An 800 pound gorilla recommends investments; talking babies discuss online stock trading; a gecko works for a car insurance company; a duck wants you to buy disability coverage… What will they think of next?
How about a “retired” flying nun, Sally Field, touting the benefits of Boniva (ibandronate), the first once-a-month bisphosphonate? Take a look at one of the ads for Boniva below:
Partial Transcript
“I always thought that calcium, vitamin D, and exercise would be enough to keep my bones healthy. Boniva works with your body to help stop and reverse bone loss… I was able to stop and reverse my bone loss, and studies show that after one year on Boniva, nine out of 10 women did too. I’ve got this one body and this one life, so I wanted to stop my bone loss. Ask your doctor if Boniva is right for you.”
So I decided to create my own ad for Boniva… but with a big twist
You see, my Boniva ad actually tells the truth. So now, without further ado, here is my new and accurate Boniva advertisement starring Sally Field:
Sally Field is sitting on her patio couch wearing white jogging pants and a blue t-shirt, her legs curled up on the seat. On top of a small coffee table in front of her, there is a thick and dried-up tree branch and a thin twig. As Enya’s inspiring “Only If” plays softly in the background, she says:
“I always thought that osteoporosis was a disease, and when I was diagnosed with it, my doctor told me that ONLY once-a-month Boniva could reverse my bone loss. At first I believed my doctor, but soon after – fortunately before filling my prescription – I discovered that he was wrong. I read on the internet that osteoporosis is not a disease and that there is a natural and drug-free way to reverse it. I was surprised to learn that Boniva can actually do more harm than good…”
Now there is silence, except for the music crescendo, as Enya sings “If you really want to, you can hear me say; only if you want to will you find a way.” Sally sits up straight and crosses her legs. The music volume is lowered and Sally goes on:
“Taking Boniva makes your bones more prone to fracture, and here’s why this happens. Exactly like its main competitors, Fosamax, Actonel, and Reclast, Boniva works against natural bone metabolism.
You see, Boniva binds to the bone matrix and stops normal bone resorption by inhibiting bone cells known as osteoclasts. Bone resorption is a necessary process to have strong and healthy bones because osteoclasts remove old bone to make space for new healthy, and more resilient bone tissue to be deposited in its place.
As a result of taking Boniva, new bone formation is greatly depressed, and your bones become old and dried-up with long-term accumulation.”
Sally picks up the thick branch and holds it in front of her with outstretched arms
“If you really want to you can seize the day”, Enya sings… Sally smiles and cracks the branch in half and holds the broken pieces in her hands:
“Take a look at this old and dried-up branch and notice how easily I split it in half. That’s exactly what happens to your bones: because Boniva stops your bones from renewing themselves naturally, they look thicker but become brittle.
This detrimental process takes a couple of years, and that’s why scientific studies showing density improvement when taking Boniva focus mainly on short-term results. Even though bone volume does not increase, bone is more densely packed and looks denser. But this stops after a while.
Like you, I want to reverse osteoporosis, but I don’t want to get fooled by a synthetic drug that offers short-sighted help. And what’s more, unlike my doctor, I believe that bone quality is more important than quantity. After all, my goal is to prevent fractures…”
Sally places the broken branch on the table and takes the thin twig in her hands. She tries to crack it, but it is flexible and instead of breaking, it gracefully bends. She continues:
“Now watch how this thinner but young and healthy twig resists breakage. Of course, you want your bones to be like it. So next time your doctor recommends Boniva, feel free to ignore him like I did, and opt for a natural and drug-free way to strengthen your bones.”
The music stops.
Sally gets up and walks away
The screen becomes black and a large Poison warning sign appears with a disclosure that reads:
“Even though this drug has been approved by the appropriate government agency to treat, cure, and prevent osteoporosis, you are basically on your own. Neither the agency nor healthcare practitioners, the latter with very few exceptions, care if you will suffer side effects when taking Boniva. After all, it’s a numbers game.
