I started Fosamax at age 50 and took if for 7 years. My bone density improved so my doctor took me off for a drug holiday. I'm not sure so much was known then, it was 2002. I was researching all the time and started the COMB protocol. That replaced calcium with Strontium citrate. I did fine with that so I stayed off Fosamax. Then there were scares about Strontium so that was hard to find. At age 60 I began playing pickleball at least 4x per week. After 2 years it was the first time in my life I had a normal DEXA since age 45. I stopped PB during covid and my bone health went downhill. One compression fracture later I am back on Fosamax BUT I am weight lifting now for the first time. My point is, new info comes out all the time and strength training could really help so look into the LiftMor study and what exercises to do. I await my next DEXA.
My mother took this drug. We had no idea that this could be a side effect, but after she found herself on the floor and went to hospital for treatment, they kept asking if her femur broke before she fell, or if she fell and then it broke. We thought that was odd, until I looked into it and discovered that a spontaneous break of the femur was a possible side effect of this drug. It was a long road back for her, as she was in her 90's, but she was determined. She beat the odds and lived another 3 years. I have already told my doctor that I will not be taking this medication.
I was recently prescribed this for osteopenia. However, when I read the possible side effects the one that jumped out at me was possible fracture of the mandible if previous surgery on the mandible had been performed. I had two rather major surgeries over my life for fibrous dysplasia of the right mandible and I told my doctor I was not comfortable taking the medication as a result. He, of course, said the risk was minimal but I still was not convinced. I've chosen to do weight bearing and more exercise in general. So many patients take a medication too easily without researching. I'm so glad that I did especially with this specific medication.
There is a lot of research indicating there are significant downsides to taking these drugs. Thank you for suggesting people do their own research on these fractures and jaw necrosis, and look at alternatives through diet and weight lifting and exercises that teach people how to prevent falling .
I am on Zometa every six months. I'm 60 with severe osteoporosis. I also had breast cancer. It helps keep the cancer from going to my bones. I tolerate the infusions very well.
Was diagnosed with osteopenia, went to 1 hour boot camp 5 days a week that consisted of light running, hand weight strength and resistance training. Within 12 months, scan was normal and I had “grown” an inch. (I think the spine had just stretched out.) Doctor was amazed, but I was determined not to go on Fosamax.
I have had three close relatives with osteoporosis who did not use the meds and they all had multiple extremely painful spinal vertebrae fractures. Two became so stooped over that oxygen was necessary because getting a full breath into the lungs became impossible. And even after the fractures healed the backpain continued to be severe and debilitating. I share this simply to suggest individuals assess options and do their best to manage their bone health.
Me, too. But keep in mind the scores for what count as osteopenia and osteoporosis on DEXA scans were derived by the bone drug companies themselves. So, you shouldn't automatically take a "bad" score (if you get one) at face value, nor jump to take an instant bone med prescription without doing further research. It's so worth getting started on weight-bearing exercises ASAP.
Wow that is quite scary! I am going to review your other video on bone density to remind my self what I should be doing to keep osteoporosis at bay. Thanks for the info.
My doctor wanted me to start it for osteopenia. I asked to start weight bearing exercise to try to reduce bone loss and see if that will work. I go to a Silver Sneakers exercise class three days a week and also take vitamin D and K3. I have increased calcium in my diet as well. I have done it for one year so far and will continue and the doctor will check my bone density again in another year.
@@cindytaylor698 I get so angry when I hear this. There are so many natural treatments out there and Osteopenia is not Osteoporosis. Please stay strong and don’t listen to your Doctor. Reclast made me so ill that it actually worsened my osteopenia
@it was not administered correctly and whether it was because of that or the fact that I had had chemo I will never know. I was also given it straight after an op to repair my broken hip which is not supposed to happen. I had a severe auto immune reaction to it. The next day I could not produce any tears, or saliva, my vision was blurred, I lost a bit of my hearing and I had terrible dizziness. I could not control my blood sugar or blood pressure. Both were all over the place. The stress caused me to stop sleeping, something I never used to battle with and I still have insomnia. Because I had no saliva my teeth started cracking. I was an absolute mess and I lost so much muscle mass and weight I looked anorexic. I could not eat for 18 months because of constant nausea. It was all the chemo symptoms I used to get but my oil glands had never shut down completely like that. It was like I had aged 10 years overnight, I looked like I was constantly dehydrated but nothing I did or took helped. Not everyone has such horrendous side effects but I don’t think it’s good to take a drug that stays in your body for life. All the very best with your decision. It’s a tough one!
Very informative! I've been taking generic Fosamax for a couple of years, and so far haven't had noticeable side effects. I appreciate learning more about what to look for and hopefully will catch any problems early.
I took Prolia injections for two years and was diagnosed with Medication caused Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, (MONJ), in August 2024. I am now trying to manage with diet, exercise and physical therapy. At 79, I have no interest in taking any more medication. I will take every measure possible to prevent falls and hopefully will get to the point where I am not considered a’fall risk’. I will have to live with the consequences of having used Prolia for the rest of my life.
