Alendronate User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• August 17, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I have been having the worst abdominal pain/bloating/constipation for the last week after just taking one 70mg Fosamax. Also, muscle aches, chills, and the worst headache ever. I am 66, a retired RN, and know a bit about medications. I took the pill Monday morning following all the directions and restrictions. After 24 hours and no side effects, I thought, 'hey, I am one of the lucky ones,' and put it out of my mind. Tuesday afternoon I started having severe bloating and nausea. That night proceeded in a nightmare. I had horrible cramping, body aches, headache, vomiting. It is now Saturday, 5 days after taking the pill and I have finally made the connection. I still am suffering from horrible bloating, stomach cramps, body aches, and severe headache. I've gone from thinking it was food poisoning, to a blockage, to a parasite, to finally putting the pieces together and realizing it's this awful medication."

• San...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 29, 2018

For Osteoporosis "Was on alendronate for nearly 13 years. From 2004 to April 2017. Suffered back pain and hip pain. Had several bone density scans each time. It was recommended I stay on the drug. Then in 2016, I got out of the shower, but my weight on my leg to reach the towel. My leg went from under me. I fell backwards back into the shower cubicle. Broke my right femur, and in the fall, also broke left ankle. Was in the hospital for 3 weeks and rehab for 4 weeks. In April 2017, I went for a check-up. I was told it was most likely the drug that had caused the break. Due to being on them too long, as they can have the opposite effect if taken long-term. No one ever told me this! If anyone is thinking of starting on this drug, please, please get advice first. If I knew what I know now, I would never have taken it."

• Anonymous
• February 27, 2021

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I was taking alendronate for 6 weeks. I started getting headaches the first day I took them, which continued off and on. Lots of stomach and bathroom issues. By 3 weeks, explosive diarrhea, terrible stomach pain. The 4th, 5th, and 6th pill, the joint pains started. Why I stayed on this long still makes me angry. I called my doctor and told him I'm not taking them. Now it has been 4 weeks since my last pill, and I was woken up with jaw pain, and when I got out of bed, I could hardly walk for pain in my left ankle. Why is this stuff not taken off the market? I wish I had never taken it. Hopefully, side effects will stop soon."

• Ros...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 5, 2024

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I was diagnosed with osteoporosis four years ago. I will be 75 this year and have been on alendronate for almost 3 years with no side effects at all. At my last bone scan, it showed a slightly worse reading for my bones and I will be getting another scan in a week. If the results show that there is no improvement, I will consult my doctor to discontinue the drug. I take 1000mcg of vitamin D3 every day but try to avoid calcium to prevent arterial blockages."

• Fre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2020

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "After taking Fosamax for two months, I started experiencing terrible indigestion, GERD, stomach pain, and intestinal swelling. It felt like I was 8 months pregnant. My doctor told me to stop. Six months later, the symptoms have eased but are still present. I fear it has given me gastric ulcers."

• Fos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2022

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "Thanks for others posting on this website. I’m 59 years old and recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and injected the 1st dose of Prolia without any side effects. But after further studies of Prolia, I decided to stop Prolia and switch to Fosamax Plus. Now I have taken Fosamax Plus for nearly six months and also have no side effects. I wish to share my positive feedback to encourage others to try this medicine."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I took alendronate once a week for seven weeks for osteoporosis. I discontinued taking alendronate because I had every side effect listed on the drug interactions. I went to the doctor for severe upper back pain that radiated to my chest muscles. It felt like pleurisy. An EKG was negative. Then, a few weeks later, I developed a UTI. I haven’t had one in over 20 years. For the past three weeks, I have had intermittent diarrhea with bloating, heartburn, and an upset stomach. I read that the half-life is as long as you take the medication. I’m hoping I will start feeling better soon. I will never take this drug again."

• Fer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2022

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "Solgar Advanced Calcium Complex really helped with my horrible side effects of taking this drug. The side effects started on day 2 after my 1st dose. Bone pain (legs and teeth), restless sleep, and an overall feeling of ickiness for 2 weeks. It seemed to trigger binge eating of salty carbohydrates. I gained 8 pounds! My registered dietitian daughter recommended I take a calcium supplement that contained vitamin K2. I immediately started to feel better. Over the 3rd week, most of my symptoms have resolved. Needless to say, I will NOT TAKE ANOTHER DOSE OF THIS."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2020