Moreover, the agencies involved can ignore new research showing detrimental effects of this drug, and even if those are confirmed, may simply issue a warning. Also, you must remember that the makers of Boniva have a lot more money than you, by the billions, and can therefore successfully fight any lawsuit by hiring the best lawyers.”
This remains visible on the screen while a woman’s voice is heard saying:
“If you are looking for a short-term osteoporosis ‘quick-fix’ and still want to take a chance with Boniva, please note that you are risking the following side effects, many of which may be irreversible: nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, severe constipation, inflammation and ulceration of the esophagus, chest pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, skin rash, eye problems including vision loss and blurred vision, generalized pain of the muscles, joints, and/or bones, decreased mobility of joints, blood clotting disorders, anemia, dental problems, numbness, tight muscles in the face, seizures, irritability and unusual thoughts and behaviors, altered taste, atrial fibrillation, jaw pain, osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Additionally, as is the case with all bisphosphonate drugs, Boniva interferes with Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) production, an essential antioxidant that performs many important functions in the body. To find out more about how Boniva can ruin your life, please call the toll-free information line at 1-800-4NO-LIES.”
The screen fades to black.
Now that would be truthful advertising. As always, let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.
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January 9, 2013
I was alarmed when I first looked at the e-mail as it looked as if you were endorsing Boniva and Sally Field’s ad. I was already aware of the undesirable effects of using Boniva and stopped taking it shortly after having it prescribed. Instead I have been taking a natural supplement, which I hope is having the desired results, though I have not had recent testing.
Your altered ad is good . . . providing one goes that far and actually reads it.
December 5, 2012
I am 56 and have osteoporosis. I have taken fosomax for three years but have not taken it now for 4 months because of everything I am hearing about it. I run, lift weights and take many different exercise classes now and aways have so I was so surprised when I was diagnosed. So I am not sure what to do now. I go to my Dr for my yearly check in January, what should I do?
December 5, 2012
Very nice site!
December 5, 2012
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December 5, 2012
Very nice site!
December 5, 2012
Hello! dckgfdc interesting dckgfdc site! I’m really like it! Very, very dckgfdc good!
December 5, 2012
Well I read the article,I rather prefer to listen to people in the know sp. Vivian because she cured herself & did research & one we all can count on.I can never wholly trust GPs as they prefer you to take them blindly & always have high praises for the drugs claiming’all drugs got side affects you will be ok with this’. I rather have natural remedies that are good for me & family.
I was at a diabetic clinic last week, & nurse tells me that doctors need to be educated,quite right too.We have only one body,one life it’s time we take matters into our own hands when it’s come to dangerous drugs.
November 21, 2012
after 30, you stop building bones.
you just maintain excising bone strenght by excersizing and supplements.
taking boniva does not build new bones, it just stops the loss of bones.
your existing bones become more denser .
November 21, 2012
sally fieds is incorrect when saying asteoblast cell are building new bones after osteoclast cells remove old bones.
my ddoctor told me, after 30 men stops building new bones
November 1, 2012
What are your scientific qualifications that would lead me to put any credibility into what you say? My husband, a dentist, has concerns about long-term use of bisphosphenates but I’m sure you know that. The physician at Northwestern who treats me for osteoporosis will not allow me to be on more than 5 years (I think). Since I’ve already broken a wrist and since I live in an area in which snow and black ice make me fear another fall, I take Reclast. Again, I would be curious to know the scientific basis of your opinion.
October 17, 2012
Thank you for the commercial. I refused to use a drug for osteoporosis, too. More people should see this.
October 13, 2012
If only those of us who know the truth had enough money to get this information out to all those people taking Boniva. And wow, just think they are paying for Boniva to do damage to their bones and to make the makers of Boniva rich. That sure seems wrong!
October 13, 2012
Can’t afford the plan.
