Wellness

[Jeremiah 2911]

Some important things to consider before taking Fosamax or any other "bone thickening" drug:

This is my understanding of how Fosamax works: Fosamax does not work to help to "thicken" bone mass at all. In fact, Fosamax (and other drugs like it) works to weaken the entire bone structure in the human body.

Fosamax (and other drugs like it) works as a poison to the osteoclasts, killing them -- and thereby stopping them from removing the old, dead bone material -- which is a natural process of the body to rid itself from weakened or damaged bone material.

What shows up as an increase in "bone mass" during a bone scan is not true bone material at all --- but is actually a build-up of weak, bone material (that would have been discarded bone material that the osteoclasts would have cleared away -- had the osteoclasts not been killed off by the Fosamax.)

This weak coating of so-called "bone mass" actually contributes to the demise of the bone. This is why Fosamax is responsible for osteonecrosis of the jaw bone.

The killing off of human osteoclast cells damages the entire bone structure of the human body.

Once Fosamax is discontinued, the osteoclasts begin to re-grow and then they immediately begin doing their job of removing the weak, dead bone material that is coating your original bone. In just a few months, the weakened, damaged & dead bone material is completely cleared away by the osteoclasts -- as it should be.

I've read that some of the serious side effects of Fosamax (and some other "bone thickening" drugs are osteonecrosis of the jaw, tooth damage & tooth loss, cracked & fractured bones.

A person who has suffered from permanent side effects of the drug has the option of suing the drug manufacturer (Merck), but the person will have the task of proving that their condition was caused by the drug. Hard to prove when the person was previously diagnosed with (some level of) bone loss.

This is my opinion of Fosamax and other "bone thickening" drugs that work in the same manner. I would suggest that anyone who is considering taking these drugs do careful research on these drugs before agreeing to take any type of "bone thickening" drug.

[baddest_dog]

.

[jubilant]

On 10/4/2014 baddest_dog said:

In the 90's I worked as a consultant with a Pharm company developing their osteoporosis drug. The doctor I worked for was an endocrinologist who they relied upon heavily during the clinical trial phase. Part of my work was reviewing nursing patients who suffered hip fractures and what lead to their fracture. I will not bore anyone with all the technical details but these companies study side effects for years during the trial phases, but IMO, not long enough to know over the long haul what those side effects can amount to. At the time they did know about osteonecrosis of the jaw and GERD so this company was trying to develop something that would prevent that.

With that said, no drug comes without side effects. They found out about HRT many years after prescribing it to post menopausal women when the connection was made between women who took them and breast cancer.

For these reasons, I would not and do not take long term medications for osteoporosis, cholesterol, or HRT. I changed my eating habits, exercise daily, quit smoking 10 years ago and don't drink. If that's not good enough, then so be it. My last bone density showed osteopenia done 3 years ago and I am having another one done this week. I will be interested to see those results.

If you are interested in reading more about these drugs, here is a good site to read,

LINK

This is the organization that oversaw the research I was involved in.

Thanks for this. I didn't want to say much because I am not an expert on the research that goes into the making of these medications. I have often questioned whether or not they were tested for long enough periods of time. Quite frankly, I don't want to be a guinea pig. I don't take cholesterol medications either and, while my cholesterol is high, I am trying to lower it by doing it naturally. So far I am not having much luck. High cholesterol is hereditary from both my mom and dad. I have great-grandparents and grandparents who had "heart trouble" for years and most of them lived to be in their 80's to 90's. This was well before statins and Fosamax type medications came out. If the medicine is affecting me in a negative way, then I am going to choose quality of the life I am given over how many years I live. It's a decision I have been forced to make twice and I am content with it. I realize this might not be for everyone but I have peace of mind about it. Also, deciding this has forced me to make better choices for a more healthy lifestyle.

[LilacTree]

On 10/4/2014 jubilant said:

On 10/4/2014 baddest_dog said:

In the 90's I worked as a consultant with a Pharm company developing their osteoporosis drug. The doctor I worked for was an endocrinologist who they relied upon heavily during the clinical trial phase. Part of my work was reviewing nursing patients who suffered hip fractures and what lead to their fracture. I will not bore anyone with all the technical details but these companies study side effects for years during the trial phases, but IMO, not long enough to know over the long haul what those side effects can amount to. At the time they did know about osteonecrosis of the jaw and GERD so this company was trying to develop something that would prevent that.

