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Is Fosamax Safe?

Fosamax is a drug designed to treat osteoporosis, a condition that causes the bones of a woman's body to break down over time. Recent studies have discovered problems with the drug, leading some to question whether or not the medication is safe to use.

  1. Atrial Fibrillation

    • A study completed in 2004 found that women who took Fosamax regularly were more prone to developing atrial fibrillation than women who didn't take it.

    Dead Jaw

    • In 2006 a study announced that a large number of women taking Fosamax developed dead jaw. This is a condition in which the bone tissues in the jaw die and the women need corrective surgery to fix the problem.

    Side Effects

    • Possible side effects of taking Fosamax include muscle pain, joint pain, swelling of the esophagus and aches in the jawbone. Women taking medication for kidney disease are more prone to experience these side effects.

    Long-Term Effects

    • As of 2009 there weren't any studies as to the long-term effects of taking the medication. Experts do know that the medication stays in the system for at least 1 year once a person stops taking it, provided she has been on it for at least 3 years.

    Considerations

    • Fosamax is prescribed by thousands of doctors each year to treat osteoporosis. While some women have experienced side effects and problems from the drug, many others have experienced no problems at all.

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