Fosamax is a very popular drug with around 37 million written prescriptions in just one year. But positive impressions are now changing as its adverse impacts have been reported. Femur fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) are just a few of the side effects being talked about. Now, women using Fosamax are advised to undergo a regular femur scan.

Fosamax is generically known as alendronate sodium. This drug belongs to the group of medicines called biphosphonates that has a special role 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. People with brittled and malformed bones or people afflicted with Paget’s Disease can also find help in this drug. The use of this drug is also beneficial among those who are suffering from osteopenia, which is a medical condition in people who have low bone mineral density.

Oftentimes, Fosamax therapy has some issues with drug to drug interaction. Femur fracture problems are now being considered among other drugs.

Besides the anticipated effects, Fosamax intake may also cause unintended side effects to the body, some of which are positiveand otherwise less favorable. However, off-label use of the drug should not be practiced because of the serious effects of the drug to the body.

Side Effects of Fosamax

You need to consult your doctor if any of these less serious side effects persist or become bothersome during your Fosamax therapy:


· 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.

Considerations in using Fosamax should only be decided under the advice of a physician. The doctor must also advised the number of days the person can take in Fosamax The possible consequences regarding the use of this drug must also be asked from a doctor considering that the number of people filing a Fosamax lawsuit is on a constant increase.

References:

http://www.examiner.com/women-s-health-in-los-angeles/women-taking-bisphosphonates-may-need-screening-radiography
http://www.rxlist.com/fosamax-drug.htm