@@jnash5137 Plz be careful as you cannot just stop taking Prolia because your bone density will fall dramatically. You need to go to your prescribing doctor and take bisphosphonates to stop the bone loss. This is a serious situation. All the very best
@@jnash5137But you need to do more research first. I don’t think you can stop Prolia without doing Reclast afterwards for 1-2 years. Weaning off of Prolia is not a simple process of just stopping it one day.
@@jnash5137 From what I have read, if you stop Prolia, it should be followed up with zoledronate to avoid a rebound effect of high-turnover bone resorption (often greater than before the Prolia was started). I'm reading Great Bones by R.Keith McCormick, which is full of really good information. Good luck
After suffering a wedge fracture of my T12 vertebra I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I did a lot of research and I’m not susceptible to the "what doctors won’t tell you"type of information. One thing that surprise me when I started reading pubmed, JAMA and other such journals was that results of bisphosphonate studies such as the FIT study the results are expressed in relative risk reduction rather than absolute risk reduction. If for example you gave 100 people a drug and two people in the placebo group still suffered a broken bone while only one person in the experimental bisphosphonate group suffered a broken bone you would have a relative risk reduction of 50% but an absolute risk reduction of one. In the FIT trial for example with over 2000 post menopausal women with existing vertebral fractures for clinically apparent vertebral fractures followed up over 36 months, 23 (2.3%) in the alendronate group and 50 (5.0%) in the placebo group experienced a further fracture. This is roughly a 50% relative risk reduction but an actual reduction of only 27 people out of 2000. A second issue I wonder about is that the study group ages range from 55 to 81. That means you may have a tennis playing active 55 year-old woman in the study and also an 81 year-old overweight under exercised woman living in a home for the elderly all mixed up into one big statistic. I don’t think it’s right to assume this means any individual should or shouldn’t take bisphosphonates but rather you have to consider your situation compared to the statistics both for prevention and complications and make up your own mind. Another issue I question is that frequently drugs are measured in their effect on bone mineral density BMD. A bisphosphonate may stop bone mineral density loss, but that is not the same as bone integrity as the doctors have pointed out. Bisphosphonates work by slowing down the production of osteoclasts which normally reabsorb micro fractures in bones so that when osteoblasts come along and build bone they are building bone on a healthy substrate. If the osteoclasts aren’t doing their job then you are building new bone over microfractures .You need to make a careful assessment of your own situation!
I agree with your assessment about relative and absolute risk. It begs the question what value of absolute risk would be worth it? I mean, that is a general question especially about statins for example which you’ve been shown to prevent heart attack. Better yet something that reduces mortality risk by an absolute one percent. It obviously has to be balanced with tolerance and side effects., And access to the medication or non-pharmaceutical intervention.
@ there is no one size fits all answer to your question. In the FIT study, one of the largest for bisphosphonates, for vertebral fractures treating 100 women with alendronate for 3-4 years would prevent 7 vertebral fractures that would have occurred without treatment. For hip fractures the same study found that the number needed to treat (NNT) was 91 women over 3 years to prevent one fracture. Each person has to evaluate these numbers for their own particular situation.
The osteonecrosis of the mandible ( lower jaw) is sometimes untreatable. It is very painful Some periodontists and Oral Facial Surgeons refuse to do dental implants or sinus lifts in anyone who has been on this medication.
I was prescribed Actonel for osteoporosis and I refused to take it as, I had suffered from osteo necrosis in both hips a few years earlier. The though of getting osteonecrosis in my jaw terrified me. It is such a painful disease.
I took this drug seven years ago. It nearly killed me. Has ruined my life and I still have debilitating side effects. Reclast was a million times worse than any chemo I had
About 9 months ago, an endocrinologist wanted me start the reclast IV, I didn’t do it. Last month I had a follow up appointment w/ her & told her that I had concerns about doing it & there has to be better way. It was like a mother scolding a child, telling me that “this is the standard of care”. I still have not made an appointment to go, I don’t see myself ever doing it. Do you mind my asking what happen to you when you did the reclast? Was it the IV or the pills? I’m so sorry that it was a terrible ordeal for you.
I’ve taken these several times, but we try to do it every few years, not every year. But my bones are weird; I have osteogenesis imperfecta too. I’ve never had any serious side effects. The big thing is weight bearing, taking the right amount of calcium, and finding a bone specialist.