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "Prescribed Alendronate and I took it once a week for 4 weeks. I had side effects of severe joint pain and I could barely walk, did not put it together until I checked out side effects and then stopped taking it. I told my doctor I was also experiencing heart palpitations too, he said do not take any more. I've been off the medication about a week now, have been feeling a pain in my upper shoulder blade area, hope this goes away soon. I will not take this ever again."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2023

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "Had DEXA over one year ago which showed borderline osteoporosis. My GP prescribed a weekly Fosamax pill and explained that it is a 'light' drug with an unwarranted bad reputation. Took one dose at night and woke up at 2 a.m. with numbness in my fingers. Tried to rest until the morning and noticed upon looking in the mirror that my under eyelid was twitching. That was followed by what I can only describe as a series of twitches/tremors throughout my body and pain in my jaw and other joints. Most symptoms have gone away, but I still have eye twitching after 9 months. I had my GP, cardiologist, and a neurologist check out the symptoms. My GP took me off Fosamax due to the severity of symptoms. I am now doing daily weight-bearing exercises, using supplements (Vitamin D, K, Calcium), and opted to try low-dose hormone replacement to improve bone health. I am doing regular diagnostic tests with my cardiologist and GYN to catch any cardiovascular and other issues that come with taking hormones."

• Ry1...
• May 13, 2016

For Osteoporosis "Alendronate 70mg once a week for 5 weeks. Started feeling very sick. Bad abdominal pain, heartburn, extreme nausea, feel like vomiting. Horrible pains in left thigh. Weird feeling in throat. Headaches daily. Bloated feeling. Abdominal pains every time I eat and hunger pains extreme. Just total overall sick feeling. Went to ER. Ultrasound fine. Gastro set up appointment for upper GI. Hoping ulcer wasn't formed or any other damage. Hoping this pill will get out of system soon. Cannot handle feeling nauseous all the time. Will never take this pill again. Input?"

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I've been taking the generic form of alendronate for 20 weeks. I could not figure out what was happening to me. I've turned into a zombie. Sure, I'd have a lazy day once in a while, but nothing like this. I am going to stop taking it but will continue with calcium, D3, and add weight-bearing exercises as soon as I can. The same thing happened to my father, and now I'm wondering if it was the handful of prescription drugs he was prescribed. I have not seen anyone else describe these symptoms, so I might be completely wrong. I'll soon know. I want to save my bones, but do not want to lose my soul."

• Jo ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I took 70 mg of alendronate weekly only twice. After the first week, I woke up with severe pain in my stomach. Then pain in my upper back, shoulders, and neck. I took the second pill and finally made the connection. I contacted my doctor and told her what was going on. She told me to stop the pill. Now... my question is, “how long do these side effects last?” I was skeptical right from the start. I should not have started this pill!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2025

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "After just one dose, seven hours later, I had a fever, chills, nausea, fatigue, and stomach issues. The second day, I was tired and chilled in the evening with bone pain in my back and also the third morning. Very achy. I am considering not taking any more doses."

• jan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 14, 2024

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "Male 52 years. Hurt my back lifting a ladder. Bad pain in back if sitting or standing for more than 20 minutes. First doctor put me on pain meds, but did not fix the problem. This went on for almost two years before I convinced my doctor to do a full check-up. Eventually found out I had low bone density in spine. Rest of my bones have normal bone density. Taking Alendronate 70mg once a week, with two calcium pills and 1 D3 vitamins pill every day. Started feeling better within a month. I could be sitting/standing/walking for an hour before feeling pain. Every month it went longer before feeling the back pain. Now after 3 years on the medication, I can be on my feet for 12 hours before feeling back pain. Have not felt any side effects."

• sbc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I'm 47, diagnosed with osteoporosis due to early menopause. After 2 doses (2 weeks) of this drug, I had hip pain that made it impossible to stand up from a sitting position or sit down from a standing position. I now have hip and back pain so bad, I can't lift my legs to dress myself. I'm terrified someone will bump into me because any muscle contraction takes my breath away. I will not take another dose. I took my pill on Mondays (as directed), and both Mondays were filled with GERD-like chest burning for most of the day, but I powered through thinking I was saving my bones. I used to walk 2-3 miles every day in the weeks prior to starting alendronate (without pain). I feel like I've aged 40 years in 2 weeks. I pray the pain ends soon. Scary medication!"

