Fosamax symptoms and conditions

My mother was prescribed this horrible drug for prevention purposes about a year ago. She has experienced severe hair loss, unexplained cough and sore throat pain, flu-like symptoms with fever, severe headaches. Doctors prescribed sinus medication and hydrocortisone shots in the scalp for hair loss and occasional shoulder pain that was explained by her doctors to be arthritis (at times severe). She was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and treated with temodar and radiation for brain cancer. Before fosomax, she was a very healthy 63 year woman with no health issues whatsoever. She went for annual physical and was prescribed this medication. In the last few months, her doctors increased dose of Caltrate-D from 600mg a day to 2400mg/day because of cancer treatment. Immediately, she began to experience severe neck and shoulder pain on the left side. In a few weeks, it has spread to both shoulders and upper arms. She is unable to wash lower back, raise arms to comb hair, lift herself up from sitting position, brush her teeth. A few weeks ago, she experienced the sensation of an abscessed tooth. A dentist told her several teeth would need a root canal. She has pain in upper arms that feel like burning fire. She is getting weaker in the arms. Pain is spreading to the hips. I pray this doesn't go any further and will reverse after we stop this dangerous drug. Has anyone shown signs of improvement after stopping this drug? How long did it take to see improvement? What if anything can you do for the pain and sore muscles and joints?

I have had serious hip pain, especially when extending my left hip, and even worse with abduction of my left leg. I had absoluetly no pain before taking Fosamax. My doctor insists, the pain is only arthritis, and had nothing to do with the Fosamax.

I have been taking Fosamax for 1 year. A few months after beginning this medication I have been experiencing lower back pain which I never had before. A few times I skipped a dose and seemed to feel better, but the doctor insisted that I needed it because of the results of a bone density scan which showed I had osteopenia. So I am presently still taking it and now with the back pain I am now having abdominal pain and just recently noticed blood in my urine. I may now have kidney stones. I am seriously considering throwing the rest of the Fosamax I have in the garbage.

After 3 weeks on Fosamax, I had an attack of back pain that put me in bed for a couple of days. I wondered if it might be the Fosamax. I quit taking it for 2 weeks. I thought I would give it another try to see if it came back. This time after taking Fosamax for 3 weeks, my ankle is swollen and I am having gout like symptoms and feel achy like I have the flu. My podiatrist did some blood tests for gout. The results came back fine. Low uric acid levels. I do not have gout. He took a lot of fluid off of my ankle joint. The pain has been horrible. I am in athletic shape, working out at the gym 5 days a week, and bicycling. This has been torture. I am stopping the Fosamax. I had a horrible reaction to Lipitor a few years ago with pain from my knee into my back. I could hardly walk. I am the one that figured out what was up then and stopped the med.

I started taking fosamax this morning. I have stomach fullness, heart burn and now headache. All I ate was a cup of nf milk.

i started taking fosamax this morning . I feel heart burn, and full feeling . only thing i ate was a cup of nf milk.
I took actonel x 2 years. My doctor just changed to fosamax.

recently developed under skin "rash",from ankle and upward on legs, my dr. is now doing blood work for ecchymosis petechiae, I am curious if anyone has this experience while using Fosamax D 70 mg. I am in good health and it is possible that this symptom is not at all related to Fosamax, which by the way I have stopped now for a while and probably won't go back. Stopped due to severe ache/pain in shoulder area and lower, so bad it was difficult to walk properly. Since stopping it I am walking straighter and no ache/pain. Even though my latest bone scan showed my osteopenia was better, I am off the drug on my own.

I am a 72 year old white female who has been on Fosamax over 5 years for osteoporosis which runs in my family. In December, I had severe discomfort in the thigh area of my right leg. X-rays ordered by my GP showed nothing. Sent me to orthopedic surgeon whose x-rays also showed nothing. He ordered bone dye test which showed stress fractures of BOTH femurs. No one, NOT EVEN THE ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, could figure out how it happened since I had not fallen or had other trauma. When I began to do my own research, I found answers to other problems I had been experiencing, for which no one had answers.....bone and muscle pain, hair loss, depression. I realize doctors are overwhelmed with info but I am especially disappointed in the orth. surgeon who should have known this was a possibility since the study came out in The Orthopedic Journal. As I continued my research, I find that women have been experiencing these side effects for years. I was previously very active and a dedicated walker, but this has robbed me of my confidence since I fear breaking other bones. The femur is the largest and strongest bone in the body and if I broke both of those with no trauma, what else could happen? I want to get the word out to women but am not sure the best vehicle for that. Any suggestions? There are Fosamax lawyers anxious to jump on this but I am more interested in spreading the word, not litigation, however I think there are possibly many unreported cases of the Fosamax side effects just because people don't know where to turn.

