Alendronate for Prevention of Osteoporosis User Reviews

• pai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 22, 2023

Alendronate "After a freak accident where I slipped on a waxed floor and broke my hip, I was put on Fosamax for two years. However, my doctor eventually advised me to discontinue using it due to severe joint pain in my shoulders, neck, legs, feet, and back, as well as the development of TMJ and cramps in my feet. I also experienced tingling in my feet, hands, and arms, increased blood pressure, and three days of diarrhea every time I took the pill as prescribed once a week. I was always in pain and unable to sleep. Despite being an avid walker, I was unable to walk without pain. After being off the medication for two weeks, I am finally starting to get back to walking my 5 miles a day. I am hopeful that I will completely recover from the effects of the medication. In my opinion, the makers of this drug should provide compensation to everyone who has taken it."

• dja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2023

Alendronate "I started taking Fosamax on November 11, 2022. I have only taken 11 doses and will not be taking any more. I was skeptical about taking this medicine after reading the reviews, but my husband said that people who have positive outcomes normally do not post reviews - only people with issues post reviews, which made a little sense. I wish I had not listened to him and had gone with my gut feeling. After 6 doses, I started having numbness or pain in my teeth. It was such a strange feeling and I could not remember the reviews talking about pain in your teeth, so I continued the medicine, thinking I needed to see my dentist. After seeing my dentist and having no obvious issue, I researched the side effects again and have now discontinued the Fosamax. I am so afraid of how long the pain will last in my mouth and also these horrible headaches! I would never recommend this medicine to anyone!"

• Ost...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2022

Alendronate "I started having a lot of soreness and pain in my right and left shoulders and forearms. It was terrible!! After reading all the horror stories, I was very concerned. I stopped taking the drug immediately (was taking 1 pill every week). Started reading reviews from all you good people, started taking 1 Aleve and 1 Advil (minigels) in the morning and before going to sleep. After a few days, the pain started to subside. Feeling almost back to my normal self again! Never taking that stuff again. Taking calcium and D3. Hope this helps someone!"

• Bit...
• March 6, 2017

Alendronate "Honestly, the worst medicine ever. People who invented it should be sued. I mean, what were they thinking? It sent my mom to the ER after 3 days, and she was admitted for 8 days in the hospital. She is still recovering. It will give you tons of pain all over your body, head, jaw, and more. It will make you unstable. I mean, seriously, the inventor of this medicine should be cursed for the rest of his or her life."

• Pea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2013

Alendronate "Started taking June 2013, once a week. Four weeks into taking, started having headaches but didn't connect the dots. Then started having severe sharp pain in back and upper right behind rib cage. Pain was so severe, went to ER, where they didn't know the cause (had my gallbladder removed 18 years ago). Finally spoke to my primary and the connection was made."

• Tis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2019

Alendronate "I was prescribed Fosamax for osteopenia. I have taken a total of 6 doses. I had no side effects for the first 2 weeks. By the 3rd week, extreme fatigue and headaches. I continued for another 3 weeks hoping symptoms would go away. When they didn't, I discontinued taking it. But a week AFTER I quit, I developed severe bone pain, unbearable pain which is worse at night. I am taking arthritis drug to make the days bearable. SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME THIS PAIN EVENTUALLY GOES AWAY!! I will be calling my Dr. on Monday."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2020

Alendronate "I took Fosamax for several months back in 2010. My scan showed osteopenia. After those months, I started to have severe bone pain in both legs. A large amount of my hair also fell out. I stopped the Fosamax. The pain took about 6 months to stop. The hair stopped falling out and after a year returned to normal. Terrible experience."

• Fos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2023

Alendronate "As of late June 2023, I have taken my third weekly dose. I am 77 years old and in excellent overall health. Within the first week, I became aware of some constipation, which I thought would dissipate but it persists. I have also developed slightly achy bones, mostly in my upper body, and a heavy feeling in my legs that has made my 2-3 mile walks more challenging. After reading all the negative reviews just now, I am going to stop the medication for a few weeks and see if I return to "normal". If "normal" returns, I shall dispose of the remaining doses and let my PCP know. It especially worries me that a number of reviewers who took Fosamax for a long time achieved only a small improvement in bone density. Not a good trade-off!"

• red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2021

Alendronate "Prescribed Fosamax and took only ONE weekly pill and after 2 days I felt deep bone pain in my thigh, like drop-you-in-your-tracks pain. For 3 days after, I truly thought I would have a thigh fracture - so I quit. Going the supplement route so we will see. If it works for you, great - not for me."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 21, 2022

Alendronate "At age 47, my OB-GYN informed me I had 'osteopenia' - the beginnings of osteoporosis. 'It's hereditary,' the doc said after I divulged in my medical Q&A the 'fact' that my mother, then 67, had been diagnosed with osteoporosis. He prescribed Fosamax. Though skeptical (I was so young!), I picked it up at the pharmacy. Two weeks went by before I decided to just go ahead and take it. I took it at around 9:00 in the morning of the 4th of July. I had guests arriving later that day. Around 10:00 a.m., my daughter and I walked several blocks to a 4th of July parade in town. While walking, I felt a strange chemical-like cold/chilling sensation migrating up from my left knee into my femur. I remember thinking, how odd, it's as if it's actually beginning to work - almost instantly?? By 3:00 that afternoon, when guests were due to arrive, I began to feel feverish, weak, and exhausted. I had a 102-degree temperature, severe chills, and nausea. Needless to say, I knew the Fosamax was to blame. I threw the remaining pills away and am SO glad I did! Fosamax for 'mild osteopenia' (I now contend there is no such thing)."

