You may already know that bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva, and others, are a very unattractive option if you want to have strong, flexible and healthy bones.
But what if you’ve already taken these drugs at some point or want to stop taking them? You might be concerned about what happens when you stop them “cold turkey”. Will the drug stay in my bones forever? Did I do permanent damage? Will I ever be able to build bones naturally? Will the Save Our Bones Program work for me? To date, I’ve received thousands of emails asking me just that.
Amazingly, there is little research on this very important subject.
So here are the facts:
There are two main ways by which your body gets rid of the bisphosphonates once you stop taking the drug.
The first – and quickest way – is by elimination via the urine. Studies conducted by maxillofacial surgeons have shown that most of the free-flowing chemical in the bloodstream is eliminated in approximately three to four months. This also includes the release of bisphosphonates from bone surfaces that end up in the bloodstream, because they can’t attach themselves to the bone cells and are simply unused.
That’s how they get cleared out of the bloodstream… but what happens to the bisphosphonates that attach themselves to the bone?
Half of them remain attached to the bone for approximately ten years. That’s according to a study published by The International Bone and Mineral Society titled “Long-Term Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis: An Introduction” by Gordon J. Strewler of Harvard Medical School.
This may sound like terrible news, but please don’t despair… The same study found that bisphosphonates are active only when they’re on exposed bone surfaces, so as new bone starts to form, it actually covers the bisphosphonates, and “the drug is buried in bone and becomes inactive”.
That’s a quote by Dr. Watts in the Endocrinology & Metabolism Clinics of North America, Volume 27, Issue 2, titled “Treatment of Osteoporosis with Bisphosphonates”.
This should come as great news to you, if you’ve stopped or wish to stop taking the drugs. And here’s the icing on the cake: the same Harvard Medical School study mentioned before reports that bone loss (resorption) gradually resumes after stopping the drugs, and achieves normal (pre-menopausal) levels in approximately five years.
You see, the major osteoporosis and osteopenia drugs close the door on new bone formation, leaving only old and weak bone. But once you’re on the road to having healthy bones the natural way, you’ll be producing new bone that is more flexible and therefore less prone to fractures than old and brittle bone.
Armed with this information if you have doubts about stopping bisphosphonates, you can rest assured that it’s never too late to start on a natural bone health program. There is light at the end of the tunnel…
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July 5, 2010
I stopped taking fosamax about 5 years ago and started taking strontium 680 mg. I have had no more bone loss and a slight increase. I monitor it with a 24 hour urine test, the name of which I have for the moment forgotten. This is taken approximately every 3 months. There is information about strontium on the internet. The studies I read were done in Canada. It is similar in structure to calcium but much more bioavailable.
July 11, 2010
I have read, and I believe some of this research I gleaned from
“Save Our Bones,” that Strontium does build bone but in a way
that makes the bone rigid and less flexible. Although in DEXA scans bone density seems to improve with Strontium, Strontium does improve the incidence of fractures. I would appreciate being directed to research, international or otherwise, which sheds more light on how Strontium builds bone density.
June 22, 2010
I have decided to stop taking Boniva(6months) and prior Fosamax(9 years). I have read your book and although I love fresh fruits and vegetables I can eat only small quantities as they go through me. Is there anything else I can do?
June 19, 2010
I was found to have osteoporosis in 2002/3, and started on the weekly bisphosphonate. Since then, have had a dislocation in my lumbar spine. I would love to stop taking this medication, and just enjoy a natural active life. I notice difficulty in swallowing. I need to know that it is SAFE to give up bisphosphonate treatment.
Sujatha
June 11, 2010
Vivian
I am taking Miacalcin Vaporisteur nasal spray
for the last two years. It mad me very sick to take fosomax and I tried other ones too. What should I do to stop this. Please help.
June 6, 2010
I made a similar comment on another web site that I cannot find again.
I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I have a T score of -3.2. My doctor has ordered Fosamax which I have not started taking yet. I am disabled and cannot do weight-bearing or weight lifting exercises. What do I do?
July 3, 2010
There has to be someone out there who is in the same situation as I am. Please let me know what you are doing to improve your bone health. Vivian, Please advise!
July 23, 2010
I walk two miles each day and keep physically active. My compression spinal fracture healed perfectly in 12 weeks. I eat healthy foods, calcium with D and mag. I have been told to stop the soft drinks and that is very hard for me to do. Almost weaned myself but not entirely.