I am 40 years old with Osteopenia and was prescribed Fosamax with Vitamin D and have been taking for 15 months. I would say after after a year I noticed my voice not as strong when I would so sing. My voice lately got very hoarse and I developed some acid reflux symptoms. I made an appointment to a throat specialist and right away told him I was on this medicine and felt that it was a side effect and he said it definitely was. Needless to say I am not taking it any longer. I will take over the counter Calcium and Vitamin D pills and go from there. If this helps anyone it was worth posting.

My pain started within a few days of a switch from Fosamax to a generic form. I had been on the med for about ten months and hadn't had anything significant as far as side effects are concerned. First my shoulder blew up with very painful tendinitis and bursitis - doctors said it was likely a strain. Then I had jaw pain a few weeks later and that was supposed to be because of a crown I had done. The latest and worst has been my right hip and right leg to the knee - very sharp and burning pain - really made it impossible to walk. The doctors did not make the connection to fosamax and I think they probably still think I am crazy - but I KNOW that it where it is coming from. I am being treated for the pain with the usual stuff - it has been about two weeks. I think I have a long haul ahead before I feel really great again. The biggest problem with these drugs is that the side effects can present so long after you start the drug that most people don't make the connection. I figure people have been living with osteoporosis forever - so I will risk my osteopenie without any more of this toxic stuff. How many people are out there suffering without a notion that this is the cause - still taking that magic pill once a week?

I have taken 4 doses of Fosomax-1x a week - and have noticed weight gain, nausea and lethargy. After the first three doses noticed a mild headache, which I blamed on my sinuses. After this last dose ( taken 6 days ago), I have had an excruciating headache, and facial pain. I have a constant burning feeling in my stomach. I will not take another dose. I saw that someone had previously mentioned taking Bone Up, and had good results. Has anyone else tried this? As a breast cancer survivor with borderline osteoporosis I am looking for a good alternative.

I am a 56 y/o female who started on Fosamax last Sunday. I have a dx of osteopenia. I followed the directions of taking pill with full glass of water and remained upright for 30 minutes before having anything to eat. I was fine on Sunday but on Monday I woke with SEVERE bone pain! My whole rib cage, back, knees and heels were hurting so bad. It felt like I had pain in every bone in my body. I could not take in a full deap breath as my rib cage was hurting so bad. I could not bend or turn without terrible pain. My energy level was zero. I immediately called my doctor who told me to hold the Fosamax (ya think?) and ordered Vit D lab levels. Apparently when you Vit D levels are off (don't know if too high or too low) you can suffer this bone pain. I am awaiting the results. The pain is better today and I was told it takes 5 days to get out of your system. I only wish I had done my homework and found this site before taking this poison. I have to say I'm a registered nurse and know that ALL medications have side effects and everyone responds to meds differently. Some side effects subside as your body gets use to it and some can experience severe allergic reactions. But it's important to weigh the risk vs the benefit. I would rather deal with osteopenia in another way. So my search begins for alternatives to Fosamax for good bone health. Has anyone had good results with other supplements/meds?

I've been taking fosomax for 16 months. In the last 10 months I have developed a hoarse, cracking voice that has become progressively worse. An evaluation finds a blister on one vocal cord. I don't know whether it is related to fosomax or not -- but am wondering if anyone else has a similar story.

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO GET FOSAMAX OUT OF ONE'S SYSTEM? ANYTHING TO LESSEN THE JOINT AND MUSCLES PAIN? THANKS!

I was diagnosed at age 46 with osteopenia and being post-menopausal (altho I never had any symptoms). I was put on Fosamax 1X/week. After a couple of months I developed a painful locked left shoulder. X-rays revealed nothing, and the doctors could not give me any cause except "getting older." I was unable to hook my bra, raise my arm above my head, take an item down from a cabinet shelf, pull a shirt over my head, or put my hair up. I was referred to a physical therapist, and after four months of daily exercises with tension bands and light hand weights, most of the pain subsided and mobility resumed.

