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What Are the Side Effects of Fosamax?

Fosamax is a brand-name version of the prescription drug alendronate. Despite its effectiveness at preventing and treating osteoporosis, Fosamax poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

  1. Types of Common Side Effects

    • The most common side effects of Fosamax include abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea and pain in muscles or bones.

    Time Frame

    • Often, Fosamax's side effects develop upon first taking the drug and gradually diminish as the patient becomes acclimated to its effects, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Drug Interactions

    • Taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen with Fosamax increases the risk of developing gastrointestinal side effects from the drug, reports rxlist.com.

    Risks

    • In some patients, Fosamax causes erosion or ulceration of the esophagus, resulting in bleeding. Rarely, Fosamax causes the death of the bone in the jaw, causing a loss of teeth.

    Considerations

    • Because its effects on fetal development are unknown, doctors restrict the use of Fosamax in pregnant women to situations in which there is no safe alternative to treatment. If you have a history of anemia, blood clotting, cancer, dental problems, diseases or disorders that affect your digestive system, severe kidney dysfunction, low blood calcium or difficulty swallowing, it may not be safe for you to take Fosamax due to its potential side effects, the Mayo Clinic warns.

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