Dear Dr. SerVaas: How does the medicine Fosamax help with osteoporosis? Is it safe? Any information you can give me will be appreciated.
Virginia Dambrose
via e-mail
Dear Reader: For many years, menopausal hormones to slow bone loss were the only drugs available for osteoporosis. However, new drugs developed in this decade--the bisphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax and the selective estrogen receptor modulators such as Evista--are proven to help build bone.
Clinical studies show that Fosamax (alendronate sodium) increases bone mass in the spine and hip and lowers the rate of bone breakdown. This reduces the risk of broken bones in people with osteoporosis.
Side effects include abdominal pain, headache, and pain in muscles and joints. Taking Fosamax in the morning with a full glass of water at least 30 minutes before eating a meal--and remaining in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after taking the prescription medicine--helps prevent heartburn.
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