subject: Fosamax Users Possible Expectations [print this page] One of the most popular drug with around 37 million written prescriptions for just a year is the medicine called Fosamax. Currently, complaints about the drugs adverse effects are increasing and it is slowly changing the drugs good name. The most talked about effects of this drug are femur fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). These issues have resulted to a medical advice of regular femur scans among female Fosamax users.
Alendronate sodium is the generic form of this Fosamax drug. Biphosphonates is the group of medicines to which Fosamax belongs and helps in the bone cycle formation. It slows down bone loss while increasing bone mass and helping in the prevention of bone fracture.
Men and women who have been afflicted of osetoporosis due to menopause or the use of steroids can find benefits in Fosamax. This drug is also helpful among people who have Pagets Disease which is defined as a disorder with bones being brittle and malformed. People with low bone mineral density or osteopenia can also get benefits from this drug.
Oftentimes, Fosamax therapy has some issues with drug to drug interaction. Femur fracture problems are now being considered among other drugs.
Apart from the intended effects, Fosamax also brings a number of unintended side effects to the body that are both beneficial and unfavorable. Nevertheless, off-label use of the drug is strongly discouraged because of the possible harm brought about the drug to the body.
Possible Consequences of Fosamax Use
If you are under a Fosamax therapy and any of the following side effects happen, please contact your doctor immediately.
Constipation or diarrhea
Bloating or feeling full, mild heartburn
Dizziness, headache, eye pain
Mild back, muscle, or joint pain
Mild nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
The use of Fosamax should be stopped if the following happens and medical attention should happen as soon as possible.
Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing)
Chest pain
Difficulty (dysphagia) or painful (odynophagia) swallowing
Pain or burning sensation under the ribs or in the back
Severe heart burn, burning epigastric (upper stomach) pain, or coughing of blood
New or worsening heartburn
Fever, body aches, flu-like symptoms
Severe musculoskeletal pain
New or unusual pain in your thigh or hip
Jaw pain, numbness or swelling.
Fosamax therapy should only be considered under a doctors advice. This should also come with the information regarding the period of therapy. As the number of people filing a Fosamax lawsuit are increasing, it may be safe to ask your doctor about the possible side effects the drug.
