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Fosamax

Betty of Erie, PA March 9, 2010

I have been taking fosomax or its generic every Saturday since late 1994. I have broken both femurs and had titanium rods installed in both thighs. Tonight ABC World news broadcast a story about this exact situation of which I appear to be a "classic" case. I can't begin to tell you of what this has done to both my mental and physical health. My Dr. has said I have "significant" osteoporosis and I cannot even do Yoga or Tai Chi, let alone exercise. Can you help me?

Jacqui of Brentwood, TN March 9, 2010

After taking Merck's Fosamax for eight years, my femur broke in July 2009. A titanium rod was inserted in that femur, from which I am still recovering. Merck denies that Fosamax is the cause, but I belong to a support group of many women--and one man--who have ALL experienced the same trauma after taking Fosamax for (too) many years. Many of these have unfortunately had to have rods inserted in both femurs; so far, I've only had a fracture in my right femur but since Fosamax stays in the body for 10-12 years, I may ultimately have to have my other femur "rodded."

I am 68 years old and until this, I had never had a broken bone or any health problems. I am totally convinced that Fosamax taken for so long is the culprit! While my recovery is going to be a long one, many of my other "femur friends" have had a much more difficult recovery than I. Suffice it to say, our quality of life is substantially diminished and will never be the same again!

Nancy of Sacramento, CA January 16, 2009

Nancy of Sacramento CA (01/16/09)
My mother was prescribed Fosamax for Osteoporsis. She has cancer, so it probably shouldn't have been prescribed in the first place. Right from the beginning she's had problems with diahrea. For the past two weeks she has had severe muscle cramps in her shoulder and her lower back. For the past 4 days she has had very severe muscle spasms in her back that have left her totally in pain and incompasitated. I advised her to stop the Fosamax immediately and hope the muscle pains will subside.

Severe pain and emotional distress. This medication should be taken off the market.

Margo of Jacksonville, FL January 11, 2009

Margo of Jacksonville FL (01/11/09)
I was recently prescribed Fosomax for Osteopoenia by my doctor. I took one dose, followed the directions to stay on my feet and not eat anything for 30 minutes. I was fine throughout the entire day, but as soon as I sat down at 9:30 p.m., I felt a mushrooming feeling at the base of my skull then a dull, painful headache developed there from ear to ear. The next day I had an inexplicable pain in my left arm that felt like I had pulled a muscle. It mysteriously went away a day later. I never took another dose of the Fosomax, yet I still have this dull throbbing headache at the base of my skull after three and a half weeks.

In explaining this to my Yoga instructor, she told me about a recent study at Florida State University that demonstrated that Prunes (yes, prunes) can restore bone density. Mother always did know best. Google it.

Mary of Phoenix, AZ January 9, 2009

Mary of Phoenix AZ (01/09/09)
I have been using Fosamax for over 2-years almost 3-years and My Jaw is in such pain I have had an MRI and X-Rays and it shows damage done to My Jaw. It is always sore I am using Percocets and Antibiotics. I have headaches and Acid Reflux and Back Pain and other awful pains in My body I am 80-years old and I live on Social Security.

Mary-Beth of Albany, NY December 12, 2008

Mary-Beth of Albany NY (12/12/08)
My physician prescribed Fosamax for my Osteoporosis. After taking this medication for about two years, I began to lose several teeth for no apparent reason. I had two implants placed - one failed.

It cost me several thousand dollars. I have only one bottom tooth to chew with and do not have enough bone to have any more implants.

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