October 12, 2012
Ten years ago I was taken off of my Premarin that I had taken for a number of years after a total Hysterectomy, and put on Fosamax. I obediently took this drug for a year, before moving too another state, and changed Doctors. I told my new Doctor that either she put me back on Premarin, or I was going to kill myself, because I couldn’t stand the symptoms anymore.(joint pain, mind fog, bloating, emotional problems, and more) She took me off of Fosamax, and gave me a hormone patch. However, even after being off of this drug for all this time, I still have terrible joint pain. Do you think that it will ever get better, or will I be doomed to live in pain forever?
September 30, 2012
I was pretty excited to read Sally’s remarks, but not so when I got further down her column. When are the Drs going to smarten up and stop giving us stuff that will hurt us. I am really trying hard to follow your program Vivian.I see my Dr. in 2 weeks.
Noreen
August 15, 2012
VERY INTERESTING VIVIAN. SALLY FIELD WILL BE SORRY SHE IS ON THAT DRUG.
SO MANY SIDE EFFECTS. MOST PEOPLE DO NOT AGREE TO TAKING ANY DRUGS FOR
OSTEO. ENJOY YOUR INFORMATION AND E-MAILS.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
ALL THE BEST,
M.B.
August 1, 2012
I just bought the book “save our bones” and also started a few months ago doing weight bearing exercises. I was diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis in my L4 (-2.8). Can you share the score you had when you were just diagnosed with osteoporosis and your score now?
July 30, 2012
Sally Field, just like she sais, has just one body and one life so she is free to destroy it if that is her choice, but it is a shame that while she is unknowingly doing that, she doesn´t realize that she is doing de-service to many others by promoting it. How stupid or greedy? can one get!!
July 24, 2012
I’ve been a vegetarian for 2 year and a fitness instructor for 14 years. I recently was diagnosed with osteoporosis with a t score of 4.5 in my spine and 2.8 in my hip. I’m just 50 years old. My doctor sent me a prescription- i’m not going to take it. She didn’t have a conversation with me either- just sent it through the mail. I called and requested a blood test to see if I have hyperthroidism, because my grandmothers and sister had O and a hyperthyroid- but no one called me back. I’m in the process of switching to a more natural doctor. I teach Yoga and have found that I have grown 1/2 inch in the last two years. I attribute it to Yoga- but aren’t people with Osteoporosis suppose to shrink??????
February 9, 2013
I think they do, in various amounts related to the severity and time of onset of osteoporosis. I was 5′ 8 1/2″ when I was married 35 years ago. Now with a -3.5 T score, I have shortened to 5’5″, part of which is due to the scoliosis, I think, which makes my spine curve and bend. It’s a pain, I know that.
July 2, 2012
My mother-in-law took osteoporosis drugs for over 15 years and has now been diagnosed with throat cancer. She had many side effects which the Dr always solved with more prescription drugs or consultations with other “specialists”. Acid reflux, trouble swallowing, cough, sore throat, insomnia, neuropathy, migraines, etc……Drs need to stop prescribing and take a step back and look into what they are doing.
June 27, 2012
My dr prescribed Fosomax after my dexa scan showed signs of osteopenia. I was angered that he never discussed it with me or bothered to have an intelligent conversation. I filled the script, investigated the drug and side effects, threw it in the garbage and the following year when I had my appt and he asked, I told him that I was not taking the drug, and would not take the drug and why. He was not happy and had a few sarcastic remarks about my “medical degree”. I am an educated, intelligent woman who does her own research for EVERYTHING. Its’s MY health, my body and MY decision. Period. I won’t be bullied into going against my gut.
October 10, 2012
Amen!
August 12, 2012
Good for you, girl! My Doctor fired me as a patient. Said If I didn’t do things her way, don’t come back. So I don’t.
August 18, 2012
Good for you. I hope all goes well for you. There is definitely a need for a doctor. However, many are just trained to treat with drugs and dangerous ones at that. Rest assured the lord our God has given us everything we need for a long healthy life. Pray to God for his help in restoring your health. Also to help show you the way to take advantage of all of the great health giving foods that he has provided for us.
June 18, 2012
Sometimes I wonder , how can a person who doesn’t know me at all will find ways to connect and share important info like this one on osteo…….. as I think more about this , the only answer would be passion , passion to care about others ….thanks Vivian , you are awesome .
