The year 2009 has just begun, and it looks like it will be a year of big surprises – at least for the makers of Osteoporosis drugs. New information is opening up the door to many unanswered questions and suspicions about the most commonly prescribed drugs such as Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva.
On December 31st, just on time to herald the New Year, Reuters reported the following:
Diane Wysowski of the FDA’s division of drug risk assessment said researchers should check into potential links between bisphosphonate drugs and cancer. In a letter in Thursday’s New England Journal of Medicine, Wysowski said since the initial marketing of Fosamax, known generically as alendronate, in 1995, the FDA has received 23 reports in which patients developed esophageal tumors. Typically, two years lapsed between the start of the drug and the development of esophageal cancer. Eight patients died, she reported. In Europe and Japan, 21 cases involving Fosamax have been logged, with another six instances where Procter & Gamble’s Actonel or risedronate and Didronel or etidronate, and Roche’s Boniva (ibandronate) may have been involved. Six of those people died.
The article also comments on the known fact that these drugs can cause “esophagitis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the tube carrying food to the stomach…which is why patients are instructed to remain upright for at least a half hour after taking them.”
As if this were not enough, on January 2nd 2009 The New England Journal of Medicine
(Volume 360:53-62) published an article titled “Giant Osteoclast Formation and Long-
Term Oral Bisphosphonate Therapy” by Robert M. Weinstein, M.D., et al., that seems to shatter everything we were told about how these drugs work.
Until this study, bisphosphonates were believed to destroy osteoclasts, the crucial bone cells that remove bone so new bone can be deposited. But now – and I’m quoting from the article’s conclusion – “long-term alendronate treatment is associated with an increase in the number of osteoclasts, which include distinctive giant, hypernucleated, detached osteoclasts that are undergoing protracted apoptosis.” And to make matters worse, nobody knows what these strange cells can do!
And last but not least, even though it is a known fact that bisphosphonates can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, few expected the definitive study in the January 1st issue of Journal of the American Dental Association stating that “even short-term oral use of alendronate led to osteonecrosis of the jaw.” According to Science Daily (January 2, 2009):
This is the first large institutional study in the U.S. to investigate the relationship between oral bisphosphonate use and jaw bone death, said principal investigator Parish Sedghizadeh, assistant professor of clinical dentistry with the USC School of Dentistry. After controlling for referral bias, nine of 208 healthy School of Dentistry patients who take or have taken Fosamax for any length of time were diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). The study’s results are in contrast to drug makers’ prior assertions that bisphosphonate-related ONJ risk is only noticeable with intravenous use of the drugs, not oral usage, Sedghizadeh said. “We’ve been told that the risk with oral bisphosphonates is negligible, but four percent is not negligible,” he said. The results confirm the suspicions of many in the oral health field, he said. “Here at the School of Dentistry we’re getting two or three new patients a week that have bisphosphonate-related ONJ,” he said, “and I know we’re not the only ones seeing it.”
I am really not surprised that this information is now divulged by mainstream medicine because sooner or later, as in the case of Vioxx, the truth will be known. My heart is with all those who are suffering the horrible consequences of being human guinea pigs. As the list of serious side-effects of bisphosphonates continues to grow, I hope that those who are given a prescription will question its value and at least try to discover the truth about these drugs and seek a safe and natural alternative.
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September 11, 2011
Can you address the problem of discordance between hip and spine bone density?
August 17, 2011
Hello,
I am 45 years old and have osteoporosis of the hip and ostopenia of the spine. I have purchased your programme and intend to go along this course rather than medicate. However, my endocrinologist has recommended that I go on the Microgynon oestrogen contracepion pill in order to get through menopause without further bone loss. I have started taking these and just do not feel myself. Have put on weight and am more hungry, moody, lethargic and tired. Has anyone else gone down this road? and I am interested to hear your take on this Vivian? Thanks for everything.
August 19, 2011
Hi Caroline, I don’t recommend hormone replacement; it’s unnatural to supplement hormones that normally dwindle with age. As mammals, we were created so that we can maintain our health without interfering with the normal biological cycles.
