Alendronate and Heartburn: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2011

Alendronate 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."

• Phi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 18, 2019

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "I took Fosamax weekly for 2-1/2 years with great improvement in my DEXA scores. Suddenly had bad chest pain, spasm, and heartburn, diagnosed as GERD. After 2 months on PPI therapy, my nephrologist told me to stop Fosamax as that was to blame. My PCP, rheumatologist (who prescribed Fosamax for me), and GI doctor didn’t make the connection."

• 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."

• 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?"

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

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "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!!"

• Bel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 13, 2021

Alendronate for Osteoporosis "I have been on Fosamax for two years with no side effects from it. I've had heartburn only when I didn't follow the directions to not bend over or lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it. I recently had my second DEXA scan in two years but was not sent my score, so I can't comment on any improvement, but I will ask in three months at my next physical. I will continue to take Fosamax as long as I need to."

• Cha...
• August 22, 2017

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I started taking Alendronate 70 mg pill as prescribed. The next morning, I woke up with severe heartburn and belching. Then I started feeling the urge to vomit. All I could bring up was phlegm and a foamy liquid. I had a very bad, acidic taste in my mouth. I finally called my doctor and was told to stop taking the Alendronate and stay on a clear liquid diet. My joints hurt, my jawbone and teeth hurt, back pain, and severe indigestion. After 6 hours, I was still vomiting. My doctor prescribed Zofran to calm my stomach. I started feeling better, so I tried eating. It's been 5 days, and I'm still having indigestion after eating and pain in my feet and hands. I hope this nasty medicine is out of my system soon!"

• Mal...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 12, 2016

For Osteoporosis "My husband is on alendronate (Fosamax), expensive. Severe low back pain, bloating and gas, and ankle pain did not connect the dots. Pain goes on since last April, now I have asked him to stop. Since today, I have to wait and see. I myself have severe jaw pain, took Fosamax in those days. Heartburn continues, though I stopped a long time ago. I take chondroitin sodium. My bone reading is from osteoporosis to osteopenia now."

• mks...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2023

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I was taking this medication once a week for about 6 months and started experiencing nausea, heartburn, loss of energy, and immense pain in my upper body, neck, shoulders, upper arms, and ribcage. I stopped taking this medication. It has been 3 weeks since I took the last dose, and my neck and shoulders still hurt."

• Zim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Took one alendronate in April 2021, which was strongly recommended by my spine doctor since I have osteoporosis in my spine and suffered with stenosis and compression fractures. After taking the first pill, the next day I had severe heartburn. So bad, I thought I was having a heart attack. Was given OTC Nexium, which did nothing. After a month, the heartburn continued. Went to a gastroenterologist who performed an upper endoscopy - found a little irritation in the esophagus and gave me more medication (which still did nothing). It is now 8 months later, and I am just starting to feel better. No more osteoporosis pills for me - on Vitamin D3, K2, and Calcium."