• Tri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2020

Alendronate "I was diagnosed with osteopenia a few years ago after cancer treatment. Oncologist recommended Fosamax, but I took oral calcium and D instead. No improvement. I had a fall and suffered a severe mid-foot fracture. A month later, another fall, fractured wrist. I started taking the Fosamax a couple of months ago. Sometimes difficult to remember to take it before eating. I take it the following day. I sit up for 30 minutes after. I have GERD, so I have been taking Pepcid for several years. So far, none of the side effects experienced. I am hoping my bones become stronger, scared of falling again."

• LaV...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2017

"Give me osteoporosis. Nothing worse than this! I could not get myself to take my weekly dose today. I have been taking Alendronate Sodium for 1 month now. I feel so bad. Today, before taking it, I decided to read the reviews on it. OMG, I identified with all of them. I have never had so much pain in my bones, joints, jaw, feet, dry mouth, and sore eyes. How can a company put out such a product? I am so glad for everyone who posted their reaction to this terrible drug."

• Cin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 28, 2019

"I've taken 70 mg of Alendronate for over 4 years. Luckily, I did not experience any side effects. My bone density 2 years ago showed some improvement, although my doctor felt it should have been better. I had another bone density a month ago, and my osteoporosis is worse, so basically I took this medication for nothing. He wants me on Prolia, but those side effects really scare me. Guess I will increase exercise regimen to include weights and take a better calcium supplement and see if my bones get stronger that way."

• Anonymous
• February 27, 2021

"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

"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."

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

"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."

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

"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."

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

"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!!!"

• Ret...
• August 30, 2017

"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?"

• adj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2018

"After 1 month of taking 35 mg of alendronate, once a week, I had extremely severe constipation. Usually, eating salads and whole grain cereals keeps me regular, but this constipation did not respond to any of those measures. I am 67 years old and was diagnosed with osteopenia. I've received this same diagnosis for about 10 years. So far, exercising and a calcium supplement were apparently enough. A drug that makes me too sick to exercise seems counterproductive."

• Pen...
• November 21, 2019

"I took 1 pill. I followed the instructions. It has been 10 days after 1 pill that I am STILL throwing up. My esophagus is raw. My stomach pain and bloating are horrible. Nothing helps. Severe headaches too. I wonder if my stomach is bleeding. I am at risk for that since bleeding ulcers at 19. I also have horrible back pain and pain in the hip bone. I wonder who would make a medicine so awful that not living just to get away from the side effects would be a relief! Never ever again."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2018

"Took the once-weekly pill for eight weeks. My quality of life is still suffering three months later. After eating, I become nauseous and vomit at least twice a day. Bone pain, jaw pain, dental issues (never had before), excruciating heartburn and indigestion, and an overall sickly feeling rounds out my symptoms. Stay away from this toxic medicine!!"

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2019

"My bone density test said I had osteopenia, so my doc prescribed weekly Fosamax. I took the first pill, carefully following instructions to stay upright and no food for 30 minutes. Felt fine until two days later I couldn’t get a deep breath without coughing. Every time I talked, the coughing started. My throat felt like there was something lodged inside. I got a cold sore on my lip and three little sore spots on the roof of my mouth. Took my second pill the next week. Felt like throwing up, the coughing still constant and developed the worst headache. Went to the doctor the next day, diagnosing me with acid reflux and to stop taking Fosamax ‘for now.’ If I ever feel better, I’m not interested in going through this again."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2018

"Doc put me on this scam by this company because a health fair portable scanner showed pre-osteoporosis (osteopenia), had a full bone scan, same thing. I've been on it 1.5 yrs and fortunately did not have the side effects most others noted. Went to see an orthopedic surgeon for another issue and I mentioned this drug and my Dx. He said STOP TAKING IT!!! He said my bone density is normal for someone my age (67 male). He said his wife's T-score is worse than mine but she doesn't need to be on it, and in fact should NOT be on it, and that I just need to get calcium through food and vitamin D. Turns out that the drug companies had a drug without a Dx, so they basically created a Dx and cheap scanners for the Dr. office to sell this drug. He referred me to research done by NPR - I urge you to read it: google how-a-bone-disease-grew-to-fit-the-prescription. Good luck with what you decide to do, I won't be taking any more of this drug."

• nut...
• May 25, 2020

"9 months from just 2 doses (35 mg/week), and I am finally recovered from the severe arm, hand, and shoulder pain it triggered. A factor in my adverse reaction to alendronate is likely that I was also taking PPIs, which I learned later amplify absorption. After the first dose, I noticed sharp pains in my fingers that came and went. After the second dose, the next day I had severe pain in my right forearm, which grew worse over the next few days. I switched to using my left arm, but then that forearm grew painful, too. (I also had a few cramps in my thigh muscles over the first few days and some pain in the balls of my feet.) Over the next few weeks, my forearms slowly improved, but as I started using my arms more, I developed pain in my shoulders and fingers. With rest, everything slowly improved. Believing I was well at 5 months, I carried a heavy bag on my shoulder, which triggered 6 weeks of shoulder pain. Now, at 9 months, I'm finally okay."