Question about Fosamax

Liz J. · 08-14-2006, 07:28 PM

Hi HER2 family,

I have a question about Fosamax. My Primary Doctor prescribed it today. It is Fosamax plus D. My last bone density was probably about a year ago and although that was ok he is concerned about Arimidex causing osteo. He is a great DR. and I have so much confidence in him, but I am just wondering if this is something I need to be taking. I currently take 500mg calcium + D daily. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Liz J.

Lolly · 08-14-2006, 10:02 PM

Hi Liz~

Try putting Fosamax in the search field, there's been a LOT of discussion about the pro's/con's of taking bisphosphonates such as Fosamax as many of us are in the same boat as you with lowered bone density from chemo's, early menopause, etc. It's a little unsettling to read about the drawbacks of these drugs.

<3 Lolly

Liz J. · 08-15-2006, 02:46 PM

Thanks Lolly. I am going to check out the search engine.

Sincerely,

Liz J.

RobinP · 08-15-2006, 03:24 PM

Good grief, 500 mg of Calcium a day is nothing. Most docs recommend 1200-1500 mg a day for bone building in menopausal women along with about 700 mg a day of vit D. My husband is an internist so I know my stuff here. Biphosphonates have some serious side effects so don't take it unless your bones density is poor. Look up osteonecrosis of jaw as one of the severe side effects.

Kim in DC · 08-15-2006, 05:10 PM

Let me start by saying that I sell the competitor "Boniva" so my response may not be objective. I noticed that you did not say what your T score is. Do you have osteopenia or osteoporosis? 95% of the onj(osteonecrosis of the jaw) cases have occured with Zometa and Aredia after dental surgery. So far there have been 355 cases reported, 15 with Fosomax. If you are taking tamoxifan, that increases bone loss. There is some talk that this class of drugs will help prevent bone mets. If your looking for a natural approach eight and resistance exercises along with vitamin D and Calcium will help prevent bone loss.

I would say, base your opinion on if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis. If you only have osteopenia, try exercise and calcium first. If you have osteoporosis, and have experienced a pressure fracture, you are more likely to fracture again.

There is a good article in the Annals of Internal Medicine May 16 2006 volume 144 number 10. The title of the article is "Systematic Review: Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw It will give you an ubiased approach to the disease

Kim