With that said, no drug comes without side effects. They found out about HRT many years after prescribing it to post menopausal women when the connection was made between women who took them and breast cancer.

For these reasons, I would not and do not take long term medications for osteoporosis, cholesterol, or HRT. I changed my eating habits, exercise daily, quit smoking 10 years ago and don't drink. If that's not good enough, then so be it. My last bone density showed osteopenia done 3 years ago and I am having another one done this week. I will be interested to see those results.

If you are interested in reading more about these drugs, here is a good site to read,

LINK

This is the organization that oversaw the research I was involved in.

Thanks for this. I didn't want to say much because I am not an expert on the research that goes into the making of these medications. I have often questioned whether or not they were tested for long enough periods of time. Quite frankly, I don't want to be a guinea pig. I don't take cholesterol medications either and, while my cholesterol is high, I am trying to lower it by doing it naturally. So far I am not having much luck. High cholesterol is hereditary from both my mom and dad. I have great-grandparents and grandparents who had "heart trouble" for years and most of them lived to be in their 80's to 90's. This was well before statins and Fosamax type medications came out. If the medicine is affecting me in a negative way, then I am going to choose quality of the life I am given over how many years I live. It's a decision I have been forced to make twice and I am content with it. I realize this might not be for everyone but I have peace of mind about it. Also, deciding this has forced me to make better choices for a more healthy lifestyle.

My doc wants to put me on statins also . . . as have so many docs before her. I won't take them. My recent cholesterol was 256, just a little higher than I have had all of my adult life. However, my HDL is 68 (I have had higher numbers, like 82) and my triglycerides in the 70s, never over 100, so my ratios are good. She had her nurse call me all worried about it being "very high." 256 is not "very high."

Also, older women who have had similar cholesterol readings do not have a greater chance of heart attack. Also, new studies coming out are backtracking on high cholesterol in the first place as being a factor in heart attacks. Usually it's high BP, which I don't have. I guess my doctor doesn't read or watch TV.

She wants me to make an appointment so she can prescribe it, but I will not be taking any statins, as I never have and I don't intend to start now. I will cut down diet-wise and try to bring it down to 211, as it was about a year ago (when I wasn't eating at all and had lost 20 lbs.).

I think there's a little computer in doctors' heads that hears "symptom," then calculates "prescription" automatically. God forbid one walks out of the doc's office without a med!

[ID2]

On 10/5/2014 Ford1224 said:

On 10/4/2014 jubilant said:

On 10/4/2014 baddest_dog said:

In the 90's I worked as a consultant with a Pharm company developing their osteoporosis drug. The doctor I worked for was an endocrinologist who they relied upon heavily during the clinical trial phase. Part of my work was reviewing nursing patients who suffered hip fractures and what lead to their fracture. I will not bore anyone with all the technical details but these companies study side effects for years during the trial phases, but IMO, not long enough to know over the long haul what those side effects can amount to. At the time they did know about osteonecrosis of the jaw and GERD so this company was trying to develop something that would prevent that.

With that said, no drug comes without side effects. They found out about HRT many years after prescribing it to post menopausal women when the connection was made between women who took them and breast cancer.

For these reasons, I would not and do not take long term medications for osteoporosis, cholesterol, or HRT. I changed my eating habits, exercise daily, quit smoking 10 years ago and don't drink. If that's not good enough, then so be it. My last bone density showed osteopenia done 3 years ago and I am having another one done this week. I will be interested to see those results.

If you are interested in reading more about these drugs, here is a good site to read,

LINK

This is the organization that oversaw the research I was involved in.

Thanks for this. I didn't want to say much because I am not an expert on the research that goes into the making of these medications. I have often questioned whether or not they were tested for long enough periods of time. Quite frankly, I don't want to be a guinea pig. I don't take cholesterol medications either and, while my cholesterol is high, I am trying to lower it by doing it naturally. So far I am not having much luck. High cholesterol is hereditary from both my mom and dad. I have great-grandparents and grandparents who had "heart trouble" for years and most of them lived to be in their 80's to 90's. This was well before statins and Fosamax type medications came out. If the medicine is affecting me in a negative way, then I am going to choose quality of the life I am given over how many years I live. It's a decision I have been forced to make twice and I am content with it. I realize this might not be for everyone but I have peace of mind about it. Also, deciding this has forced me to make better choices for a more healthy lifestyle.