May 14, 2012
I WAS TAKING Fosamax for more than 8years however the sbone scan did not show improvements. I had car accident and had fractures,Idid not think it was a cause of Fosamax side effects.When i eat I hear crackling in my left jaw,sometimes i have a slight pain,In year 2010,I fell,not a hard hit but I broke my femur,had surgery and therapy.also sometimes had difficulty swallowing asif I am choking. I was alarmed what is happening with me.I read about Fosamax side effects and told the Doctor.He did not seemed to be alarmed about the side effects of this drug.In later part of theyear 2011,I decided to stop the Fosamax and i also told the doc of which he did not approve my discontinuing of the drug. I began searching informations about Osteoporosis and found Save the Bones Program/Vivian Smith. Thanksfor her efforts. I bought the book.My bone scan this month showed a minimal improvement per my doctors info.I might not be following the program right. The calcium and Vitamin levels are okey. I am taking raw calcuim in capsule form 750mg and Caltrate(calcium) 100mg per day. Is there any suggestion for other supplements to take to improve the bone mass?. Thanks Vivian for any information.
May 7, 2012
Go girl, you make a good ad writer!
June 23, 2012
I would appreciate some new research findings instead of the re-hashed, emotive articles. Are you still reading research papers, Vivian?
April 19, 2012
Hi Vivian ! What do you think of the Zometa IV ? every two months for osteporosis, been on it since 2008 and am 66yrs old. Thanks.
December 22, 2012
I don’t know about these types of medications, so this is JUST a guess, but Maybe this type of mciedine has really nasty side effects that make you too sick to function for a short period of time? So, maybe, if you only have to go through it once a month it is actually liberating?Just a guess.
October 10, 2012
Earlene, Zometa is a stronger dosage of Reclast, and it’s typically not prescribed for osteoporosis… In fact, the first cases of ONJ were reported from the IV bisphosphonates. Check out this, in case you haven’t yet:
http://saveourbones.com/?s=reclast
April 3, 2012
Vivian,
That was seriously hilarious. On a more sober not,I never heard of Boniva. Yes I have osteoporosis, arthritis diagnosed years back, sincerely followed doctor’s advice. One day good sense prevailed, reverted back to yoga, healthy diet, positive thinking and walking (irregularly). If you ask me it is all in the mind. And this platform of yours has more than enough positive information to delve into and use our intelligence. Cheers to Save Our Bones and you.
Thank you.
April 1, 2012
We were born with minds..hopefully we have kept sanity and still can reason and study. If you have done so, hopefully you have seen that we have industrial powers who seek profits at any cost wo rule the FDA and more. I urge all to use your mind, say no to canned goods, many drugs and vaccines and vote with your wallet. Small steps but some are happening. Write your Congreemen and Representatives and demand truth in labeling and true unbaiased reports on drugs and food additives and more. Do watch and listen to such as Vivian who have done the work and have your best interest at heart.
March 30, 2012
Gee, Vivian. I agree with you wholeheartedly! I had to laugh when I read your version of the Boniva ad. Very seldom are truths considered funny, but this was uproariously so! My only caveat is publishing derogatory comments by a celebrity without her knowledge or consent. That’s not to say that it wasn’t true and funny as heck, but she and/or her advertisers could sue you for misrepresentation or libel, even though it was all in fun. As a writer, I learned the hard way not to put words in anyone’s mouth (even a non-public figure) without their authorization. Hopefully, she is forgiving and sees the humor in the situation.) That being said, you are amazingly gutsy, and someone I truly admire. Yeah, my doctor wanted me to take Boniva at one time, and in fact, gave me samples of that poison. It seemed very innocuous at the time, but something warned me against it, and that was before the truth was known about bisphosphonates. I don’t know what that “something” was, but it totally turned me off, and I threw that sample in the trash where it belonged. I had the same reaction about statins, long before its deadly side-effects were made public, along with the fact that they do nothing at all for women, other than cause a lot of irreversible miseries. I’m even leery now of calcium supplements since reading your columns. Seems calcium ends up in the blood vessels and kidneys instead of the bones. And even it some does manage to reach our skeletal structure, it has little or no beneficial effects on it. Yay! We need more Vivians in this world, but I am so thankful we have you. Keep up the good work and we will eventually have generations of women with invincible bones, and hopefully what hasn’t worked so far will be ancient history along with witch doctors and wringer washing machines.
