What Real Users Have to Say about Fosamax

Most often, Fosamax is the doctor’s call for bone problems involving bone density – most popular of which is osteoporosis. Around than 20 million prescriptions are filled every year for the bone drug. Despite its success, this drug has also gained notoriety due to some serious side effects; hence, getting feedbacks from actual users would clear out apprehensions and set expectations of the would-be patients of Fosamax.

By this time we are already familiar of the different issues Fosamax has been associated to. Several cases have already been filed against Merck, the manufacturer, about the adverse effects of the drug which the company allegedly failed to disclose. In an up to date event, Canadian Court dismisses motion for a class-action lawsuit against Fosamax.

For patients who are about to start their Fosamax therapy, it’s natural to be worried about its effects – both the favorable and the not. Even if our doctors never run short of giving us reminders about the therapy, the need to hear what others would say about the medicament will not die out. Testimonials and user reviews are all over the internet but I have collected some of those from reliable sites and summarized them in this article.

Due to the action of drug, which is to keep the bones strong, its efficacy won’t be observed unless several bone scans are performed. For that reason, reviews from users are mainly about the side effects they have experienced and not its benefits.

If you look up on forums about Fosamax, perhaps the most frequent feedback you will notice is that reports about muscle and joint pains – may it be on the jaw, back, hips, knees and even on the toes. Some say , the pain was so excruciating and apparently the pain does not seem to subside until the end of the course. Additionally, some also reported other side effects like heartburn, upset stomach, constipation, itchy eyes and swelling sinuses.

The side effects of Fosamax mentioned above are based on users that posted their own reviews about the drug. You may or may not experience the same effects. Also, ask your physician if you have questions or concerns about your Fosamax prescription as he/she knows what’s best for your case. 

The Conditions That Do Not Warrant the Use of Fosamax

Fosamax is a biphosphonate drug that has proven to work in wonders to patients with low bone mass problems. However, therapeutic backlash can be devastating where some might need to be admitted to the hospital. Perhaps identifying the conditions which Fosamax is contraindicated will  considerably reduce the occurrence of adverse effects. 

Manufactured by Merck, Fosamax provides aid to men and women suffering from osteoporosis as well as Paget’s disease. Oddly enough, this drug is now facing accusations about a certain femur fracture which ensued from consuming the drug on a long course. On the latest news, a committee of lawyers have been appointed for the Fosamax multidistrict litigation (MDL) to represent the plaintiffs.

Although Fosamax is indicated for certain bone diseases, it is important that not all diagnosed patients are ordered to take the drug. Certain medical conditions may prohibit one from taking the drug.

Abnormalities of the esophagus. Oral solutions of biphosphonates can be very upsetting to the digestive tract particularly the esophagus. Consequently Fosamax is not advisable to people with esophageal problems like stricture of achalasia. Anything that interrupts the movement of the drug in the esophagus could possibly harm the organ.

Hypersensitivity. Allergic reactions to any content of Fosamax may be lethal. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible if you manifest symptoms of allergy like hives, swelling of the tongue and difficulty breathing.

Hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency. Hypocalcemia pertains to condition where the calcium level in the blood is abnormally low. Fosamax interferes with the bone resorption of the bone cycle which is responsible for the release of calcium from the bone to the blood. On the other hand, vitamin D plays a role in the absorption of the calcium in the body hence a deficiency of this vitamin may lead to hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia may cause irritability of the muscles in the body without the exception of the heart muscle.

Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes. Lying down or reclining may cause a backflow of the drug content to the esophagus possibly irritating the organ. Furthermore, patients who have a great risk for aspiration should never take Fosamax.

It is imperative that your doctor will make a extensive health review before he provides the medical management. This will help him decide if Fosamax is perfect for you. This will notably ebb away the risk of Fosamax side effects.