My wife took alendronate for 15 years She had 4 traumatic fractures in that time and also fell at home and broke 3ribs She is off now almost 2 years Osteonecrosis of jaw and atypical femur fracture are very scary but are rare. She has now osteopenia - changed from osteoporosis- and waiting almost one year in Canada to see endocrinologist
I was given one injection of Prolia Oct/24 prescribed by my specialist at St Michael’s hospital. By the beginning of Dec. I felt a throbbing in my back lower jaw. I saw 2 dentists, a periodontist and an endodontist all in Toronto. I was dismissed by all of these dentists as they made no connection to the Prolia. I persisted but by this time I was at stage 2,my bone was exposed. I was referred to an oral surgeon immediately in January and diagnosed with necrosis of the jaw. I had a 2 oral surgeries 4 week apart and followed by 42 hyperbaric treatments at the hyperbaric chamber beside Oakville Trafalgar Hospital. I was in the chamber for 2 hours a day every day 5 days a week. I have a private medical plan as a retired teacher but absolutely none of the surgeries were covered or the CBTC scans which totalled approximately $5,000. Fortunately the hyperbaric chamber treatments were covered by OHIP. My specialist at St Mikes said I was not even in the medical journals after only one injection of Prolia. I finished my hyperbaric treatments finally in mid May but continue to see my oral surgeon every 2 months.
I had a tooth break off at the gum line 12 years ago. I went to dentists and oral surgeons and none of them would touch me bc I had been on Fosamax for several years. I was terrified when I read why, immediately stopped taking the drug, had a filling put in the remainder of the tooth, and let it go. Now, 12 years later, my dentist is still afraid to touch it and referred me to yet another oral surgeon to have a blood test to make sure the drug is out of my system. There will have to be a lot of arm twisting before I ever take that drug again.
I took Fosamax many years ago and had good results and the Dr put me in holiday. I have malabsorption issues. Now 8 years later, and moved to another state, I started IV reclast last year. My 1 year recheck hasn’t been miraculous. I am scheduled for my second IV reclast soon (pending insurance approval), and a DEXA scan. I do plan to have a third IV reclast in fall 2025. I had no side effects from Fosamax or Reclast.
I have lupus and I’ve been on prednisone for 35+ years. My rheumatologist has been trying to get me to take these meds for at least 10 years and I have declined. He now wants me to go on Prolia and I personally think the risk are too great. At 75 I am very active and incorporate exercise daily. I have a normal BMI. I also do not believe in taking supplements. I get my calcium and vitamin D from food. My levels are always within normal limits. I believe the body will react positively if given a chance. The prednisone has done wonders for my overall health, but it did not come without consequences. I have been slowly reducing the milligrams under the direction of my physician.
The possibility of femur fracture or necrosis of the jaw is what made me stop taking alendronate a number of years ago. I have now progressed from osteopenia to osteoporosis. I’m taking calcium, vitamins K2 and D and magnesium - hoping they will help.
My sister took Prolia for years. Last year she had some pretty back compression fractures of her spine. She went off Prolia and now she and her doctor are looking at options. I am 73 and have mild osteopenia. I take calcium supplements and eat a calcium rich diet. I also walk a lot.
So I have osteoporosis- 68. I’ve had it for a couple of years. The NP I was seeing wanted me to take Fosomax. I declined. A couple of years later (last year) I saw a PA at another practice. Same. She wanted me to consider taking Fosomax. This fall I went to another office and saw a doctor. He wanted blood work done and it revealed potential hyperparathyroidism. I have to have one or more parathyroid glands surgically removed. This will allow calcium to go back into my bones! Why doesn’t anyone talk about this?
How many drugs that say they help with anxiety and depression actually can cause anxiety and depression😮😂 thank you for sharing this. I have told people around me not to take it.
I started this toxic drug (Fosamax) 6 weeks ago and in that short amount of time my jaw is feeling wonky and my gums started receding at a rapid pace. Saw my dentist today to get his take on things and he told me he refers to oral surgeon because he’s seen enough to know that once bisphosonates damage the jaw the wounds won’t heal. Can’t do anything invasive like implants, extractions etc. I’ve taken my last dose forever. Would rather risk fracture than having facial reconstruction surgery and lose all my perfectly good teeth .
The answer to keeping your bones strong is not with drugs it’s with a healthy diet preferably a whole food plantbased diet and working out with weights and using your bones.
This is frightening. I’m on residronate and was told by my dental surgeon to stop after five years as it won’t be effective past that point. Just started a proton pump inhibitor for possible GERD and after watching this I wonder if it could be a side effect from the residronate. Getting old is very challenging
I briefly took Fosamax and had a strong reaction--violent vomiting, diarrhea and blacked out. My doc would like me to try Prolia. Eeek. I fear side effects. A friend was taking Raloxifene because she has osteoporosis and had breast cancer. Raloxifene is supposed to help block estrogen (?) She had such severe bone pain she could only tolerate it for a couple months. Yet another friend is taking an osteoporosis Rx--I don't know which one, and she has had severe leg pain for over a year. Once an active athletic woman, she has so much discomfort she can barely walk. The "cure" seems as bad as the disease. I am afraid to start one of these meds, and afraid not to.