March 27, 2012
Can anyone tell me about Fosteum? it claims it’s not a drug, approved by the FDA. A blend of three things..Genistein, Chelazome and Cholecalciferol? My Dr. tells me because it’s a plant based product it can be damaging to my heart. Any thoughts on this? I was thinking about going on it. I have tried many Bisphosphantes and they make me feel terrible. And put me in more danger or breaking bones. I need to do something, I am so confused, please give me some suggestions.
March 11, 2012
It’s too bad I’m stuck with bottles of the dry Boniva!! The new pill sounds so much simpler to take!
March 7, 2012
good to know of a great doctor for this, except he is very far away.. I have “acid reflux” so bad that I am losing my teeth, have continuous open sores at the corners of my mouth. I sleep on 8 pillows, so I can remain in an upright position when sleeping. I can find NO doctor in Orlando Florida willing to help. Just Rx more prilosec and zantac. I am 75 years old and have little faith that this problem can be resolve itself in my lifetime.
October 15, 2012
Try eating an apple every night before you lay down. My husband had reflux and took meds for it but the apple works better. Try it, can’t hurt, no more prilosec or tums or omeprozole for him!
October 11, 2012
I’m so sorry to hear about your troubles! If it is that severe, you may need surgery. Try Florida Hospital Digestive Health Services (http://www.floridahospitaldigestive.com/services/heartburn.asp). I also found this site of home remedies which may help ease your symptoms: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/home-remedies-for-acid-reflux/ Good luck!
September 24, 2012
I have heard naturapathic doctors recomment Aloe Juice, make sure it is a high quality, certified, for acid reflux. Also, take probiotics with meals.
May 22, 2012
Kombucha Tea is 100% natural & healthy & is k.own to take away acid reflux. Purchase it at many natural food markets & some grocery stores. Google “benefits of kombucha tea” & you will be pleasantly amazed.
April 2, 2012
marie b…please visit greattastenopain.com for the solution to your acid reflux problem. When you start eating right, your reflux will go away, right away!
March 24, 2012
Have you ever been tested for celiac disease? One of the many complaints is acid relux. A simple blood test may give you the results. A gluten-free diet will help heal the intestines and the resulting complication. Good luck!
March 13, 2012
Go to http://www.greattastenopain for the solution to acid reflux
March 1, 2012
On advice of Dr. I took Fosamax for about 1 yr. I argued at first as I don’t like taking Rx drugs. He intimidated me into taking it feeding me stats on hip fractures etc. I dreaded the day each week that I had to take it, feeling it upset my esophagus. I did my own research on the Internet and discovered how it ‘works’..Immediately stopped taking it! Also spoke to an osteopath who was against the drug. Upon reporting back to my Dr. my findings, he said “I think you’ve taken it long enough”. You think? I have not trusted his word since. Every time he pulls out the Rx pad, I remind him of my conviction about not taking Rx drugs. When I changed doctors however, I got the same reaction. They all want me to take it. I am Nordic and small and fair. I naturally am pre-disposed to ‘thinner’ bones. My 95 year old mom is also. Neither of us has ever broken or fractured a bone. This medicine is poisoning women. I tell everyone who takes it to stop but they are all too afraid because of what their doctors are telling them. This is a crime that goes unpunished.
January 25, 2012
What do you know about the suppliment OsteoValin? Worth while?
January 24, 2012
I like your advertisement. My husband and I always laugh at the commercials for “drugs”. The side effects always seem to be worse than the cure.
Thanks for keeping it “real”. All of us must be careful of the “appropriate” agencys – the new legistlation to monitor the internet for inappropriate conversations … whom ever has the money will win – and the truth be will be lost.
