Fosamax is prescribed to treat and prevent osteoporosis, which is a condition in which bone density begins to decrease and bones become increasingly fragile. In serious cases of osteoporosis, bones can fracture with little or no trauma. During osteoporosis, bones become porous, meaning they lack the dense structure of a brick and begin to resemble a sponge.
The manufacturers of Fosamax released a letter to doctors in 1996 stating that the side effects that patients were experiencing were worse than what the manufacturers had seen during clinical trials. These include:
- irritated esophagus
- esophagitis
- esophageal erosion
- esophageal ulceration
To avoid esophageal irritation, manufacturers suggest taking Fosamax with a lot of water and remaining standing for at least 30 minutes after taking it. Make sure you fully understand the directions before taking Fosamax, and ask your doctor if you have any questions. Also, talk to you doctor if you have any upper gastrointestinal disorders before taking Fosamax.
Osteoporosis occurs because of a calcium deficiency, which can happen for a number of reasons. Calcium begins to decrease because of parathyroid gland complications, lack of sufficient calcium intake, or failure to process calcium correctly. Also, when female oestregen levels decrease, as they do during menopause, bones begin to breakdown more quickly. Bones need calcium in order to be healthy and remain dense.
Fosamax contains a medicine known as an aminobisphosphonate, which attaches tightly to the bone and prevents the release of calcium and the continuation of bone breakdown. Calcium and vitamin D can also help prevent bone breakdown, but talk to your doctor before adding it to your diet, especially if you are taking any medications.
Fosamax can also cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is a bone loss in the jaw that is very serious and may require surgery. Patients begin to experience pain and swelling in the mouth, jaw or gums; loosening of teeth and even exposed bone.
Bone loss in your jaw can lead to the loss of eating ability, difficulty speaking, loss of teeth and other complications.