Hi what natural supplements do you take,as I am really interested to find out as I'm 70 and have to have a bone density test next month, have a blessed day/night ❤
People should do research on taking calcium supplements. From my research calcium supplements do nothing or very little in building bone mineral density or to prevent bone fractures and dietary calcium which is more slowly absorbed and safer and even that does not have a meaningful effect on either bone mineral density or fracture risk. Calcium supplements have been linked to cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and kidney issues which is not true for dietary calcium intake
This was for me today. I really don't know if it's helping, I'm on alendronate and calcitonin nose spray for my non-diabetic charcot foot caused by CRPS. Have you found any research on it helping charcot? 🤔
Prolia has the same risks for femur fractures and osteoporosis of the jaw as bisphosphonates, but is more problematic. When one stops taking it, there is a period of rapid loss of bone density. Most doctors then put these patients on a bisphosphonate. I suffered a displaced femur fracture in 2008 after taking Fosamax for only a couple of years. It took 3 surgeries and 2 other drugs (Forteo and Evista) to heal my femur. I was fortunate to have a brilliant doctor who specialized in bone mineralization issues work with me after my femur break.
Can you explain pioglitazone and pravastatin? Do they cause osteoporosis? Muscle pain? I had fine bones before taking them and now I have osteoporosis and skeletal musculature pain, and it makes it hard to walk or use steps. I missed 3 days and mobility returned almost completely.?
Not for me. Too many risks, had short conversation with my Doctor, she was pushy for me to take the drugs. I am adamant not too. So left it there. My choice.
When I asked about the side effects of Prolia, the endocrinologist told me that the "main side effect was a rash". I looked into it when I got home, was shocked, and never returned to him. I reported my feelings to my GP, who put me on Fosomax again ( I took it several years ago for about 4 years, but had a long drug holiday). I am now on it again for 7 months, once again feeling fine, no reactions noted. Not sure what to do... I am 67 am very short and thin, and have very bad OP. I never had any fractures, and prefer to keep it that way. But now I have no idea what to do...will look into weight bearing exercises. Thank you, to all!
I really don’t get it. If Fosamax is slowing down bone breakdown (the osteoclasts), and not slowing down the bone building process (osteoblasts), why does it have any negative effect on healing the little cracks that may happen naturally. Nothing in the drug is preventing cracks from healing up.
I have T-12 fracture that does not heal after I fell 8 months ago. Why it does not heal?. I have -2.5 osteoporosis, and my am on Risotrenade. 35mgs per week for 3 years now.
I have ONJ from Denosomab treatments after a necessary dental extraction. I lost many teeth as a result and am still on the journey. Not fun. Bisphosphonates and Rank-Lan inhibitors seem to only slow Osteoclasts but not build Osteoblasts. How do you really build bone?
GI issues? GI issues indeed. I need a bigger poop bag than my dog. My scat is stinkier than his-it’s so stinky coyotes don’t come near. Yes, I frequently have to squat while out walking my dog. I was diagnosed w osteoporosis December 2023. -2.5 deviation from scan taken in 2013. In that time I lost 50 lbs. I’m 65. I don’t smoke or drink. I average 10,000 steps daily. I’m going to add weight bearing exercises to my routine. I’ve stopped those poopy pills a month ago. I’m not talking to my dr about it. I’m not on any medications. I live in rural Alberta and ive had so many sweaty drives home from Calgary I’m just done. One month and I’m still stinking up my house w a never ending stream of the gassiest farts of my entire life (no offence). This is no way to live. I really enjoy your videos and apologize if my comment pooped on your presentation but it’s the nature of this prescription.
I started Fosamax at age 50 and took if for 7 years. My bone density improved so my doctor took me off for a drug holiday. I'm not sure so much was known then, it was 2002. I was researching all the time and started the COMB protocol. That replaced calcium with Strontium citrate. I did fine with that so I stayed off Fosamax. Then there were scares about Strontium so that was hard to find. At age 60 I began playing pickleball at least 4x per week. After 2 years it was the first time in my life I had a normal DEXA since age 45. I stopped PB during covid and my bone health went downhill. One compression fracture later I am back on Fosamax BUT I am weight lifting now for the first time. My point is, new info comes out all the time and strength training could really help so look into the LiftMor study and what exercises to do. I await my next DEXA.
My mother took this drug. We had no idea that this could be a side effect, but after she found herself on the floor and went to hospital for treatment, they kept asking if her femur broke before she fell, or if she fell and then it broke. We thought that was odd, until I looked into it and discovered that a spontaneous break of the femur was a possible side effect of this drug.
It was a long road back for her, as she was in her 90's, but she was determined. She beat the odds and lived another 3 years.
I have already told my doctor that I will not be taking this medication.
There are many new class of medication to treat osteoporosis. Why those old ones are still be prescribed.
Thank you for taking your time to teach us old people about our health
I was recently prescribed this for osteopenia. However, when I read the possible side effects the one that jumped out at me was possible fracture of the mandible if previous surgery on the mandible had been performed. I had two rather major surgeries over my life for fibrous dysplasia of the right mandible and I told my doctor I was not comfortable taking the medication as a result. He, of course, said the risk was minimal but I still was not convinced. I've chosen to do weight bearing and more exercise in general. So many patients take a medication too easily without researching. I'm so glad that I did especially with this specific medication.