Peace,
Ellen
January 10, 2012
Thank you Vivian for all the work you do to bring all this good information to us. It has to take some time to put together informative and creative posts to keep us coming back to learn more. I learn from each post. Please keep up the good work. From one 73 yr old who may not have to spend her later years in pain from a broken hip or other bones. I have had a lot of broken bones over the years and I took Actonel for years. I can only hope that changing my way of dealing with this will turn it around. I also have jaw damage. It seems like it has stopped. Keep your fingers crossed for me to “get it” before it is too late. I am hopeful. Lovingly, Lynn
January 5, 2012
I met a lady today who until a few months ago was active. Running everyday and enjoying life. She was taking Boniva for op. Whilst out running she felt an extreme pain in her upper leg and fell. She had suffered a spontaneous fracture of her femur. She was hospitalised and now has a metal rod in the bone. She also experienced a crack in her other femur and now has a rod in that also. It has changed her life. She didnt know about the dangers of bisphosphanates.
October 10, 2012
What a sad story, Roz! But thanks for reminding everyone of the real dangers of bisphosphonates…
January 5, 2012
The things that Dr. Vivian warns about are true. I work in a clinic and another staff person in her 60′s said she took Actonel (don’t know for how long) but stopped taking it seven years ago and still has not recovered from the damage to her digestion.
January 5, 2012
didronal pmo, fosamax, Actonel then BONIVA injection once every three months, none of them improved my bone density but just constantly made me worse completely, just getting more and more lethargic and unsteady, virtually walking like a drunken person. When I rang the hospital I was advised by the speccialist nurse to stop the injection and that it didn’t suit me also the osteoporosis society told me the same thing and was told it would take upto 5 or eight years to get out of my body, all that started about 20 years ago and since 2008 when I was prescribed the injection now at the beginning of 2012 I am almost 90% better, cant wait to feel like I used to before these drugs. I eat and drink as normal fdoing all the right stuff and exercise every day for two hours, also I swim. Good wishes to everyone for 2012 lots of love jean
March 30, 2012
The once-a-month Boniva shot wasn’t available (thank goodness) when it was prescribed for me. At that time, it was only in pill form and had to be taken every morning, with the caution not to lie down for 30 minutes. That alone sent up red flags, plus the fear of the unknown. I imagine a shot that lasts a month would be much more volatile than a daily pill, but actually, the result would be the same.
December 18, 2011
What are your thoughts and experiences with Prolia?
October 10, 2012
Rhonda, fortunately, I have no experience with Prolia (nor any other osteoporosis drug!). But I certainly do have an opinion: it’s a definite “no-no”… If you haven’t yet, you can read my blog posts about it:
http://saveourbones.com/?s=prolia
January 25, 2012
I, also, would like to know your thoughts on Prolia. My doctor has recommended it for me, after taking me off Fosamax. She said it affects the bones differently than all other osteoporosis drugs. What is your opinion?
September 3, 2012
I think it almost killed my wife..first injection May 25th…3 weeks later, perfectly healthy before…gets extremely tired and out of breath at least 3 times..still works at the USO…took her to emergency…hemaglobin was 6..should be 12 !! gave her three transfusions to get her red blood cells back up to par..they said she was lucky she didn’t have a heart attack..last week, same thing happened…this time hemaglobin dropped to 10.4..still anemic condition..still van’t function properly..next week I’m taking her to a hematologist to see if we can get rid of this “posion” in her systemm..Oh, yea, they did all kinds og GI tests, too to see if she was bleeding somehow.colonoscopy, endoscopy, even a little bideo pill that tracks you small intestine..all negative..Guess what ? The only thing different that entered her body was that Prolia shot on May 25th..Coincidence? I don’t think so.DON’T TAKE IT !!
