Bisphosphonates
 

Hi, I've been away for a while. Wondering about the safety of taking Bisphosphonates and can't get a straight answer from my endocrinologist. She wants me to take Fosamax. Fearful of the side effects since I've have chemo and Herceptin, plus radiation. Could I experience a long bone fracture? I have osteoporosis is both of my wrists and osteopenia in my spine. I had both of my hips replaced so they can't be scanned.
Anyone successfully taking these drugs? any negatives?
Your thoughts are appreciated.

Re: Bisphosphonates
 

Cutie Pie

I looked this up and here is what I found. If you give biphosphanates for 3 years to 1000 women you will prevent 100 bone fractures including 11 hip fractures. The author states "even if the rate of Hip fracture were increased by 3 times normal only 1 woman in 1000 will get a hip fracture. Yes, Fosomax can rarely cause hip fracture,, but it is 9 or ten times more likely to prevent a fracture. Everything is risk vs benefit a nd the benefit seems to very much outway the risk. No guarantees of course, but the statistics are in your favor. Apparently Fosomax can also rarely cause hair loss. i wasnt aware of this. You can drive yourself crazy looking at rare but possible side effects. Hope this helps.

Paul

Re: Bisphosphonates
 

Thanks Paul. I've gotten myself crazy over this, canceranniversity coming up.
I'll guess I'll start taking the fosamax and be vigilant with dental appointments and bone density scans