Now, a year later, I have developed terrible pain in my right shoulder along with pain in the upper arm, difficulty sleeping due to the pain, and recurring pain in the left shoulder. The right shoulder is not locked as was the left, but it is more painful.

I started doing the shoulder exercises on my own and found that the pain would be better for a few days, then resume with a vengeance--usually on the weekends. After reading this website and many others--voila! I have been taking Fosamax on Fridays. I've been off it now for two weeks and the pain is definitely better.

A few other things that have helped are a good massage to loosen the muscles around the shoulder joints, nighttime application of a heating rub (BenGay), and sleeping with a small pillow tucked under the armpit on the painful side (like holding a baby) to take the weight of the arm off the shoulder joint.

I have also been losing clumps of hair every day; I don't see any thinning or bald patches, but I am amazed at the two handfuls that come out every time I wash my hair. I feel so much weaker, especially in my arms, than I ever have in my life. I have always been quite strong for my small size, able to life heavy things, run long distances (three marathons), and have great physical endurance. Now I feel like a weakling; I have trouble getting up or down if I am seated on the floor or laying down, trouble lifting anything over my head, and trouble relying on the strength in my arms for ordinary tasks such as lifting or throwing.

I will check back on this site often and post an update if I see any significant changes after being off the Fosamax for a while longer. I want my shoulders, my hair, and my strength back!

My wife just met with her oerthopedic surgion about a total knee replacement and the Dr. could not understand why, at her age,she could have such advancded osteoperosi. The result of the query was that her doctor had her on Prednisone for over a year and it should only be used ,at most, for two weeks at a time. There is nothing wrong with the med if it is properly prescribed but if you are experiencing hair loss,colin symptoms and any joint problems PLEASE see another Dr.

I'm a 22 year old who was diagnosed with dermatologists a couple months ago. I've been on different doses of steroids ranging from 5mg to 60mg for 5 months now. i was on 60mg the longest and just went down to 40mg. i go down to 30 mg next month. so far my side effects are moon face, swollen areas around my neck and collar bone, weight gain like 15 lbs, always have to wake up in the middle of the night and pee, my knees get shooting pains sometimes at night, light hair by my ears like sideburns, tired, helps with my muscle weakness a little, my eyesight seems blurry sometimes, chest always feels tight. I'm also on Methotrexate, Bactrim, folic acid, and Fosamax. it might be a reaction form all these but i think its mainly from the Prednisone. i cant wait to get down to the lower doses. i look like a different person and even tho all my family and friends know its still embarrassing. i fell like a whole different person. i cant wait to be normal again.

Thank-you for this site! After reading all the testimonials I was greatly helped in realizing I was not alone in the terrible side-effects I was having since being on Fosamax for the past 5 months. A week ago the pain got so crippling I could barely walk,---left hip was awful, pain going right down the leg. It was hard to even sit without pain... X-Rays ordered by our internist revealed no new fracture or injury. I was on 70 mg tablets once weekly. Fortunately a lobotomist lady told me while taking my blood that the pain she had when on a Biphosphate medication (Boniva) crippled her with such pain she had to stop working! My internist is unable to accept the fact that Fosamax is the culprit causing the horrible pain...and although he has asked me to continue it, and use acupuncture to alleviate my pain, I HAVE TAKEN THE LAST DOSE Of IT AND HAVE INFORMED THEIR OFFICE...Many of the postings reiterated what I have suffered the last few months. The capstone came yesterday when an adult doctor-student of mine told me he would not take any Biphosphate drug and feels that like Vioxx the FDA in time will HAVE TO TAKE IT off the market. In the meantime, you folks are doing a wonderful service in helping your fellow-beings make wise decisions! I feel doctors prescribe these drugs in good faith,---after all their training is drug-oriented...I am thankful there are also Natural Alternatives and this is the route I plan to take! Blessings on all you dear folks out there who are victims of drug-reactions....The good news is that I understand most symptoms will be relieved when we stop taking the drug....Also, aural surgeons will not do surgery on any patient until they have been off Fosamax or any Biphosphate drugs FOR SIX MONTHS.....THANKS AGAIN FOR THIS SITE AND ALL OF YOU WHO POSTED ON IT....You have all helped me make a wise decision...Thanks again and God bless!

