Side Effects of Fosamax: Frequent, Mild, and Severe Impact
Fosamax, a brand-name oral tablet, is used for certain types of osteoporosis and bone disease. While it can help strengthen bones, it's important to be aware of potential side effects.
Common side effects of Fosamax include gastrointestinal issues such as belly pain, nausea, acid reflux, esophageal irritation, dyspepsia (indigestion), constipation, diarrhea, and a full or bloated feeling. Additionally, you may experience muscle, joint, and bone pain, as well as headaches.
More serious side effects to watch for include esophagus problems, such as irritation, ulcers, erosion, or perforation of the esophagus, presenting as new or worsening heartburn, pain behind the breastbone, pain or difficulty swallowing, and trouble swallowing. Severe muscle, joint, or bone pain that may impair normal function and could indicate more serious bone issues or fractures is also a concern. Other serious side effects include chest pain, severe heartburn, burning pain in the upper stomach or back, jaw pain, numbness, swelling (possible osteonecrosis of the jaw), low blood calcium levels, and new or unusual pain in the thigh or hip, which may suggest atypical femur fractures.
To reduce the risk of these side effects, Fosamax should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, remaining upright for at least 30 minutes afterward without eating or drinking other things during that time.
Because some serious side effects can be rare but severe and require immediate medical attention, patients are advised to contact their doctor promptly if they develop symptoms such as worsening heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, severe pain, or jaw problems.
It's worth noting that older adults (ages 65 years and older) may have a higher risk of side effects from Fosamax, but in clinical trials, Fosamax was just as safe in older adults compared with younger people who took the drug. Long-term side effects of Fosamax may include joint pain, muscle pain, bone pain, and low blood calcium level.
Remember, sharing your experience with side effects helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Fosamax and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Fosamax. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fosamax/description/drg-20073079 [2] Drugs.com. (2021). Fosamax: Side Effects, Interactions, Warning, Dosage & Uses. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/fosamax.html [5] FDA. (2021). Fosamax. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugs-a-z/fosamax
- While Fosamax is used for certain types of osteoporosis and bone disease, it's crucial to be aware of potential side effects like gerd, stomach indigestion, and psoriatic arthritis.
- The digestive system may experience issues such as pain, acid reflux, esophageal irritation, and bloating, which are common side effects of Fosamax.
- Some patients may also develop depression or chronic diseases like COPD, psoriasis, or other medical-conditions as a result of using Fosamax.
- Science and medical research have predicted that long-term use of Fosamax could lead to chronic issues such as joint, muscle, and bone pain, and low blood calcium levels.
- Health and wellness advisors suggest taking Fosamax with caution, especially older adults over the age of 65, since they may be at a higher risk of side effects.
- In cases of serious side effects such as worsening heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, or jaw problems, it's recommended to seek immediate medical attention from a doctor.
- To learn more about the drugs, side effects, interactions, warnings, and uses, it is informative to research resources like Mayo Clinic, Drugs.com, and the FDA websites.