April 11, 2011
I have Barrett’s Esophagus after taking Simivastatin for 2 yrs. I quit 2 yrs of aldronate/Fosamax 2 yrs ago and a Reclast infusion 1 yr ago. I’m in pain with this dry chronic bumps throat. I quit all Simivastatin, vitamins, citrus, etc n still choke on foods. My older brother just died after finding out he had esophagus cancer that went to lymph and brain and was dead in one month. I’m scared as I still have a 91 mom to take care of and younger brother died of stroke. I’m normally a VERY healthy 60 yr old. Suggestions?
February 3, 2011
I am interested in finding out since I have suffered 3 fractures to the T8 T9 if there is hope for me. I to experienced the scare tactics from my Doctors but choose to tear the prescription up. I am suffering with my hip and my spine. Is there something out there that I can do to stop and reverse since I am already fracturing. I am 56 and the suffering is becoming unbearable. I have not be able to find out from any Doctor what exercise I can safely do it seems like they do not want to talk to you if you do not take their prescription. They actually get mad at me. Please someone help me.
December 23, 2010
Please tell me your opinion of Evista as a treatment for my osteoporosis of the spine, and osteopenia of both hips. Some articles I have read say that once you have osteoporosis, it can’t be changed but only halted. Is this right? I realize these are two separate questions, but would sincerely appreciate your opinion on both. Thank you
October 20, 2010
I have stopped my medication Actinol now for one month now! My doctor ordered Forteo for me last month. Instead,I have now ordered from the dent sale “Save our bones program…I believe I can improve my own bones> I am so hopeful to see results by my next bone density tests which I also read are not always accurate…Vivian can you comment or do an article on this info on bone density testing? Thanks Betty
August 16, 2010
Thanks for the information on osterporosis drugs. I have a dental history so I have decided against the drugs. Brenda
August 13, 2010
A doctor gave me a free 4 months supply of Actonel a few years ago, when I read the directions on the pkg. I threw it all in the trash, I have gerd, and I will not put that stuff in my stomach. He also gave me a prescription for Vioxx, and I took it for a while, but, since it didn’t help me, I quit its use too. Later I saw the recall. I just live with the bone loss. I am afraid of doctors, anymore. Have had cancer three times. I did have the Chemo treatments the last time, and Retuxin. I am 76 years old.
May 30, 2010
Hi Vivian
I have been taking Fosamax since 2003. I also take a large dose of calcium every day. A dislocation in my back causes me quite alot of difficulty.I cannot exercise and walk as much as i used to.
I also notice difficulty in swallowing, and have to drink alot of water to get my food down!
Is it safe to STOP Alendronate at this stage?
SUJATHA
May 21, 2010
I agree with you re: the potentially negative effects of these pharmaceuticals. However, I would also like to hear your perspective on Forteo which is a different approach. It is a teriparatide developed & marketed by Lily.
My wife has (had) an osteoporosis condition so severe that a minor backyard fall shattered her L1 & did other major damage resulting in 3 surgeries in just a 9 day period. Post surgery her last Dex was 50% WORSE than the previous 6 month scan even tho she has been on mega doses of Calcium carbonate (I now know this is not the “GOOD” calcium) and substantial doses of D3.
She is in such chronic pain & fear of additional fractures that she is bedridden 50% of the time. Please tell me what you know of the functional mechanism & methodology of the Forteo medication, as we are currently trying to evaluate it. She has been taking it for a couple months now. Thank you very much for your work, Viv
Max Bennett
March 30, 2010
I recently had a baseline bone desity at age 50 and the results showed Osteoporosis! My mom has it and my bone doctor has ordered a MVI, Vit D 1000, and continue with my Soy milk and yogurts, as well as strenth training and walking(which I already do). I am confused as what I should be doing in regards to the milk?Yogurt? Vitamins? Any help?