My doc wants to put me on statins also . . . as have so many docs before her. I won't take them. My recent cholesterol was 256, just a little higher than I have had all of my adult life. However, my HDL is 68 (I have had higher numbers, like 82) and my triglycerides in the 70s, never over 100, so my ratios are good. She had her nurse call me all worried about it being "very high." 256 is not "very high."

Also, older women who have had similar cholesterol readings do not have a greater chance of heart attack. Also, new studies coming out are backtracking on high cholesterol in the first place as being a factor in heart attacks. Usually it's high BP, which I don't have. I guess my doctor doesn't read or watch TV.

She wants me to make an appointment so she can prescribe it, but I will not be taking any statins, as I never have and I don't intend to start now. I will cut down diet-wise and try to bring it down to 211, as it was about a year ago (when I wasn't eating at all and had lost 20 lbs.).

I think there's a little computer in doctors' heads that hears "symptom," then calculates "prescription" automatically. God forbid one walks out of the doc's office without a med!

Of Ford I am worried about you! Your cholesterol is 256? And you think that isn't high?? That is dangerously high! I do totally agree with you about not wanted to take statins though. I am a type 1 diabetic and my cholesterol is 111 and my doctor is always hounding me to start taking statins but I'm still refusing. Please, please try to bring down your cholesterol yourself somehow. 256 just isn't anything to play around with. Good luck.

[jubilant]

My cholesterol is "sky high" (as my doctor calls it) My good cholesterol is only 30, and my triglycerides are also high. I also take blood pressure medicine but it is controlled with the lowest dose of Norvasc (Amlodopine). My readings have been this way for 10 or 15 years. All's you can do is try your best to do what you can for yourself. I know my risks are very high. I said to my Dr. a few months ago that I don't want these blood tests for cholesterol anymore. It is very discouraging for me because, in all these years, nothing I have done has made it better. I can always do more and better, but quite frankly, I am weary of the battle and have decided.....when it's my time.....it's my time. Not my first choice by any means but I refuse to sit around and think about it all the time....life is too short. I will, however, keep trying to make better and more healthy choices. One can only do what one can do.

[baddest_dog]

On 10/6/2014 jubilant said:

My cholesterol is "sky high" (as my doctor calls it) My good cholesterol is only 30, and my triglycerides are also high. I also take blood pressure medicine but it is controlled with the lowest dose of Norvasc (Amlodopine). My readings have been this way for 10 or 15 years. All's you can do is try your best to do what you can for yourself. I know my risks are very high. I said to my Dr. a few months ago that I don't want these blood tests for cholesterol anymore. It is very discouraging for me because, in all these years, nothing I have done has made it better. I can always do more and better, but quite frankly, I am weary of the battle and have decided.....when it's my time.....it's my time. Not my first choice by any means but I refuse to sit around and think about it all the time....life is too short. I will, however, keep trying to make better and more healthy choices. One can only do what one can do.

.

[tlkmtg]

Whoa

as a medical professional (deal with cases as these), I am scared at the misinformation and lack of knowledge on this forum.

So readers please get a professional education before taking or going off your meds!!!!!!

Drugs in this class, mostly have same 'class effect'/side effects. With ANY medication there can be side effects, or risks. Please be educated on anything you take. Jaw necrosis is extremely rare!

I am not a med pusher, in fact I'd love to see my patients eat right, exercise and when able get off their meds!

There are 'several options' out there now for osteoporosis, all should be explored if you are at risk for fractures.

I am not advocating for any specific one. In fact I see many are taking supplements for the bones, which is super! But, I don't see much re weight bearing exercise in your plan, so get out there run, bike, walk, .... exercise those bones!!

Spinal compression fractures and others secondary to OP are extremely painful, cause debility and are life changing events, so get screened, and become educated.

And yes, don't use the TV drug co commercials as your education source........

[jubilant]

On 10/6/2014 tlkmtg said:

Whoa

as a medical professional (deal with cases as these), I am scared at the misinformation and lack of knowledge on this forum.

So readers please get a professional education before taking or going off your meds!!!!!!

Drugs in this class, mostly have same 'class effect'/side effects. With ANY medication there can be side effects, or risks. Please be educated on anything you take. Jaw necrosis is extremely rare!

I am not a med pusher, in fact I'd love to see my patients eat right, exercise and when able get off their meds!

There are 'several options' out there now for osteoporosis, all should be explored if you are at risk for fractures.

I am not advocating for any specific one. In fact I see many are taking supplements for the bones, which is super! But, I don't see much re weight bearing exercise in your plan, so get out there run, bike, walk, .... exercise those bones!!

