subject: Does Fosamax Increase Bone Density? [print this page] Does Fosamax Increase Bone Density? Does Fosamax Increase Bone Density?
Fosamax is the brand name for a drug known as alendronate. This medication is used to treat and prevent bone loss due to osteoporosis associated with menopause, steroid use and other diseases which cause bone loss.
Slowing Bone Loss
Fosamax is used to slow the loss of bone when a person has osteoporosis and other diseases which cause bone loss. The medication acts to reduce the amount of bone loss while increasing the bone mass to help in preventing bone fractures.
Increasing Bone Density
Fosamax has been shown to work in increasing bone density in the areas of the spine and the hips. The bone loss is dramatically reduced, which in turn increases the bone density. While the increase in bone density only works as a possible prevention for fractures, it is shown that fewer fractures have occurred in those who take the drug than in those who do not. Osteoporosis causes the loss of bone, which in turn causes the remaining bone to be brittle and not as strong. The ability to withstand pressure makes the possibility of fractures less significant.
Side Effects Associated with Fosamax
While using a drug that slows bone loss caused by osteoporosis and steroid use, there are some uncomfortable side effects known to be associated with the use of Fosamax. Things such as abdominal pain, musculoskeletal pain, nausea and upset stomach, headache and constipation are all common side effects of this medication.
When looking at medical conditions such as osteoporosis and the pain and disability associated with it, it is important to realize that even modern medical technology has not yet reached a point where a total cure is possible. As with many other conditions, the only opportunity for total cure of this condition currently is total prevention. Fosamax has been shown to slow the bone loss and increase bone mass thereby reducing the risk of spinal column injuries and hip injuries. However, it has not been proven yet that the use of Fosamax will decrease the amount of pain caused by the condition in general.
Goldberg & Osborne, a personal injury law firm, has provided this article for informational purposes only, written by an independent author, and has not reviewed or edited this article and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.