February 23, 2010
I am a rheumatoid arthritis patient, have been receiving Remicade infusions for about a year. just recently I am diagnosed with ostoperosis. the scan showed 4 stress fractures on top of each other.My doctor suggested that I take forteo and I do not agree with his suggestion. my question, in your opinion, am I forming a bad relationship with the doctor, or in your opinion,does this decision make me a “bad person”? I am female, 73 years old, need response.
February 9, 2010
my mother always said ‘you are what you eat’
February 8, 2010
Re: your last paragraph on the “Bad Start for Osteoporosis Drugs”, I did doubt my doctor’s prescription for Fosamax, when he wrote it for me. By questions, searches and luck, I ended up in a clinical trial that compares results between Reclast and Fortero (double-blind study). I will send an update to your website comment list in about 8 months when I am near the end of the study.
People, check your states and local universities for these clinical studies. They may help you.
February 7, 2010
What can you tell me of the shingles vaccination and the pnumonia vaccination that is recommended for elderly people?? Thanks
February 8, 2010
I just received the shingles vaccination this last Friday, because it was offered as part of a TARP program in our state. I had one mild bout of shingles 4 years ago, will not court having another. No reactions. Just like a flu shot.
The pneumonia shot is even more important, especially if the person is older, less active, and on his or her back a lot. Pneumonia is more pervasive in hospitals and care homes than chicken pox or shingles!
Get the shots if you can.
January 21, 2010
I have taken bisphosphonate drug Aredia for metastic breast cancer to the bones for 10 years. I have fractured both femurs in last 3 years and am learning it is the drug use that is causing fractures in other womens femurs. Those were takin Fosamax for osteoporis and there is a support group and all in the group have had femur fractures after long term usage of the bisphosphonate drug.
December 9, 2009
I need to gain weight. I am 5 ft. 4 inches and weigh 106. The wonderful alkalizing diet is great for losing weight. But how can I gain a few pounds?
November 18, 2009
My doctor took me off Fosamax for a year after a diagnosis of colitis. My number was -2.5 at that time. I have since developed growing pain in my shoulder and hip and an x-ray showed no broken bones but a demineralization of the area. He had me taking 4 calcium pills a day during that time. Can that cause the pain? My doctor insisted that I go back on Fosamax this month. He is urging Reclast due to my colitis. I am very nervous about doing this.
November 30, 2009
YOU DO NOT WANT TO TAKE RECLAST
IT CAUSES LOW PLATLETS…I HAVE DANGEROUSLY LOW PLATLETE COUNT SINCE I HAD THE INFUSION.
THIS IS NOT LISTED IN SIDE EFFECTS.
I KNOW SEE A HEMOTOLOGIST BECAUSE OF THIS.
November 15, 2009
Since I’m in a wheelchair & can’t walk, will this program work for me. Drs. want me to try forteo, but this wasn’t tested on someone like myself, only mobile persons were tested.
Thank you
October 23, 2009
Dear Vivian,
I have severe osteoporosis of the spine and osteopenia of the hips and have recently come off fosamax which I took for about 6 years. I have had 3 ops for prolapse so the jumping exercises may not be the best thing for me – also I have spondylolisthesis and a previous spinal fracture.
October 8, 2009
Hi,
why do you citicise the author, her book & her website? Are you a doctor, pharmacist or did you have a positive result with this drug (Reclast) yourself?
I would appreciate some information.
Many thanks! Trudy
August 2, 2009
I live in Australia where the Aclasta infusion has recently become available on the Pharmacutical Benefits Scheme. Thus being given now to the general public.
I was told that after having approx 3 (yearly) infusions I would most likely never need anymore infusions for the rest of my life.
This encouraged me to have the procedure but the after effects I had were quite severe and I wonder if this is ‘normal’.
I was told I may experience flu like symptoms, which began almost 6 hours after the infusion but proceded to make every part of my body sore. I couldn’t even bear the covers on my bed to touch me. Also I had a slight tightening of the chest.
These symptoms decreased over 4 days but I still felt very unwell and proceeded to get a head cold which then lasted another week.