December 12, 2011
I thought I found the cause of my osteoporosis. I have an elevated PTH of 100. When I visited the endocrinologist, she told me one I did not a history of elevated PTH because I was tested only once and my calcium and D3 levelswere normal. ( not entirely true they were on the low side of normal.The operation for hyperparathyroidism was a no-go. She agreed to get a history but kept pushing Forteo. I told her my severe osteopenia was at 2.5 so I was not inclined to go on Forteo. She was persistent and started to annoy me. I know she was annoyed too.
I did check the Forteo site and what did I find out …you should tell your doctor if you have Paget’s disease.I had genetic testing done many years ago and I do have genetic link to Paget’s disease. I do plan to write her a letter because she is at least willing to establish a history for PTH. Vivian, have you had any experience with PTH and osteo problems.
Irene
November 17, 2011
Hello,
I already had my bad experience with Fosomax & Boniva. I am now off of any osteoporosis drugs and take calcium, lots of vitamin D and fish oil and eat tuna, salmon, sardines and other calcium high foods. My Naturopath, all those years ago, was the first one to recommend these drugs. I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis around 1992. My ob/gyn in those days, before these drugs, put me on a very low grade of natural hormones for my osteoporosis. A few years later, my naturopath said based on my bone density scan, I must take one of these new drugs because my bones were very subject to breakage. At the time, she could not prescribe so I turned to my MD who prescribed Fosomax. She truly did it in good faith as did the Naturopath I believe. They truly believed at that time that this was a good thing. I switched to Boniva couple of years later but in 2001 I fell and broke my arm in about 8 places. At the time I fuzzily though – “how can this be such a terrible multiple fracture when I am taking Boniva?” The arm healed up fine but in 2008, my physician told me she was taking me off the medication because studies had shown that after 5 years the drug does no more and just stays in your body and no one knows for how long! She did not mention what types of damage it could do – in all fairness she may not have known. She is still my doctor to this day and has long since stopped recommending these drugs. In 2009, I developed a bad toothache and when I visited the dentist, the first thing I was asked was if I took these drugs and I told her my story stating that no, now I am off of them. She said it is a major cause of dental problems. That tooth was extracted and 2 months later a front tooth fell out while I was eating lunch. This past August, another tooth fell out so now I have 2 bridges and have paid out a fortune in dental bills. I had always had really good strong teeth until this time. I am 69 years old so age is a factor as well, but based on what my dentist said we feel my situation is largely due to the osteoporosis drugs I took for so long. Vivian’s program is wonderful and thank God she is getting the word out before more women experience these damaging and expensive side effects.
October 31, 2011
That is a great commercial. I wish you could buy some air time & put it on TV and in magazines so that the general public could be enlightened. People want to believe in their doctors, and because they are ignorant of the bone-building & remodeling process, go ahead & do what their physicians tell them to do. I was actually given a year’s worth of Boniva samples but something inside me told me not to just blindly take them. I never took one of them, especially after reading the warnings regarding gastric disturbance if you cannot stand up for an hour after taking it! So a year or more later when I had another bone density test, he actually sent over a prescription to my drug store of Fosamax and told me I had to take it because I had gotten worse. It was then that I discovered the “Save Our Bones” program & I am so amazed & happy to finally have the truth! A friend of mine was on it and developed jaw problems & suffered major pain & tooth removal. I now know it was probably from the Fosamax, I am so grateful to Vivian for the enlightenment. THANK YOU!
October 19, 2011
Hi Vivian,
This is the third time I’ve written to you, and I don’t want to believe that the reason you haven’t responded is because it’s something you can’t negate. I mentioned an article that appeared 2 weeks ago in the NJ “Newark Star Ledger” that a study showed Vitamin D has been linked to prostate cancer in men. I am so alarmed by this as I take 2000 mg. per day, and so do many women. Have you heard about this, and if it causes any cancer, should we be concerned? Thank you. Carol
October 19, 2011
Carol, the opposite is actually true — vitamin D can prolong the life of prostate cancer patients and even help fight the cancer. Here’s one example of a study by the Harvard School of Public Health:
http://vitamind3blog.com/2011/05/vitamin-d-prostate-cancer/
October 15, 2011
I believe you regarding the biphosphenates. But what about Evista? That is what my gynecologist prescribed for me. Where does it stand amongst all the others?