Also maybe take vitamin K2 and magnesium. Dr. Doug Lucas has some helpful videos on YT .
But if osteonecrosis of your jaw or femur happens to YOU the thought that " risk is minimal " isn't very comforting .
There is a lot of research indicating there are significant downsides to taking these drugs. Thank you for suggesting people do their own research on these fractures and jaw necrosis, and look at alternatives through diet and weight lifting and exercises that teach people how to prevent falling .
I am on Zometa every six months. I'm 60 with severe osteoporosis. I also had breast cancer. It helps keep the cancer from going to my bones. I tolerate the infusions very well.
I hope you have a long life further
Was diagnosed with osteopenia, went to 1 hour boot camp 5 days a week that consisted of light running, hand weight strength and resistance training. Within 12 months, scan was normal and I had “grown” an inch. (I think the spine had just stretched out.) Doctor was amazed, but I was determined not to go on Fosamax.
I have had three close relatives with osteoporosis who did not use the meds and they all had multiple extremely painful spinal vertebrae fractures. Two became so stooped over that oxygen was necessary because getting a full breath into the lungs became impossible. And even after the fractures healed the backpain continued to be severe and debilitating. I share this simply to suggest individuals assess options and do their best to manage their bone health.
There are new class of Osteoporosis treatment available now.
@@freedomlife3623such as?
My left wrist has osteo-penia. Pretty osteoporosis. All other bone ok.. Thank you doctors I am taught so much by listening to your videos..
You are welcome!
Thanks for educating us❤❤
Perfect timing, I have my first bone density test this week- thank you!
Me, too. But keep in mind the scores for what count as osteopenia and osteoporosis on DEXA scans were derived by the bone drug companies themselves. So, you shouldn't automatically take a "bad" score (if you get one) at face value, nor jump to take an instant bone med prescription without doing further research. It's so worth getting started on weight-bearing exercises ASAP.
Wow that is quite scary! I am going to review your other video on bone density to remind my self what I should be doing to keep osteoporosis at bay. Thanks for the info.
I can also recommend the channel by Dr Doug Lucas, because he focuses solely on bone health, and has a lot more info on all the different bone drugs.
My doctor wanted me to start it for osteopenia. I asked to start weight bearing exercise to try to reduce bone loss and see if that will work. I go to a Silver Sneakers exercise class three days a week and also take vitamin D and K3. I have increased calcium in my diet as well. I have done it for one year so far and will continue and the doctor will check my bone density again in another year.
cool name for the exercise class;)
@@cindytaylor698 I get so angry when I hear this. There are so many natural treatments out there and Osteopenia is not Osteoporosis. Please stay strong and don’t listen to your Doctor. Reclast made me so ill that it actually worsened my osteopenia
@@DebbieTemperley My MD wants to start me on this after extensive dental work is done. Please tell me how it made you ill.
@it was not administered correctly and whether it was because of that or the fact that I had had chemo I will never know. I was also given it straight after an op to repair my broken hip which is not supposed to happen. I had a severe auto immune reaction to it. The next day I could not produce any tears, or saliva, my vision was blurred, I lost a bit of my hearing and I had terrible dizziness. I could not control my blood sugar or blood pressure. Both were all over the place. The stress caused me to stop sleeping, something I never used to battle with and I still have insomnia. Because I had no saliva my teeth started cracking. I was an absolute mess and I lost so much muscle mass and weight I looked anorexic. I could not eat for 18 months because of constant nausea. It was all the chemo symptoms I used to get but my oil glands had never shut down completely like that. It was like I had aged 10 years overnight, I looked like I was constantly dehydrated but nothing I did or took helped. Not everyone has such horrendous side effects but I don’t think it’s good to take a drug that stays in your body for life. All the very best with your decision. It’s a tough one!
Very informative! I've been taking generic Fosamax for a couple of years, and so far haven't had noticeable side effects. I appreciate learning more about what to look for and hopefully will catch any problems early.
Could you guys please cover Prolia in detail in an upcoming video please.
I took Prolia injections for two years and was diagnosed with Medication caused Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, (MONJ), in August 2024. I am now trying to manage with diet, exercise and physical therapy. At 79, I have no interest in taking any more medication. I will take every measure possible to prevent falls and hopefully will get to the point where I am not considered a’fall risk’. I will have to live with the consequences of having used Prolia for the rest of my life.
@@sandragrissom1821 Thank you for your comments and as of today I will not take anymore Prolia injections. I will continue going to the gym.
@@jnash5137
Plz be careful as you cannot just stop taking Prolia because your bone density will fall dramatically. You need to go to your prescribing doctor and take bisphosphonates to stop the bone loss. This is a serious situation. All the very best
@@jnash5137But you need to do more research first. I don’t think you can stop Prolia without doing Reclast afterwards for 1-2 years. Weaning off of Prolia is not a simple process of just stopping it one day.
