Fosamax and Nausea: What Users Say

• Anj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I reluctantly began Fosamax due to my worsening osteopenia. I was fine after the first dose last week, no side effects at all. However, after this week's dose, I’ve had SEVERE pain in my chest. It’s been 4 days since I’ve taken it, and I still can’t eat because it hurts so much to swallow. Not to mention the nausea. I can only sip water, and even that hurts going down. I’m taking a generic Pepcid and Rolaids to help with this unbearable indigestion. I’m praying this drug hasn’t done permanent damage to my esophagus. This drug should be taken off the market."

• Nit...
• June 10, 2015

For Osteoporosis "MD prescribed Fosamax. Took first dose and two days later woke up with a severe headache, bloating, gas, and terrible nausea. By the time I got home from work, I had severe back pain, joint pain, and a headache. The bloating was almost intolerable. The next day, nausea was worse and the headache continued with no relief even after OTC pain meds. I will take Calcium and Vitamin D instead."

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2011

For Osteoporosis "My bone density improved while taking Fosamax. However, I had nausea, intense heartburn, gained 20 pounds, and had to start taking prescription stomach medications due to gastric problems. Finally, I stopped taking it, lost 20 pounds, felt much better, and could eat again, but my doctor is now telling me I have lost significant bone mass since stopping this medication. Will now try Atelvia with calcium supplements."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I’ve been on Fosamax for 3 weeks, taking it once a week, on a Sunday. The first week I was constipated and bloated. That lasted most of the week. I started my second round on Sunday. By Monday afternoon, I started having joint and muscle pain. By late in the afternoon, my knees were swollen, and I had difficulty walking and climbing stairs. By Thursday, I was feeling back to normal. This past Sunday, I took my third pill. The next day, I had joint and muscle pain, flu-like symptoms, headache, nausea, fever, and chills. I’ve decided to stop the medication and take coral calcium and a vitamin D supplement."

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

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "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)."

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

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."

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

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."