• Boo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2022

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "I was asymptomatic but deemed high risk for fracture since diagnosed with osteoporosis. I respect some who’ve actually benefited from Fosamax. However, this has been a drug nightmare with symptoms similar to others here on this site. First week taking weekly Fosamax 70 followed next day by nonstop diarrhea for remainder of the week. Second week dose 2 had ongoing diarrhea, chills, nausea, fatigue, and debilitating cramps as if punched repeatedly in the stomach. To my FP’s irritation, I strongly refused further treatment after 2 weeks, stopping prior to the 3rd dose. Also declined Prolia injectable as an alternative as it must be followed by oral biophosphonates after injections are discontinued. I’m still dealing with diarrhea and fatigue impacting the quality of life. Please do extensive reading on side effects before pursuing Fosamax or other bone health drugs. I’m now pursuing a more natural option through exercise, nutrition, vitamins D3, calcium, K2, and fish oil."

• Cat...
• May 22, 2021

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "I have been taking Fosamax weekly for about 9 months. I have significant hair loss and mild hip pain. If there is no improvement in my DEXA in a few months, I will stop taking. I am too concerned about more serious side effects that tend to happen when on this drug for a longer period of time."

• Oma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2018

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "I took Fosamax for 5 years after having chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer with no problems. Now, 15 years later, I have brittle bone disease. My doctor prescribed Prolia, but the side effects turned me off from taking that, and my pharmacist recommended taking Fosamax again to see if it works. I've only been on it for a month, and so far, no noticeable side effects that others have felt. I've always tolerated medicine well, I guess. It must be because I grew up in a drug store with the local doctor being best friends with my father!"

• GEB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2019

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I had horrible side effects with Fosamax as well. Shortly after I started taking it, I was having a lot of back pain. Then I started feeling sick to my stomach and dead tired, had no energy at all, I could barely get off the couch. I followed the instructions to a T as prescribed by my physician and pharmacy. I was tired for almost a month, and after which time I spoke to my pharmacist about my side effects, and she recommended I talk to my doctor about switching to Risedronate, which I did. He wrote a script for it, so I started it, and by the afternoon my thighs hurt so bad I could hardly walk. It was almost like it attacked my muscles or something. I spoke to my pharmacist again and told her what was happening, and she said that I was having side effects that may or may not go away. So between myself, my husband, and my pharmacist, we decided it was not worth what I was going through. This was two years ago, and to this day I still have muscle/bone pain in my thighs!! Worst drug ever!!!"

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2018

For Osteoporosis "After taking it for seven weeks, I had to make an appointment with my doctor because I was in so much pain. The first thing my doctor told me was to stop taking it. Not realizing the pain was from taking alendronate, I've been off of it for three months now. Although the pain is better, I'm still in pain. Sometimes I forget about my pain and try to quickly jump up from a sitting position and, surprisingly, almost fall down. That's how bad my joints hurt when I move. My fingers and feet are constantly sore. My collarbone, tops of my thighs, and inside of my knees hurt when I move too, and sometimes my wrist."

• Ret...
• August 30, 2017

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I took one dose of this hideous drug. Within 24 hours, I started experiencing horrible hip pain, then shoulder and back pain. I have been unable to go about my daily duties because I am overcome with pain and fatigue. It has been a week today. When will this be out of my system?"

• kdt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I should have gone with my gut feeling after reading the majority of these reviews. You all (most of you) were spot on. This medication is toxic! I did hold back a couple of weeks after receiving the prescription - fearful of side effects. However, my endocrinologist convinced me that I should take it. She claims they prescribe it all the time without complaints. She advised me of possible side effects upon prolonged usage - over several years. Well, I made it through two once-weekly doses. On day eight, I experienced severe throbbing in my left wrist. On day nine, the pain extended to my right wrist, hips, back, shoulders, and neck. I feel worse than anything I have experienced. I am not a lightweight to pain. In 2019, I endured major spinal lumbar surgery; a lumpectomy after a breast cancer diagnosis; a Pitbull attack requiring 19 1-inch staples to my upper right arm; and a pacemaker/defibrillator installation. Bottom line: trust your gut."

• jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2025

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "My wife was diagnosed with osteoporosis, and her doctor put her on Fosamax once a week. It's been 13 weeks on the meds and no side effects. I have her also on a daily dose of 700 mg Algae Cal and 46 mg of K2 mk4 and 5,000 mg vitamin D3. She seems to be feeling better."

• Hon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2022

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "I am 59 and have osteoporosis in my lumbar spine (T Score -2) and osteopenia in both hips and neck. I haven't started taking Fosamax, but reading all the complaints scares the hell out of me. I am very healthy and have no other health issues. Why do they sell such a horrible product if it causes these problems, and as most have stated, didn't improve their score that much."