@@jnash5137 From what I have read, if you stop Prolia, it should be followed up with zoledronate to avoid a rebound effect of high-turnover bone resorption (often greater than before the Prolia was started). I'm reading Great Bones by R.Keith McCormick, which is full of really good information. Good luck
After suffering a wedge fracture of my T12 vertebra I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I did a lot of research and I’m not susceptible to the "what doctors won’t tell you"type of information. One thing that surprise me when I started reading pubmed, JAMA and other such journals was that results of bisphosphonate studies such as the FIT study the results are expressed in relative risk reduction rather than absolute risk reduction. If for example you gave 100 people a drug and two people in the placebo group still suffered a broken bone while only one person in the experimental bisphosphonate group suffered a broken bone you would have a relative risk reduction of 50% but an absolute risk reduction of one. In the FIT trial for example with over 2000 post menopausal women with existing vertebral fractures for clinically apparent vertebral fractures followed up over 36 months, 23 (2.3%) in the alendronate group and 50 (5.0%) in the placebo group experienced a further fracture. This is roughly a 50% relative risk reduction but an actual reduction of only 27 people out of 2000. A second issue I wonder about is that the study group ages range from 55 to 81. That means you may have a tennis playing active 55 year-old woman in the study and also an 81 year-old overweight under exercised woman living in a home for the elderly all mixed up into one big statistic. I don’t think it’s right to assume this means any individual should or shouldn’t take bisphosphonates but rather you have to consider your situation compared to the statistics both for prevention and complications and make up your own mind. Another issue I question is that frequently drugs are measured in their effect on bone mineral density BMD. A bisphosphonate may stop bone mineral density loss, but that is not the same as bone integrity as the doctors have pointed out. Bisphosphonates work by slowing down the production of osteoclasts which normally reabsorb micro fractures in bones so that when osteoblasts come along and build bone they are building bone on a healthy substrate. If the osteoclasts aren’t doing their job then you are building new bone over microfractures .You need to make a careful assessment of your own situation!
Wow. Great comment! Thanks for taking the time to post this comment.
Great comment. Clear explanation re; relative risk etc.
I agree with your assessment about relative and absolute risk. It begs the question what value of absolute risk would be worth it? I mean, that is a general question especially about statins for example which you’ve been shown to prevent heart attack.
Better yet something that reduces mortality risk by an absolute one percent.
It obviously has to be balanced with tolerance and side effects., And access to the medication or non-pharmaceutical intervention.
@ there is no one size fits all answer to your question. In the FIT study, one of the largest for bisphosphonates, for vertebral fractures treating 100 women with alendronate for 3-4 years would prevent 7 vertebral fractures that would have occurred without treatment. For hip fractures the same study found that the number needed to treat (NNT) was 91 women over 3 years to prevent one fracture. Each person has to evaluate these numbers for their own particular situation.
The osteonecrosis of the mandible ( lower jaw) is sometimes untreatable. It is very painful Some periodontists and Oral Facial Surgeons refuse to do dental implants or sinus lifts in anyone who has been on this medication.
Tried it a few years ago, not for long, quickly gave it up.
I was prescribed Actonel for osteoporosis and I refused to take it as, I had suffered from osteo necrosis in both hips a few years earlier. The though of getting osteonecrosis in my jaw terrified me. It is such a painful disease.
I took this drug seven years ago. It nearly killed me. Has ruined my life and I still have debilitating side effects. Reclast was a million times worse than any chemo I had
About 9 months ago, an endocrinologist wanted me start the reclast IV, I didn’t do it. Last month I had a follow up appointment w/ her & told her that I had concerns about doing it & there has to be better way. It was like a mother scolding a child, telling me that “this is the standard of care”. I still have not made an appointment to go, I don’t see myself ever doing it.
Do you mind my asking what happen to you when you did the reclast? Was it the IV or the pills?
I’m so sorry that it was a terrible ordeal for you.
* I really do appreciate the knowledge of your doctors thank you very much it actually improves my education as well *???*
I’ve taken these several times, but we try to do it every few years, not every year. But my bones are weird; I have osteogenesis imperfecta too. I’ve never had any serious side effects.
The big thing is weight bearing, taking the right amount of calcium, and finding a bone specialist.
My wife took alendronate for 15 years She had 4 traumatic fractures in that time and also fell at home and broke 3ribs She is off now almost 2 years Osteonecrosis of jaw and atypical femur fracture are very scary
but are rare. She has now osteopenia - changed from osteoporosis- and waiting almost one year in Canada to see endocrinologist
I was given one injection of Prolia Oct/24 prescribed by my specialist at St Michael’s hospital. By the beginning of Dec. I felt a throbbing in my back lower jaw. I saw 2 dentists, a periodontist and an endodontist all in Toronto. I was dismissed by all of these dentists as they made no connection to the Prolia. I persisted but by this time I was at stage 2,my bone was exposed. I was referred to an oral surgeon immediately in January and diagnosed with necrosis of the jaw. I had a 2 oral surgeries 4 week apart and followed by 42 hyperbaric treatments at the hyperbaric chamber beside Oakville Trafalgar Hospital. I was in the chamber for 2 hours a day every day 5 days a week. I have a private medical plan as a retired teacher but absolutely none of the surgeries were covered or the CBTC scans which totalled approximately $5,000. Fortunately the hyperbaric chamber treatments were covered by OHIP. My specialist at St Mikes said I was not even in the medical journals after only one injection of Prolia. I finished my hyperbaric treatments finally in mid May but continue to see my oral surgeon every 2 months.
