. I changed to boniva and it will be time for the test again in June. I am anxious to see if it has changed any.
Gina
16 Mar 2010, 14:20
I have been giving myself injections of forteo for almost 2 years and my bone dinscity in creased 100%. I have not had any problems with this medication. I also take a daily regimin of vitamins, D, Calcium, and others. I have done very well and my doctors are pleased.
I have had 2 hip replacements and 2 back surgeries. I am 45 years old.
I believe Forteo to be the best product on the market. It has done a lot for me.
Shirley Wiley
16 Mar 2010, 13:55
I have been taking either Fosamax (stopped it because of acid reflux), Actonel and presently Boniva. Is there a test to determine whether it is causing a weakness of the thigh bone?

Thank you.
veronica
16 Mar 2010, 12:29
I've been using actonel for over a year now. Prior to using Actonel, I was on fosamax. I've been having low back pain and pain on my right leg and hip area. I've read that actonel could cause back pain & joint pain. Am i having the side effects of long term use of biphosphonate
Louise Dahlgren
16 Mar 2010, 12:12
I, also, am taking Fosomax. I have been greatly concerned taking this medication. I have had a hip replacement at the age of 51 due to a car accident at the age of 18. My bone scan was 75-82%. I am unable to take anything else because of the restrictions of medicare and my health coverage. I cannot take dairy due to the intolerance. I need help.
Jan Ford
16 Mar 2010, 11:54
My Mother took Fosamax over an extended period of time.

She has had multiple emergency surgeries, where she almost and should have died. Her esophagus was eaten through from Fosamax. Her internal organs actually shifted, etc...

Prior to all this happening, she had complained to her doctor that the commercial on TV mentioned that if you had problems with your esophagus that you shouldn't take it. He simply said, "Well, don't take it!"

These osteoporosis drugs also make your teeth so hard that dentists have a hard time even drilling on them. (My nephew is a dentist).
Jennifer
16 Mar 2010, 11:21
My daughter, age 13 is on Fosamax due to Osteoporosis related to JRA. She has been on it for only a few months. I really hope they will find the answers to this, she breaks easily enough the way it is.
Sandra
16 Mar 2010, 10:33
I took fosamax for a year and my osteoprososis actually got worse. My doctores put me on Forteo, which is a one a day shot and it is a two year program which didn't improve at all on my first year, and I come off of it in May this year. Have you heard anything on this med? Thank You
Rosalie Case
16 Mar 2010, 10:20
I'm really surprised at this finding. I have been taking Fosamax for at least 15years and fell several times in those yrs before I had a knee replacement due to RA. No broken bones. Don't know what to do now.
SueAnn Ramsaroop
15 Mar 2010, 10:53
Hello
I just read the article from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons on bisphosphonates such as Actonel and fractures. I have been taking Actonel for over 8 years and have just had my right leg femur break for no reason. Please advise.

Thank you

SueAnn Ramsaroop
Char Danielson
13 Mar 2010, 13:42
My daughter has had JRA since she was 4. A year ago at age 38, she had severe pain in her left thigh for weeks, xrays showed no sress fracture. One morning she stood up and both femurs fractured simultaneously. She had been on fosamax for several years. She had a rod in one femur from a previous break from a fall. They were concerned whether that leg would heal at the time of the first break. She had a plate and screws for this break. Within hours of her return home, the plate broke free and she was back in the hospital for more surgery.
Yuri
12 Mar 2010, 16:44
Doctors and patients alike should also recognize the relationship between long term use of BPs and increasing incidences of an emerging condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Although this condition appears to require exposure of bone to opportunistic oral microbial biofilms and does not appear to result from spontaneous weakening of bone, the relationships should not be ignored.
Alta Carr
12 Mar 2010, 10:05
After reading several articles I am very concerned about remaining on Fosamax. I have taken Fosamax or Actonel for more than 6 years with a one year break. Is there any way to determine what the medication is doing to your bones? Does the bone density test let you know if you are developing brittle bones? Any information would be appreciated.

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