Spinal compression fractures and others secondary to OP are extremely painful, cause debility and are life changing events, so get screened, and become educated.

And yes, don't use the TV drug co commercials as your education source........

The weight training definitely helps. I can't climb ladders or go up and down the ravines, run, etc. but I have a treadmill and can walk and I do lift weights also. While I am at a high risk for bone fracture, I have managed to keep my numbers from getting any lower . I attribute this to my weight lifting and walking. I will be getting another dexa in a couple of weeks....am keeping my fingers crossed. I did not make my decisions without trying some of these medications. Gave it my best shot. I think it is good to share our experiences good and bad. These are hard choices to make .....I feel for these women and I can see, by your concern, that you do, too.

[LilacTree]

On 10/6/2014 ID2 said:

On 10/5/2014 Ford1224 said:

On 10/4/2014 jubilant said:

On 10/4/2014 baddest_dog said:

In the 90's I worked as a consultant with a Pharm company developing their osteoporosis drug. The doctor I worked for was an endocrinologist who they relied upon heavily during the clinical trial phase. Part of my work was reviewing nursing patients who suffered hip fractures and what lead to their fracture. I will not bore anyone with all the technical details but these companies study side effects for years during the trial phases, but IMO, not long enough to know over the long haul what those side effects can amount to. At the time they did know about osteonecrosis of the jaw and GERD so this company was trying to develop something that would prevent that.

With that said, no drug comes without side effects. They found out about HRT many years after prescribing it to post menopausal women when the connection was made between women who took them and breast cancer.

For these reasons, I would not and do not take long term medications for osteoporosis, cholesterol, or HRT. I changed my eating habits, exercise daily, quit smoking 10 years ago and don't drink. If that's not good enough, then so be it. My last bone density showed osteopenia done 3 years ago and I am having another one done this week. I will be interested to see those results.

If you are interested in reading more about these drugs, here is a good site to read,

LINK

This is the organization that oversaw the research I was involved in.

Thanks for this. I didn't want to say much because I am not an expert on the research that goes into the making of these medications. I have often questioned whether or not they were tested for long enough periods of time. Quite frankly, I don't want to be a guinea pig. I don't take cholesterol medications either and, while my cholesterol is high, I am trying to lower it by doing it naturally. So far I am not having much luck. High cholesterol is hereditary from both my mom and dad. I have great-grandparents and grandparents who had "heart trouble" for years and most of them lived to be in their 80's to 90's. This was well before statins and Fosamax type medications came out. If the medicine is affecting me in a negative way, then I am going to choose quality of the life I am given over how many years I live. It's a decision I have been forced to make twice and I am content with it. I realize this might not be for everyone but I have peace of mind about it. Also, deciding this has forced me to make better choices for a more healthy lifestyle.

My doc wants to put me on statins also . . . as have so many docs before her. I won't take them. My recent cholesterol was 256, just a little higher than I have had all of my adult life. However, my HDL is 68 (I have had higher numbers, like 82) and my triglycerides in the 70s, never over 100, so my ratios are good. She had her nurse call me all worried about it being "very high." 256 is not "very high."

Also, older women who have had similar cholesterol readings do not have a greater chance of heart attack. Also, new studies coming out are backtracking on high cholesterol in the first place as being a factor in heart attacks. Usually it's high BP, which I don't have. I guess my doctor doesn't read or watch TV.

She wants me to make an appointment so she can prescribe it, but I will not be taking any statins, as I never have and I don't intend to start now. I will cut down diet-wise and try to bring it down to 211, as it was about a year ago (when I wasn't eating at all and had lost 20 lbs.).

I think there's a little computer in doctors' heads that hears "symptom," then calculates "prescription" automatically. God forbid one walks out of the doc's office without a med!

Of Ford I am worried about you! Your cholesterol is 256? And you think that isn't high?? That is dangerously high! I do totally agree with you about not wanted to take statins though. I am a type 1 diabetic and my cholesterol is 111 and my doctor is always hounding me to start taking statins but I'm still refusing. Please, please try to bring down your cholesterol yourself somehow. 256 just isn't anything to play around with. Good luck.

As I said, I have had cholesterol readings like this all of my adult life and many, many heart tests over the years including exercise echocardiograms which never show any blockages.

I'm 76 and everybody has to die from something. But I refuse to die from something I have willingly taken. My younger brother has had three heart attacks and his cholesterol is always around 150 or less.

I do thank you for your concern though.