Should you take Fosamax for more than 5 years?
To reduce the risk of these rare complications, your doctor may recommend that you temporarily stop taking bisphosphonates after 3 to 5 years. This is sometimes called a bisphosphonate holiday. People who have severe osteoporosis may need to wait for 10 years before they stop taking these drugs.
How long is Fosamax effective?
The study showed that the drug Fosamax was effective in maintaining bone mineral density at the spine for 10 years, regardless of the age of the patients or the extent of bone loss at the start of treatment.
Can you take alendronate for more than 5 years?
Thus, some of the skeletal effects of alendronate and other bisphosphonates may last for years after treatment stops. These findings suggest that stopping treatment after 4 to 5 years might result in residual clinical efficacy, but the magnitude and duration of this effect remains uncertain.
What are the worst side effects of Fosamax?
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: jaw/ear pain, increased or severe bone/joint/muscle pain, new or unusual hip/thigh/groin pain, swelling of joints/hands/ankles/feet, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Is Fosamax worth the risk?
Fosamax may also be used to treat adverse skeletal effects caused by some cancers. Some studies have shown that Fosamax may be more effective than other bisphosphonates such as risedronate at increasing bone mineral density and reducing bone turnover without a higher risk of side effects.
When should bisphosphonates be stopped in elderly?
If fracture risk is low after three to five years of bisphosphonate treatment and no fractures, stopping the medicine may be prudent. The “drug holiday” can be continued based on the estimated resolution of effect of the drug or significant lost of BMD or the patient sustains a fracture.
Who should not take Fosamax?
People with the following condition should not use Fosamax:
- People with abnormalities or problems related to the esophagus.
- People who cannot sit upright or stand for at least 30 minutes.
- People with hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood)
- People allergic to ingredients in Fosamax or Fosamax Plus D.
How can I increase my bone density after 80?
5 ways to build strong bones as you age
- Think calcium. Women up to age 50 and men up to age 70 need 1,000 milligrams daily; women over 50 and men over 70 should get 1,200 milligrams daily.
- And vitamin D.
- Exercise.
- Don’t smoke.
- Drink alcohol moderately, if at all.
- Remember protein.
- Maintain an appropriate body weight.
What can I take instead of Fosamax?
Which osteoporosis medications are usually tried first?
- Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill.
- Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.
- Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion.
- Zoledronic acid (Reclast), an annual IV infusion.
What is the best exercise to increase bone density?
Weight-bearing and resistance exercises are the best for your bones. Weight-bearing exercises force you to work against gravity. They include walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing. Resistance exercises – such as lifting weights – can also strengthen bones.
How do you build back bones?
10 Natural Ways to Build Healthy Bones
- Eat Lots of Vegetables.
- Perform Strength Training and Weight-Bearing Exercises.
- Consume Enough Protein.
- Eat High-Calcium Foods Throughout the Day.
- Get Plenty of Vitamin D and Vitamin K.
- Avoid Very Low-Calorie Diets.
- Consider Taking a Collagen Supplement.
- Maintain a Stable, Healthy Weight.
What is the recommended dosage of Fosamax Plus D?
For most osteoporotic women, the appropriate dose is FOSAMAX PLUS D (70 mg alendronate/5600 international units vitamin D 3) once weekly. The recommended dosage is one 70 mg alendronate/2800 international units vitamin D 3 or one 70 mg alendronate/5600 international units vitamin D 3 tablet once weekly.
Is there a generic version of Fosamax?
The brand-name medication is only available as the 70-mg tablet that can be taken once weekly. However, alendronate, the generic form of Fosamax, is available as a tablet that comes in 5 mg, 10 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, and 70 mg. Alendronate is also available as a 70-mg/75-mL bottle of liquid solution.
Does Fosamax increase BMD in the spine?
women taking Fosamax 5 mg daily had their BMD increased by 1% to nearly 4% in their spine, hip, and total body, depending on where BMD was measured Weekly dosing of Fosamax was also compared with daily dosing of the drug one clinical trial. In this trial, BMD of the spine was increased by: 2.9% in women taking Fosamax 35 mg once weekly
When can I stop taking Fosamax?
If you’re at low risk for bone fracture, your doctor may have you stop taking Fosamax after 3 to 5 years. But your doctor will continue to monitor your bone strength and risk of fracture after you stop taking Fosamax.