July 24, 2009
THESE DRUGS ARE MAKING PEOPLE SICKER AND TAKING ALL YOUR MONEY. WISE UP PEOPLE! DO WEIGHT WORKOUTS AND LISTEN TO VIVIAN. MY MOM LIVED TO BE 95 TOOK NO DRUGS JUST WALKED A LOT EVERY DAY IN THE SUN AND CARRIED HEAVY PACKAGES ETC FROM THE STORES . SHE WAS STRONG AS AN OX AND HER BONES WERE GREAT !!
May 12, 2009
I was told over 10 years ago I have Severe Osteoporosis. My Dr prescribed miacalcin nose spray, I used it, then was also put on Fosamax with it I took it, had severe esophgeal problems, have had it stretched 2 times now, then was put on Forteo injections, did that for 2 years and hung over the toilet like I was going through chemo treatments it was SO bad, was through with that then He wanted to put me on Actonel, I finally read Vivian’s book and told him enough already and stopped going to him. I treat myself now and feel better. I take calcium, magnesium citrate liquid naturally blueberry flavored walk when I can take 1000 mg of Vitamin D3 and think to myself I’m 53 and I will not be told what to do by a Dr that could care less about how I felt on all that. Thank you Vivian for all your research. My husband would refuse to ever let a Dr treat me that way again and think the getting sick was “all in my head”!! Jane Broderick
May 5, 2009
I cannot BELIEVE the number of people who just take what their doctor recomends without doing any research or even asking their pharmacist about possible side effects! Now, with computers available to anyone, I do not understand why everyone does not google (drug name) side effects and check for themselves.
I get Dr. Mercolas’ newsletter and he had an excellent article relevent to the subject of osteoporosis ” The Miracle of Magnesium” by Dr. Carolyn Dean. Have you seen her research? She recomends starting with a 1 to 1 proportion of calcium to magnesium and my altrenative practitioner verifys that he treats bone density problems with magnesium very successfully. He uses muscle testing to verify frequency and dosage.
Ruth Wilday
January 21, 2010
Ten years ago we were not aware of researching out what the doctor prescribed for us. And once you have the bones that keep fracturing it is little to late for herbs only! I do believe in naturalpathic medicines but there is also a place for pharmeacutical medicine. Depending on your disease. I have breast cancer which has metasized to the bones really don’t think magnesium is the solution to my problem.
April 30, 2009
Dear Vivian
Is it possible that after stopping Actonel some four months ago, on reading your site, that the upper back pain I have developed is a side effect of having taken it for 3 years. The pain is very strong and is mainly neck shoulder to the left and down the left arm, and it is the first time in my life I have suffered any form of back pain. (I guess I am lucky). I have had to visit a chiropractor which has helped, he said it is a joint but that I have muscle spasm which has to be dealt with first. Is this just tension which has built up, or could it be related to having taken Actonel once a week for 3 years. (The pain is unbearable without painkillers). I do thank you so much once again, and hope for a reply to my email address preferably and on line too for others to see. thanks again
April 25, 2009
I have received your book and read it at one sitting. I have been prescribed Fosamax and taken 3 doses, but will take no more. However, I am in a pickle because of diet retrictions (cancer survivor with soy restrictions, also). As I read, it seems this diet is essentially a vegan diet, but without the use of grains (the exception being millet!). The 80/20 recommnedations for a meal seem almost impossible to achieve. Are there any courses or dietitians out there who could help with this? For the time being I am stopping drinking any large amount of milk, using yogurt regularly, and reducing the amount of animal protein and upping my exercise. I have shopped in “Whole Foods” type stores for years now to get rid of additives in our food.
I am 62 with osteoporosis in spine and osteopenia in hip. I have also a compression fracture in spine. Thanks for your efforts to help us all who are living long lives with more problems every day.
