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Protecting Bones without Heartburn

Q. I have osteoporosis and my doctor prescribed Fosamax. I took it for years, but it caused severe heartburn that I could not handle.
When I complained to the doctor, he offered Boniva. Reading the label, I found that it too could affect the esophagus. What else can I do to protect my bones?

A. Both alendronate (Fosamax) and ibandronate (Boniva) are in the same class of osteoporosis drugs. Although they are popular, there are other treatments to strengthen bones, and some are less likely to irritate the esophagus.
We are sending you our Guide to Osteoporosis for more details.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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