I had a tooth break off at the gum line 12 years ago. I went to dentists and oral surgeons and none of them would touch me bc I had been on Fosamax for several years. I was terrified when I read why, immediately stopped taking the drug, had a filling put in the remainder of the tooth, and let it go. Now, 12 years later, my dentist is still afraid to touch it and referred me to yet another oral surgeon to have a blood test to make sure the drug is out of my system. There will have to be a lot of arm twisting before I ever take that drug again.
But at what dosage? What strength puts you at risk? Is there a sweet spot where the risk is lower with a dose that can prevent fractures? Thanks!
I took Fosamax many years ago and had good results and the Dr put me in holiday. I have malabsorption issues. Now 8 years later, and moved to another state, I started IV reclast last year. My 1 year recheck hasn’t been miraculous. I am scheduled for my second IV reclast soon (pending insurance approval), and a DEXA scan. I do plan to have a third IV reclast in fall 2025. I had no side effects from Fosamax or Reclast.
Thank you for saying this as I am still debating on MD recommendations.
I have lupus and I’ve been on prednisone for 35+ years. My rheumatologist has been trying to get me to take these meds for at least 10 years and I have declined. He now wants me to go on Prolia and I personally think the risk are too great. At 75 I am very active and incorporate exercise daily. I have a normal BMI. I also do not believe in taking supplements. I get my calcium and vitamin D from food. My levels are always within normal limits. I believe the body will react positively if given a chance. The prednisone has done wonders for my overall health, but it did not come without consequences. I have been slowly reducing the milligrams under the direction of my physician.
The possibility of femur fracture or necrosis of the jaw is what made me stop taking alendronate a number of years ago. I have now progressed from osteopenia to osteoporosis. I’m taking calcium, vitamins K2 and D and magnesium - hoping they will help.
Best of luck. Watch our how to build your bone density video
My sister took Prolia for years. Last year she had some pretty back compression fractures of her spine. She went off Prolia and now she and her doctor are looking at options. I am 73 and have mild osteopenia. I take calcium supplements and eat a calcium rich diet. I also walk a lot.
So I have osteoporosis- 68. I’ve had it for a couple of years. The NP I was seeing wanted me to take Fosomax. I declined. A couple of years later (last year) I saw a PA at another practice. Same. She wanted me to consider taking Fosomax. This fall I went to another office and saw a doctor. He wanted blood work done and it revealed potential hyperparathyroidism. I have to have one or more parathyroid glands surgically removed. This will allow calcium to go back into my bones! Why doesn’t anyone talk about this?
You are so right!
You guys are awesome
Thanks!
How many drugs that say they help with anxiety and depression actually can cause anxiety and depression😮😂 thank you for sharing this. I have told people around me not to take it.
QUESTION; is Actonel considered a bisphosphate ?
I started this toxic drug (Fosamax) 6 weeks ago and in that short amount of time my jaw is feeling wonky and my gums started receding at a rapid pace. Saw my dentist today to get his take on things and he told me he refers to oral surgeon because he’s seen enough to know that once bisphosonates damage the jaw the wounds won’t heal. Can’t do anything invasive like implants, extractions etc. I’ve taken my last dose forever. Would rather risk fracture than having facial reconstruction surgery and lose all my perfectly good teeth .
Thank you for sharing. Hope it’s ok.
The answer to keeping your bones strong is not with drugs it’s with a healthy diet preferably a whole food plantbased diet and working out with weights and using your bones.
The answer to keeping your bones strong is to be on HRT/MHT when you’re menopausal and throughout the rest of your life.
Please make a video on MSM supplement. Methylsulfonylmethane. It's becoming very popular supplement.
thanks
Welcome!
This is frightening. I’m on residronate and was told by my dental surgeon to stop after five years as it won’t be effective past that point. Just started a proton pump inhibitor for possible GERD and after watching this I wonder if it could be a side effect from the residronate. Getting old is very challenging
Yes it is! Good luck! ❤
I briefly took Fosamax and had a strong reaction--violent vomiting, diarrhea and blacked out. My doc would like me to try Prolia. Eeek. I fear side effects. A friend was taking Raloxifene because she has osteoporosis and had breast cancer. Raloxifene is supposed to help block estrogen (?) She had such severe bone pain she could only tolerate it for a couple months. Yet another friend is taking an osteoporosis Rx--I don't know which one, and she has had severe leg pain for over a year. Once an active athletic woman, she has so much discomfort she can barely walk. The "cure" seems as bad as the disease. I am afraid to start one of these meds, and afraid not to.
