Does Bone Drug Boost Risk of Fracture?

With all of the problems my husband and I have had With poor quality generics I wonder how well the generics like bone medication work to prevent problems that we are not aware of. My husband has DMD so he has to take prednisone which weakens bones so he also takes Fosamax and since about 2 yrs ago now takes the generic Alendronate Sodium.

I am concerned that he may not be getting the bone protection he needs. How does anyone know how well preventative medication is working when the generics have failed us with the medication that we are aware of (antidepressants, stomach medication). We cannot afford this may or may not but it saves money. I hope that I have been able explain my point. I would like to know if anyone else has thought about this or if anything is being done to see if generic preventative medicine does as good as the name brand.

I was diagnosed with osteopenia 10 years ago. I was on Actonel for 7 years, at which time my doctor put me on Forteo. I have stress-fractured at least a dozen bones in both feet. Get treatment before this happens to you.

Celiac disease may cause osteopenia because it causes vitamin D and fat issues. This was my issue. I am feeling a lot better off gluten for 3 months. My levels of vitamin D are up now. I lost five teeth because of osteopenia in my 40's.

I had osteopania. I was in a trial for Vitamin D. First they tested my Vitamin D levels and discovered that they were low. Then I was on a 6 months study where first I took 400iu of vitamin D3 every day and 50,000iu of Vitamin D3 weekly for 2 months. Then it switched to 400iu of vitamin D3 daily and 50,000iu of vitamin D3 monthly. At the end of the 6 month study my bone density was back to normal and I no longer had osteopania. I now take 2000iu of vitamin D3 daily. Before taking any osteoporosis drugs or Vitamin D you should have your blood levels of vitamin D tested. It could be a simple fix.

I'm having jaw and tooth problems after taking Fosamax, then Boniva for a total of about 10 years. One dentist who was aware of the side effects of such meds. says Actonel is the worst of these, and a friend confirmed she had to be hospitalized after taking this for a while. I have an abscessed wisdom tooth the oral surgeon will not remove until the level of Boniva reduces.

Now am on the third RX of penicillin and clindamycin to fight the infection. The pain has been very bad at times. I have been off the meds. since November. I'm hearing of more and more people having problems. One doctor I know of only keeps a patient on these meds for a few months at a time.
Having said that, my bone density test shows great improvement.

I had osteoporosis but refused any rx bone drugs because of side effects and doubts about their effectiveness. I take strontium citrate daily (not at the same time as calcium) and for 3 years my bone density scans have improved. I now have osteopenia and expect to continue to improve. And no negative side effects. Strontium is one of the ingredients needed for healthy bone growth and I also take a bone growth over the counter mix.

I've been on Zometa for 8 years.

Both my thighs cracked May, 2008. Since then, both femurs broke and had surgery to insert rods & screws.

My Oncologist didn't know about this side effect from Astra-Zeneca (manufacturer of Zometa) in their literature.

Additionally, I went to an Endocrinologist. I have low Vit D levels and was told to take 50,000 iu every week for 8 weeks, then monthly to bring bone level to normal.

Where is this fracture information written?

I have been on Actonel for 5 weeks for osteoporosis..I developed an incapacitating severe lower back pain which required my needing assistance to get out of bed or even a chair....I stopped Actonel after studying other people's results (many of which were the same) and will try the strontium citrate next. Years ago I tried Fosamax and developed a hip problem which seriously affected my ability to walk. Have you any research on strontium citrate?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THIS PRESCRIPTION DRUG HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED FOR USE IN THE US.

In 2001, after falling and breaking an ankle, the orthopedic surgeon did a bone density test and had me start fosamax. Within 60 days I developed neck pain and loss of flexibility in my neck. I first thought it was connected to my fall. I continued the fosamax through the 2 year prescribed period.

A new bone density test showed no improvement. I suggested to my doctor that fosamax might be a problem so he prescribed Actonel instead. I checked the labels and they both had the same ingredients. I stopped all medication and within 90 days all pain was gone and I had full range of motion. The doctor dismissed it as coincidence. I do not think so! Thank you for your time, Ed Y

I have just started taking Alendronate Sodium....today was the 2nd time. Last week, after taking the pill for the first time, I had chills that night... according to the Pharmacy information sheet.... flu-like symptoms are in the beginning.... however, I also discovered the next day, I could only do one lap in the pool; whereas, normally I do about 4 laps for exercise. However, within a few days, I was back to my normal exercise routine.

I discussed this with the Pharmacist, and she recommended that I give it another try....it will be interesting to see if I still get the same reaction.
Consequently, I am curious if your husband has had any side affects also via this medication...Thank You. ...MWT.

Hi JP,
what brand of Strontium and bone growth mixture are you using, please? My doctor said I have osteoporosis and mailed a prescription for Fosamax, but after reading everything there is out there, I'm afraid to take this long term. I don't want to damage the bone that's left.

Hi,
I am also interested in what brand of Strontium and bone growth mixture you are using and where you bought it. I am currently recovering from an ankle fracture. I have rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis and have been on Fosamax for probably 12-13 years. My rheumatologist thinks the fracture may be due to the long term Fosamax usage.