March 28, 2009
After being on Fosamax for about 10 years and w/o much improvement in bone density, I am wondering if my bones will ever have any flexibility again if I follow your method. I have suffered 2 broken legs in the last 10 years so I guess I have brittle bones. My spine and hips are -2.4 and -1.5 respectively. Thank you for answering my question.
December 8, 2009
I would appreciate knowing what you replied to these questions.
Thank you
March 4, 2009
Hi Vivian,
Where have you been? We have moved to CO and didn’t know if my emailed followed.
I missed you. Hopefully I will hear from you.
Smiles
Jane
February 21, 2009
Thank you very much for this very informative information. I have shared this with the women at the Curves where I exercise. Sincerly, Linda
February 18, 2009
I just recently had a dexa scan and was diagnosed with osteoporosis. The Dr. put me on Fasomax and the first week I felt dizzy off and on,also felt funny when I laid down. By the third week, which was my third dose,my legs from my knees down had a slight warm numbing feeling. Very restless, expecially at night. Headaches, back ache and horrible neck pain. Went back to my Dr. and he wanted me to get off of Fasomax and start Evista, I read the side effects and couldn’t believe it. It mentioned it could cause a warm feeling in the calves,leg pain,chest pain, back aches, which I have already experienced with Fasomax. So I have decided not to take any drugs and try natural means you have suggested. I have increased my vitamin C with D seems to be helping already.
The next thing I need to do is read your book. Can’t wait to see what else I can do to reverse this horrible aging process. Thanks for all of the info and for every comment I have read that has helped me make this important decision in my life. I am an active 62 year old and want to stay that way. Jane
January 20, 2009
For those of you in the UK, there was a piece in the press yesterday which says that according to the Nat Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence, doctors are ONLY allowed to prescribe alendronate, the cheapest drug for osteoporosis, even though 1 in 4 women suffer crippling side-effects or do not respond to it.
The article says ” those who cannot tolerate it must wait untreated until their condition worsens by up to 60% before they are allowed alternative medication, which can take up to 5 years”
Apparently the cheapest form of alendronate costs £2.00 per month, whereas Protelos, which causes fewer side effects costs £1.00 per day!
Not that I would ever take alendronic acid after everything Vivian has told us about it.
Kate
January 16, 2009
To Nancy who is taking acisphex for Barretts esophagus. I see a gastroenterologist in Marietta Ga. who has a system called Halo which he uses to treat the condidion. A slender tube is inserted and the patch off Barretts is burned off. When it heals the normal tissue is restored and the Barretts is gone. There is a lot if info on the internet on the procedure.
January 12, 2009
Comment by Vivian Goldschmidt
2009-01-09 01:04:22
Hi Beverly,
It depends on what type of calcium you are taking.
Best,
Vivian
Reply to this comment
Comment by Elena
2009-01-12 23:33:32
Hi Vivien,
I am a heavy coffe drinker myself, and I keep ‘postponing’ my Calcium intake during the day, because I am having more than one cup of coffe.
You are not really answering Bev’s question: can we have coffe with Calcium, how much do you need to wait? Most of the supplements require that you take the Ca with food. Could you please ellaborate on how to take the Ca, carbonate vs citrate and other types? Is the “Tums” a good alternative to the big pills or we shoud avoid it if we have osteoporosis?
Thanks,
Elena
January 12, 2009
At the presnet time, I am taking “Didrocal” by Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals Canada, Inc. In November, I had a bone density scan which showed quite serious bone loss. The same test taken by starting Didrocal was normal. As a result, my doctor has now prescribed Fosamax which fortunately for me, I have NOT started to take and with this news, I will go back to calcium citrate which I was taking when the bone scans were normal. Thanks for keeping we lay people informed. Looking forward to receiving your book.
Heather
January 11, 2009
Hi Vivian, Happy New Year! I love your book. I’ll never take any of these drugs they try to push me. As a matter of fact I’m changing doctors.
Patricia
January 11, 2009
Dear Vivian,
I am so greatful to have found you when I was looking for the side effects on
Actonel, which I only took 1 month and didn’t like the way it made me feel. Before I was on Boniva for around 6 months and was swelling so bad that’s when Dr took me off and then I just took myself off it all. After about 10 months I finally feel like the same person I was before all the medications.I’m trying to get my sister off the Fosomax but still working on that one.