The problem is if you are having an adverse reaction to Reclast you cannot stop it. It’s in your body for life.
What did you mean by "protect the weight bearing"?
What happened with Boniva? Why are there no Prolia commercials anymore?
Is a spiral fracture in the lower part of your pinky between the middle knuckle and the hand a serious fracture
I just take natural supplements for my bones and a lot of other health reasons.
Hi what natural supplements do you take,as I am really interested to find out as I'm 70 and have to have a bone density test next month, have a blessed day/night ❤
People should do research on taking calcium supplements. From my research calcium supplements do nothing or very little in building bone mineral density or to prevent bone fractures and dietary calcium which is more slowly absorbed and safer and even that does not have a meaningful effect on either bone mineral density or fracture risk. Calcium supplements have been linked to cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and kidney issues which is not true for dietary calcium intake
Totally agree that Calcium supplements are harmful. Getting Calcium through diet is ideal.
This was for me today. I really don't know if it's helping, I'm on alendronate and calcitonin nose spray for my non-diabetic charcot foot caused by CRPS. Have you found any research on it helping charcot? 🤔
Exactly why I take nothing.
Can you address Prolia
It's much worse than Fosamax. It's a lifetime issue, more than Fosamax.
Prolia has the same risks for femur fractures and osteoporosis of the jaw as bisphosphonates, but is more problematic. When one stops taking it, there is a period of rapid loss of bone density. Most doctors then put these patients on a bisphosphonate. I suffered a displaced femur fracture in 2008 after taking Fosamax for only a couple of years. It took 3 surgeries and 2 other drugs (Forteo and Evista) to heal my femur. I was fortunate to have a brilliant doctor who specialized in bone mineralization issues work with me after my femur break.
Can you explain pioglitazone and pravastatin? Do they cause osteoporosis? Muscle pain? I had fine bones before taking them and now I have osteoporosis and skeletal musculature pain, and it makes it hard to walk or use steps. I missed 3 days and mobility returned almost completely.?
Not for me. Too many risks, had short conversation with my Doctor, she was pushy for me to take the drugs.
I am adamant not too. So left it there.
My choice.
Reclast and Prolia are THE worst for these side effects... and almost no M.D.s are telling their patients about these real issues. Not "okay"!
So agree!!!
When I asked about the side effects of Prolia, the endocrinologist told me that the "main side effect was a rash". I looked into it when I got home, was shocked, and never returned to him. I reported my feelings to my GP, who put me on Fosomax again ( I took it several years ago for about 4 years, but had a long drug holiday). I am now on it again for 7 months, once again feeling fine, no reactions noted. Not sure what to do... I am 67 am very short and thin, and have very bad OP. I never had any fractures, and prefer to keep it that way. But now I have no idea what to do...will look into weight bearing exercises. Thank you, to all!
I really don’t get it. If Fosamax is slowing down bone breakdown (the osteoclasts), and not slowing down the bone building process (osteoblasts), why does it have any negative effect on healing the little cracks that may happen naturally. Nothing in the drug is preventing cracks from healing up.
I have T-12 fracture that does not heal after I fell 8 months ago. Why it does not heal?.
I have -2.5 osteoporosis, and my am on Risotrenade. 35mgs per week for 3 years now.
Hey Dr. Weening, you look like you may have just woken up. lol😅
Thank God I'm not on that med!!
Not everyone has problems.
wow..paradoxical side effects...many TNF's and JAK inhibitors are the same way....all drugs have side effects some more than others :(
I have ONJ from Denosomab treatments after a necessary dental extraction. I lost many teeth as a result and am still on the journey. Not fun. Bisphosphonates and Rank-Lan inhibitors seem to only slow Osteoclasts but not build Osteoblasts. How do you really build bone?
GI issues? GI issues indeed. I need a bigger poop bag than my dog. My scat is stinkier than his-it’s so stinky coyotes don’t come near. Yes, I frequently have to squat while out walking my dog. I was diagnosed w osteoporosis December 2023. -2.5 deviation from scan taken in 2013. In that time I lost 50 lbs. I’m 65. I don’t smoke or drink. I average 10,000 steps daily. I’m going to add weight bearing exercises to my routine. I’ve stopped those poopy pills a month ago. I’m not talking to my dr about it. I’m not on any medications. I live in rural Alberta and ive had so many sweaty drives home from Calgary I’m just done. One month and I’m still stinking up my house w a never ending stream of the gassiest farts of my entire life (no offence). This is no way to live. I really enjoy your videos and apologize if my comment pooped on your presentation but it’s the nature of this prescription.
What medication caused these side effects? Thank you. I just started Prolia, so I'm a bit worried..
❤ videos, hate all the dings, swipe noises etc. Just awful. Please stop