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Joann of Porter IN (02/13/08)
I've been taking it over 5 years when I developed this condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. I have had this infection for awhile and am in extreme pain with this swelling. Now the dentist said it was from taking fosomax and this can be a serious condition.
It's not over yet. Parts of the bone around my upper teeth are decaying. I might loose part of these bones due to death of parts of the jawbone. I'm 76 and don't need another problem from taking a medicine that is suppose to help your bones not destroy them!
Judith of Leavenworth KS (01/25/08)
Having taken Fosomax for 8 years of Osteoporosis, I began to have extreme pain in my left leg. The specialists (neurologist) prescribed meds, physical, therapy, and accupuncture. Pain clinics gave steroid shots in the groin, and later my spine. The othopedic felt that even though there was a slight bulge on a lower disc in my spine, this wasn't enough to cause the extreme pain. A friend recently cautioned me about Fosomax. I stopped the Fosomax on Sept. 1, 2007. By October, I could sleep at night without pain. by November, I could go up and down stairs without pain. Nothing else has changed in my life to account for the disappearance of the pain. In discussing this with my doctor, last week, she said that the FDA has recently notified the doctors of this adverse side effect from Fosomax. I want to check and see if others have sought legal action because of the muscle and joint pain caused by Fosomax.
I took early retirement from my teaching position, because of the pain going up and down stairs at my school. We sold our beautiful 2 story home, because the master bedroom was upstairs, and I was in too much pain to go up the stairs. I paid out of pocket for help at a Pain Clinic that was not covered by our insurance. This involved 5 visits to receive steroid shots, which resulted in a bill of over $5000. I did 3 months of physical therapy, and had to pay for the majority until I had met my deductable.
My Osteoporosis has gotten worse, rather than better.
Jane of Humble TX (01/18/08)
I took Fosamax for about 10 years and recently developed heart burn, slowed swallowing, pain in my lower jaw and a feeling that someone was sticking me in the back. The sensation in my back made me wonder if I had a cracked rib. I stopped the Fosamax about a month ago and the symptoms just described eased significantly. BUT, I received a letter from the drug company stating that I was overdue for a refill. I had received at least 3 other letters like that during the time I had that prescription. I now am strongly suspecting that the drug has a rebound effect and that it could have caused the abnormal bone density test that I had last year and also the year before. This year my doctor did not want to authorize the test for me, said it was too soon. I was much relieved when he prescribed Evista (which I may or may not take) instead of suggesting an infusion of Fosamax, which I had read about being a way to avoid the heartburn and digestive problems. I would never want to sue my doctor. The fault lies with the drug company.
It is unknown how this will affect me in the future.
Peggy of Leeds AL (01/07/08)
After having a 3rd molar removed, I experienced a large growth in the socket of the removed molar. The growth appeared to have a blood supply as it had visible capillary content . The pain was excruciating in the specific area as well as intense headaches. One week after the extraction, the growth appeared to be enlarging and the pain intensifying. On the return trip to my dentist, he referred me to a specialist. Since I do not have dental insurance, but am seen by the VA, I set an appointment with the VA dental clinic to ascertain why I had a tumor in the socket of my jawbone. Due to the time delays within the VA system, it was several months before I was seen. At that (elapsed) time, the on-call interns found no problems and in fact even doubted that I'd even had a tooth extracted. Prior to that time, I had the time to research on my own and take myself off Fosamax.
The stress created by the tumor found in the socket area was traumatic, but to endure weeks of intense pain and headaches was unbearable. Though I've always made a concerted effort to stay away from pain meds, this was a period in my life when I had to rely on those meds just to survive.
Vera of Miami FL (08/09/07)
I am a victim of ONJ (jaw death) due to taking the drug Fosamax for the past 10 years. I have lost all my teeth and part of my jawbone. I have an oral surgeon, an infectious disease doctor, and went daily to a hyperbaric chamber. Still, in pain and have to eat soft foods with no teeth.
Agnes of Gaithersburg MD (06/25/07)
After taking Fosamax for about a year, I stopped it.Three months later my doctor berated me into starting to take it again for osteoporosis. I was 69 yrs. old. I began taking it again and noted some small blisters on my wrist.Then hives on my left arm. From wrist to elbow, huge itchy gooey hives. I went to my dermatologist who took a biopsy saying he'd never seen anything like it. He gave me an antihistamine and ointment.
The biopsy returned a diagnosis of lupus like uticaria, but not lupus, most probably from a medication.I have never taken it since and will not take Actonel, as they are similar.I am allergic to sulfa and wondered if there was a connection. I am also allergic to tetnus (both types).
Anna of Brewerton NY (03/20/07)
I used Fosamax from June '04 and upon a recommendation of my oral surgeon I stopped taking it in October'06. I have a severe progressive jaw bone loss and lost my teeth except bottom 4. My surgeon refused to do the implants (to keep my overdenture in place) due to taking Fosamax. Due to a loss of bone my denture would not stay in place. My periodontist said that safer would be to use my own 4 teeth as anchors for a overdenture, but he has to do the root canal on them. He is still concerned about the Fosamax I had taken before. This procedure will cost rpughly $11,000.00 (no insurance). I'm afraid that having this dental condition, I may develop more serious consequences after the dental procedure I'm expecting to start at the end of the month.I also do not have a guarantee the my 'investment' would last.
Marianne of Dayton NJ (02/16/07)
I've been taking this drug over four years and have had alot of trouble with my gums and teeth. I informed my dentist that I was taking this drug over four years ago. Since then I've lost seven teeth and have had much jaw and gum pain. Recently I had a panoramic view of my mouth by an oral surgeon and he informed me that I had more loose teeth and would need some teeth pulled. He said I would have to be off of the Fosamax at least three months before this work can be done. My dentist also scheduled my next appointment for at least three months from now. He said they didn't know four years ago the problems patients on Fosamax would face after gum surgery and extracting teeth.
I am in constant pain. My gums are very swollen and several teeth are loose. I stopped the Fosamax because I need to get my gums healthy before all my teeth become loose.
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