Sincerly,
Bless You for helping Others,
Lottie
January 11, 2009
Thanks very much Vivian. I stopped taking Actonel almost as soon as I had read the first e mails from you, however I have taken it for 3 years up until then. I do have, and it is very, very recent, an aching jawbone on one side only right near the ear. I had major dental restorations in May 2006 and have never felt my bite was right (my occlusion), so am hoping it is more likely this causing the pain.
Once again, thank you so much.
January 11, 2009
Dear Vivian,
I just started taking Alendronate Sodium because of a recent bone density test.
My Rheumatologist put me on it. I have severe Rheumatoid arthritis. I sure do
not need any extra joint pain. I am very confused, please help. I do not like
the things I am hearing about it.
Susan
January 10, 2009
These letters scare me. I have taken Boniva for 2 yrs. My recent bone density test shows it isn’t improving my bones. I just received a shipment of Forteo. My Dr. wants me to use it for 2 years, now I’m afraid to start.
I should tell you I have severe Scelosis in my back, it is quite curved but I still do most things. I am 77 yrs. old
January 10, 2009
Good morning,
received your book yesterday and spent the night reading it. Good stuff! I’m 72 yrs. old and was told I had Osteoporosis by my Dr. 3 weeks ago. He made it sound like I’m gonna die if I don’t take his crummy pills. Obviously, there’s a better way and I’m going to try that. THANK YOU.
January 9, 2009
Thank you Vivian for taking your time to research all this. I’m so happy to know that I have not taking this medication. The doctor prescribed Fosomax to me few years ago but after reading the side effect I decided to research it before I start to take it and that’s how I found your web site. After reading the information you are giving us that was the confirmation I need it to trashed the Fosomax I bought. One more time thank you for doing this and may the Lord bless you mightly.
January 9, 2009
There is something very wrong with the osteophrosis diagnoses. It seems incredible that a bone density scan alone determines the present of weak bones. I do believe that medications also play a part in weakening bones; but this does not appear to be a concern of doctors. When that bone density scan comes back from the lab, it is “Bible” to the doctor. I have refused to take any medication for the bone density report of 2.66 reading. My refusal does not please my doctor. I am 73 years old with no other conditions. I eat sensibly, and I exercise regularly, and I feel just great all the time. I appreciate this reasearch from Vivian and will continue to follow up on findings.
January 9, 2009
WOW!! I am amazed with all the reports and various experpeinces people have shared. And I thank everyone who has. I am in my early 50,s and I too ,have been informed of my lumbar,is very low-.0.3. I was also recommended to take Aclasta, or the actonel tabs. But after reading all the reports,,hm hm Yeah, I don’t think I’ll be heading down to the pharmacy for any of those drugs.Not now, Thank-you for the eye opener. whew! that was close. thank-you Vivian,,,,, Faith
January 9, 2009
Have had compression fractures in my back. Very painful. I have been on sterioids for pulmonary fibrosis. (I believe was caused by chemo treatment for colon cancer. also have neuropathy hands and feet). Think that Prednisone caused my osteo. Now they want me to take Fosamax Don’t I have enough side effects from medication. I am 75 years old and was very ac tive and healthy and strong before chemo. Its been downhill every since. Maybe you should check out some of these other medications they give us. I am following your advice and taking calcium supplements and vit. d i get from health food store. Keep up the good work and go get those drug mfgs Vivian.
Helen
February 23, 2010
Anyone being prescribed chemo should ask their doctor about IPT. Most doctors are not familiar with this therepy, which allows a 10% dose of chem to be as effective as a full dose. Much lower, or non existant, side effects.
