Side Effects Of Osteoporosis Medications

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2018. My doctor recently presented me with information on medications for this condition and I find the possible side effects frightening. One is taken every six months, what if I have a bad reaction to that. It seems to be those meds or broken bones - I'm between the devil and the deep blue sea! Plus, I seem to be more sensitive to medications as I age. Can anyone discuss their experiences with osteoporosis medications?

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My mother-in-law, who is 73, tried one a few months ago, it made her miserable very quickly, and she stopped after 2 weekly doses. She has now refused to take anymore.

The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, headache, diarrhea, and joint/muscle aches. The one she tried was Alendronate.

Many people have had problems taking them, though not all.

Have they done a bone scan to see how great your risk is for broken bones?

Currently, my mother-in-law just eats more dairy, takes supplements, and is very cautious on steps, to prevent falls.

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Re: VerFree (# 1)

Thank you for your reply, VerFree. A scan was done in May of 2018. I'm taking calcium supplements and Vitamin D3, and eating greens. I don't consume dairy because I'm a vegan and lactose intolerant. I'm not sure of how much of a risk for broken bones I am. I know that at 75, I also have to be careful about medications. I think your relative is on the right track.

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I too have it. My Rheumatologist wanted me to start medication. I have had bone loss in my jaw and had procedures to try and fix it, a history a periodontal disease as well as other health problems. I refuse to take it. The risks are too great. Well, it cost me the relationship with my Doctor. Goes to show you some are pill pushers. Do your research.
I take Calcium Caltrate supplements and Vitamin D to try and keep the bones I have.

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Re: ISE (# 3)

I take calcium with magnesium and D3 daily. I recently took a statin drug and had enough side effects to stop taking it altogether. That's why I am so concerned about the osteoporosis drugs, I seem to have more side effects from drugs now. This is after taking them for decades. So currently, I agree with your solution. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

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I took one dose of Fosamax and felt as though I’d been hit by a truck. Body pains all over, severe indigestion, swollen fingers are just a few side effects. Started Actonel recently and still have body pains but not as severe. Unfortunately I’m having problems with my teeth now, so I’ve stopped taking it until after my dentist appointment this week. I’m not taking any chances with the jawbone problems that these medications can cause.

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Re: sm (# 5)

I'm sorry about your severe problems with osteoporosis meds. I was terrified just reading the information that my doctor gave me. I'm afraid to take them and afraid of broken bones. Right now I'm taking the dietary and supplement route. Thanks for your reply, sm.

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Do your homework before you take any of these drugs as broken bones will be the least of your worries. I suggest you read all the submissions in this chat room and you will see what I mean. They are poison.

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Pls don't have prolia... The side effects are many and varied. This drug has killed over 14,000 people.... It turns off your immune system so infection can set in. Do your research.

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I took the medication named Prolia which is an injection every 6 months and had the most horrible reaction ever. This was March 2019 and have had nothing but problems ever since. I have asthma and never had an event until this medication, I experienced angioedema of the face and resulted in bronchiectasis which is still with me. I have contacted many lawyers who indicate because I live in Canada and my condition is not by their terms considered fatal or deter me from working they cannot do anything for me. I have developed eye issues which i never had before and my pain in my back and legs is excruciating at times. I did have a couple of compression fractures in my Thoracic back and was advised this may get worse. I will never take another osteoporosis medication as long as I live. I am trying to enhance my bone health myself. I drink Kefir every morning and eat yogurt and cheese and anything else that will enhance my bone health. I do have other health issues that came to be before Prolia and therefore must be careful what I eat. So my advice is to make sure you do your homework on the drugs recommended and what you could do yourself and make your own decision with all the facts not just what your doctor says. Good luck.

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Re: Kazz (# 8)
Thank you for your information. I was set to take Prolia last year and the list of side effects scared me off and I canceled. I don't know what will happen with my bones, but I've decided not to take any meds for this. I eat greens and take Vitamin D and calcium daily. I just know the side effects from any of these medications will make my life intolerable. Thanks again and good luck with your own efforts.

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Re: Kazz (# 8)

Totally agree about Prolia. I am getting ready to loose all of my bottom teeth and lost all of my top teeth last year. This all started after taking Prolia. I have gone to the dentist every 6 months all of my life and took care. I also lost a lot of hair and had a lot of leg pain. It was poison to me.

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Pls do not take the injection. It's called prolia and you have a injection every 6 months, but the side effects are many and some are permanent. Its supposed be used as a last resort not first up. If you take an oral and have side effects you can stop if you have an injection you're stuck with it. Also you can't just stop prolia. You need a relay drug a biphosonate to stop spontaneous vertebrae fractures. Very nasty drug.

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Yes ...was given 2 injections of prolia 6 mths apart...really bad side effects...drug should be banned and now on actonelEC for stopping the rebound effect of prolia. No one should be given prolia ir they cant tantamount biphosonates eg actonel...they arnt making me feel good either. If I had it over I wouldn't touch op drugs...they have ruined my health. Diet exercise are the best.

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Please do not take Prolia. It is poison to many including myself. Affects your immune system and your jaws. I am loosing all of my teeth and had good teeth before I took Prolia. You can break a bone just walking across a flat surface. You take it every 6 months.

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Hi,

I'm one of those people who have reacted badly to all of the osteoporosis medications. My doctor pushed me into taking Prolia as a last resort. It's been two years and I'm still suffering from side effects from it.
Alendronate and the other bisphosphonate drugs gave me nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, and my TMJ hurt so bad it added to the nausea and headaches.

I hope someone finds this information helpful.

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