Results from bone density scan just in and diagnosed with Ostepenia and a suggested prescription of Fosamax 70mg once per week for a year. I've been told the only side effect is potential aggravation to the Esophagus. Just wanted to see if anyone has any experience with this drug?

Hi. Before I had my surgery in 04, I had been on steriods 10 years, and developed osteopenia. My GI doc put me on fosamax- I did not have any problems with it- I took it with a full glass of water in the morning, and made sure not to lie back down. After my surgery it seemed to irritate my pouch, so I quit taking it. Also in rare cases, there has been some talk of bone deteriation in your gums. Now they have a once a month pill called boniva.

Linda

Mike,

I took prednisone for several months before my initial surgery about 2 1/2 years ago. Last year I had a dexascan and my doctor said I had significant bone loss -- most likely from the prednisone so he put me on Fosamax. I have been taking it since last May and have had no problems. My wife used to take it though and she did have the reflux with it so now she takes something else.

It's probably OK to try it and if it doesn't work for you then have you doctor switch you to something else.

Jim

Hey Mike
My mother takes Fosamax and has had no problems unless she lays down. But it seems to be working great for her. Also, I heard about the bone deteriation in your gums if you take Fosamax, and that is extremly rare and has been found to happen in those people who are very heavy smokers. This happens not with just Fosamax, but with the other drugs like Actonel and Boniva. So you are probably ok unless you smoke a couple of packs a day while laying in bed.