For more info check website IPTQ.com. George
January 9, 2009
Hi Vivian,
Have been aware of you and your work for several months now. Feel I should have done my research when starting to take alendronic acid, over 2 years ago. My dentist alerted me to osteonecrosis and at that point I stopped taking it and have no intention of ever taking it again. Have felt fine ever since. Doctor definitely appeared miffed at my going against her advice. Never had a problem taking it – no obvious side effects – however, a over a year ago a tooth split in two and it got me wondering why this should have happened and eventually found a dentist who I felt comfortable with, who, fortunately, alterted me to osteonecrosis, as mentioned above. I believe I have read somewhere that alendronic acid can cause teeth so split. I began to wonder whether other teeth would follow suit. I definitely get some unusual sensations in my teeth but my dentist managed to salvage half the tooth as the remaining half was firm whereas the other half was wobbly and had to be extracted. He said that in view of the alendronic acid I had taken there was even more reason to try and salvage the firm half.
I have tried to take good care of myself and my body over the years and, on the whole, in spite of under active thyroid (for which I have taken thyroxine for the past few years) and some allergies, I feel quite well most of the time, even better since spending a week with my elderly father who is cared for by a Hungarian nurse, who prepares good, wholesome recipes for my dad.
It takes courage to go against the medical profession but I am very glad I have done this. It is sad that they are so obviously at the mercy of the prospering drug companies and that ordinary people are treated like guineau pigs.
I will continue to take much interest in your postings.
January 9, 2009
Hi Vivian
Hope you reply to my inquiry if Actonel can interfere with walking and balance? I have another question–does it cause high blood pressure? I follow a good diet, buy organic when possible–no meat, plenty of vegetables and fruits, home made vegetable/fruit juices, Noni and Pomegranate juices, soy milk light, tofu, raw unsalted nuts, seeds, soy protein, baked salmon, beans, brown rice, egg beaters, extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil, red apple cider vinegar, herbs, garlic, turmeric, ginger, stevia, no salt, high fiber cereal low on sugar, oatmeal, vitamins, supplements and green tea sans caffeine, adequate amount of good water and yet even with 3 meds my BP at times gets dangerously high and have heart arrythmia with supraventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Almost died last year–pretty scary. Doctors don’t seem to know the cause, and I surely would like to get off BP and arrythmia meds. I seem to be tired all the time and get short of breath and stressed out easily. These problems started before I went off Actonel.
Appreciate other readers’s comments and yours in particular. Thank you very much. Blessings in your path. Maria
January 8, 2009
Hi Vivian. Thanks for your all valuable information about all the killing drugs, Pls keep us inform about any new research, Once more a big thank.
January 8, 2009
For years doctors have been prescribing drugs for my osteoporosis which promptly made me feel so ill that even the doctors told me to stop taking each one before insisting that I try another one. The last was Boniva which gave me severe heartburn, something I was lucky enough not to have before.
What angers me is that the doctors always imply that I have done something wrong, that I don’t give each prescription enough of a trial. They seem to have no concept that their patients are not dummies and in this information age are well-informed about their meds.
In my own family a close relative had a doctor who insisted she take cholesterol-lowering drugs, and keep on taking them even though she developed weakness in her legs, said to be a side-effect of statins. The doctor said that would pass when she stopped taking the drugs. It did not improve even though she stopped taking them, and walking became more difficult, yet she lived to 87 years old. We must insist that the slavish relationship between doctors and the pharmaceutical companies be studied and results brought to light.
January 8, 2009
I was told I have osteopenia after a bone density test. I am 58 and up until I took Fosomex I was very active. I run in races ( 10k or 5k), golf, rollerblade, and life weights. After being on Fosomex I became winded, could not run a mile, could not run up stairs, had a constant cough and mucous dripping down my throat. My doctor thought it was an allergy and tried MANY medications. He finally sent me to an allergist who did extensive tests. After the tests she said to me “you won’t believe this but you are allegic to nothing. The Fosomex is causing your problems. The reflux is causing an irritation, causing the mucous and the cough. All of this was affecting my stamina and breathing. I stopped taking Fosomex and am 90% better. I will never take bone medicine again!