My mom was recently prescribed Fosamax. She took one pill in the morning and by that evening she as in excruciating pain in her shoulders and chest. She describes it as a burning, tearing feeling that is made worse by bending down or moving quickly. She only took one pill and it was almost 4 weeks ago now and yet the pain has not subsided at all. She had a chest xray last week with normal results and is going for a bone scan tomorrow. Anyone else experiencing these symptoms and what has your diagnosis been in regard to the symptoms.

I don't have a new side affect with Prednisone but just want to share my feelings. I was diagnosed with Temporal Arthritis since last July 2007. I started taking 60 mg of Prednisone for 1 month. Didn't notice the side affects then. Weaned myself off through my doctor's instructions. But relapse occurred when I was only on 2 daily. With Temporal Arthritis, you get delibating and horrendous head pain which is caused due to inflammation of the main artery in the temple. I am back to 3 daily.
Besides my moon face, I am bigger. I really don't have a lot of the other side affects you all talk about. I am sorry you all have to go through that.
My depression is better. My sleep is horrible. Now I am going to a sleep study to see if I have Sleep Apnea.
I consider Prednisone a wonder drug. Although the side affects are horrible, I have to admit, I feel much better, most of the time. I do have inflammation in the neck. Not sure if that is pred or temporal arthritis, but am seeing a rheumatologist for that.

Teena

As a prime candidate for osteoporosis I was prescribed Fosamax at least 12 years ago if not longer. At the time I started taking it, my mother was very ill and did pass. That was when I noticed small 'jumps' in my legs at night which I attributed to the stress of the time.

Over the years, the 'jumps' increased in intensity to almost convulsive movements of not only my legs - but my arms - head - neck - torso. There were times when I thought I would be flung from my bed or dislocate my joints so strong were the muscle contractions. It was impossible to get to sleep and I was often woken from sleep by a convulsive movement.

I went to the Seattle Sleep Clinic for help (around 2000/01) after 5+ years of progressive worsening of these symptoms. Unfortunately, the doctor only wanted to fit me into the 'restless leg syndrome' in spite of my constant statement that I had NO feeling of 'creepy crawly, etc' before the convulsion. None. They just whipped me about out of the blue. No resolution.

About two months ago I ran out of Fosamax (actually taking a generic here in Mexico) and (for whatever reason) I did not refill. Since then I have noticed a HUGE lessening in these god-awful, annoying, scary convulsive movements. I have made no other changes in medications nor can I think of anything else that would cause this reprieve. A "milagro" isn't likely.

I haven't seen this side affect listed and am wondering if any other people have experienced this 'convulsive' problem?

Gracias,
Jillian

I have only taken 2 Fosamax pills (once a week) and after taking the second one, I have experienced severe lower back, right leg, left foot pain. Can anyone tell me how long they experienced this side effect. I will not be taking Fosamax anymore, needless to say. Before taking this medication, I was fine. I am sleep deprived because the pain is worse when lying down.

I am 19 years old and I recently was taken off of it 2 years ago when I switched doctors. Prior to the switch I had been on it for 16 years. I prob have some of the worse side effects. Because it causes an increase in appetite I ate but I didn't eat all the time, and I ended up gaining over 100lbs. I have a black-brown ring around my neck and for the longest time I thought it was dirt that wouldn't come off so sometimes I scrubed my neck sometimes to the point that it was raw.I have bad acne on my back and its just horrible.I cry every single night because of the side effects.I just want to know if anyone on here can help me.

Well.....I've had two good bone density tests (the proper test)...the last i had was in 2002, and showed an actual increase of density of 7.5% in one hip, and 4% somewhere else....I was THEN put on Fosamax by my dr. because I am "white, thin, hysterectomy and smoke...." and said he wanted to keep my bones healthy. Hence, I've been on this since. I'm now wondering.....I had alopecia (hair loss) 2 years ago, just patchy, it's back in fine, no recurrence. I'm seeing a chiropractor now, as I feel constantly "pretzeled" My head feels like it weighs 100lbs on a wobbly neck, my fingers are often sore, one of my knees is dodgy, ....we have no athritis, osteoporosis in my family, I cannot remember a female breaking a bone! I just don't feel great all vague feelings. I exercise every evening 20mins on a glider, I'm 105lbs, I eat a sensible diet, I do everything at 100mph, so not sedentary! I go for my Bone density the end of this month, and I have a feeling this is the end of my Fosamax!

I have been experiencing severe hair loss and thought it was the Fosamax, so stopped that drug, but the hair loss is continuing. I have found only one article relating Singular to hair loss.