Alendronate and Diarrhea: What Users Say

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

Alendronate for Prevention of Osteoporosis "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."

• Tro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2020

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "Used it twice. Stopped taking it. I can't recommend it. My doctor prescribed it because I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. First dose was very bad. Diarrhea, stomach pain like ulcers, very tired. Second dose was even worse. Diarrhea, SEVERE stomach cramps, I thought of going to the hospital. Joint pains in my ankle and knee. Do NOT use if you have any stomach problems. It feels like it is damaging, eating the stomach lining. Very scary experience."

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2020

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "First dose of the weekly today — I have had diarrhea all day, cannot leave the house. My butt is so raw. I am using my baby grandson's Desitin. Every time I get up to go to the bathroom, I feel really dizzy, and my knees are a little painful. I can only be thankful that I started this on my day off of work. Hopefully, this diarrhea stops by tomorrow. For one, I will NOT BE TAKING A SECOND DOSE OF THIS. I am done with Fosamax."

• Dow...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2021

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "I took my first weekly dose of Fosamax on Monday. Eight hours later, diarrhea began, along with a lower backache. On Tuesday morning, I woke up to a severe backache, back and abdominal muscle spasms, and severe pain in my right hand. I am unable to write, pick up a glass, or do even the most minor thing. I can barely get up out of a chair. Now, I'm running a low-grade fever and have chills. This is a horrible medication. I will not take a second pill. I can only pray this passes."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I took my first dose of alendronate this week. I had severe diarrhea, and it came with no warning-almost exactly 8 hours after taking the medication. I am glad I was at home when it happened. This was nearly like prepping for a colonoscopy. I hope my second week is not a repeat performance."

• Deb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2020

For Osteoporosis "I'm on the once weekly 70 mg alendronate, and have taken it for four weeks. I'm fine, maybe a bit of diarrhea after the first dose. I hope it works! I'm wondering if it's caused some muscle weakness during my workouts, but will keep monitoring."

• Hor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2021

For Osteoporosis "Just took my 3rd dose... second time it has caused diarrhea. Also, went to my chiropractor for an unusual return of below the waist hip pain (left back) that I had about 4 years ago (that was caused by an injury). But there was no reinjury! Also, I'm experiencing a recurrence of bursitis in my right hip that's been gone for several years! I'm stopping this drug immediately! Seriously, after reading a lot of the other comments along with my own experience, I am totally, completely shocked that this drug has not been removed from the marketplace!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2020

Alendronate for Prevention of Osteoporosis "Fosamax gave me absolutely shocking joint pain and diarrhea all the time."