October 15, 2011
Pam, I talked about Evista in Question #3 in this blog post: http://saveourbones.com/vivian-answers-day-5/
September 25, 2011
Has any attempt been made to communicate with the FDA on the problems with bisphosphinates?
March 30, 2012
Of course the FDA knows. They would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to. The question is, do they care? The answer: Of course not. As long as they make billions of dollars, they are going to keep producing and promulgating their deadly poison. Therefore, it’s essential that we follow Vivian’s bone program and never rely on the FDA, because they frankly don’t care how women suffer on bisphosphonates, as long as their bankrolls keep getting bigger and bigger. It’s a pathetic situation, but money talks and the population walks (mostly with crutches and walkers, except the for the unfortunate ones who have no mobility and rely on wheelchairs.)
September 3, 2011
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=148974
Reclast causes kidney failure in todays’ headlines September 3, 2o11
Good news for me. I have been eating a lot of tuna, eggs and salmon. Had my yearly bone density test last week and my physician who put me on Fosamax said that at this particular time, “You don’t need to take fosamax because your bone density tests came out pretty well.”
Hip hip hooray of course he said that it is the Vitamin D pills he ordered me that are doing the job. Perhaps but I still think it is because I am listening to Vivian’s advice. Kudos to vivian.
August 28, 2011
I’ts just too sad that Sally Field isn’t being enlightened by the truth as we here are. I like her and I wish that she could have good bone health as well. she’s not only doing her self a disfavor but all those who admire her.
I will be going to my physician soon and he will ask me how I am doing on the Fosamax he ordered for me. He will be furious when i tell him I stopped it and why but I’m furious that I am being sold a lie.
August 17, 2011
It would be nice if the “truth” could be aired on TV. Sally Field is a good choice to influence people to take the drugs…easy to look past the lies.
August 15, 2011
Searching desperately for a solution to my osteoporosis does a weight belt help?I take calcium and vitamin D.
September 13, 2011
There is a product called Osteodenx sold by the company Nikken. This product is published in the medical journal for prevention of osteoporsis. It promotes new bone formation naturally within 15 days of taking this along with the Caldenx and Lactoferin. Nikken is a Health and Research company that started in Japan 36 years ago. Great results and no medication.
August 27, 2011
If you are just taking calcium and Vitamin D, you are increasing your risk of calcium being deposited in your arteries = athlerschlosis and 30% greater heart attack risk. You should add Vitamin K2 to your supplement regimen and follow Vivian Goldshmidts Save Our Bones program. Vitamin K2 directs calcium to your bones. Vitamin K2 occurs in fermented foods like cultured hard cheeses (gouda and emmenthal are examples), fermented soy products (natto, miso, tempeh),naturally fermented kim chee and saurkraut. Dr. Oz recommends 150 to 300 mcg/day; however, I have seen recommendations as high as 5 mg/day. Mr. Vivian Goldschmidt’s program has recommended levels. B, Si, and Mn are also important trace elements to bone health, but you have to take the correct form.
August 3, 2011
How much longer can Fosamax, Boniva, Actenol, Reclast, and all the rest of the drugs that are supposed to “help” build stronger bones remain on the market as FDA approved? Shame on Sally Fields…I also wonder if she has actually ever taken Boniva. Thank you, Vivian, for helping all of us to get on the right track concerning the health of our bones.
July 23, 2011
Hi Vivian
The Pharmasutical companies , Food co’s and the FDA should all be arrested put in jail for producing and allowing all this poison to be brainwashed into the innocent, volnerable minds of the now ill people on this earth, all caused by them ,the responsible culprits that are rulling this world, KILLERS and that is what they are ” KILLERS ”
I’m sure that there is someone out there in this grande airwave unniverse, with the knowledge, and capability of creating a worldwide petition that can bring down and make changes concerning all this garbage
it would be a God sends to Mankind
Patricia