Now I read that chocolate and caffeine are off limits (?) Love the ability to discuss with others. What a blessing.
May 15, 2010
Actonel was the answer or so I was told. On the graph I showed a slight bone lose, (probably due to drugs taken for severe asthma attacks.) I took actonel because I thought I could trust the medical world. What a fool I was.
Very suddenly in April 2009 I began to have very severe pain in the muscles of my arms and legs. Imagine not being able to turn a door knob. Fortunately, I have a GP that listens or maybe he already knew the truth about Actonel. I believed it was the actonel that was behind the pain. Of course I stopped taking Actonel. My Doc told me it would take a year to see some relief. He was absolutely correct.
It is now May 2010. I am not pain free but I am the least 75% better.
I work out in the gym at least 6 days a week. The gym was my only relief from pain. The first few reps of any exercise would be very painful, but the pay off was— feeling much better after an hour of exercise. Of course it was not a permanent fix. But, it beat taking meds. I recently saw my GYN for my annual. She had prescribed the Actonel in the first place. I told her what had happened to me and her only comment was did you stop taking it? Wow! I guess I thought she would have shown sympathy, concern, something!
I want to scream from the roof-tops don’t take Actonel.
June 27, 2010
Virginia, I was on Fosamax for 3 months when I developed severe muscle pain in my arms and legs. After numerous lab tests for any muscle/disease,inflammation came back normal, my Dr. said it must be the Fosamax altho he’d not yet had a patient with this problem. I have been off now for just over 3 months. The pain is not as severe but still with me. It’s tough getting out of bed in the morning but as I move about thru the day, it eases. So I eat well, take no other medications and exercise as I’m able. I’m sorry you had to handle this for a year. I’m hoping mine will ease up sooner.
Ruthi
May 7, 2010
I have been diagnosed with bone cancer which has matastasised from breast cancer 6 years ago. Also advanced osteoporosis, which was the initial diagnosis.
After radiotherapy and possible chemotherapy,my oncologist wants me to take a bone building drug, possibly Bonivia ( as he checked on my dental health).
Could taking this drug be combined with a natural regime still help me.
Has anyone else had this experience?
May 5, 2010
My doctor would like me to start on Didrocal. What is your opinion on it?
May 13, 2010
Didrocal is a bisphosphonate. Need I say more?
June 15, 2010
I have been taking fosamx for almost three years after taking Predisone as it put me in the osteo danger zone so fosamax was the drug they said to take i stop it due to having some minor sugery. my bone test showed i had more deteriation and they want me back on fosamax i have said no. now they said take didrical. I know i don’t enough calcium but don’t know what to do now. i have started to take more calcium and vit D. is there something else i should start taking to help me?????? Hazel
July 3, 2010
Good thing to add : vitamin K2 about 50 mg, Magnesium about half as much as calcium but no more than 650 mg per day, organic silicon (Biosil), Milk basic protein in supplement or in Yogurt Yoplait ASANA and a multivitamin with multi mineral.
Milk basic protein is used in Japan to treat osteoporosis and is a natural part from milk.
If you live in the US, you can try organic dairy product from grass fed cows / goats.
April 27, 2010
i have sent for a save our bones program .
i was takeing fosamax for eight weeks .i stoped takeing them to tryout your programe would this have affected my bones.looking forword to hearing from you soon.
April 24, 2010
I am so confused… this started about 4 weeks ago when I had a fall and discovered [ x-ray ] that not only did I have four [4] broken ribs, that I also have “severe ” osteo, had the bone d/ test last week and appointemt next Wednesday with my doc, to talk about treatment options, he likes the once a year IV, the more I read about it though … the more I am concerned about the treatment. I am 60, small frame, 5’1″ [ hee hee was 5'2" most of my adult life ] guess that could have been a clue, more than 100 pounds [ around 105 -109]anyway, very interested in my options. So looking for suggestions before my doc tries to talk me into his fav treatment.
April 21, 2010
I HAVE BEEN TAKING FORTEO(Injection) for almost a year. After a stress fracture which was caused by Fosomax. My Dr. who is an Osteoporosis Specialist did not believe the fracture was caused by Fosomax by Orthopedic Dr was the one that told me it was a possibility,after watching TV and all that has been said about Fosmax I do believe it was caused by the Fosmax. I now walk with a limp which I cannot get rid of. I have tried PT and now recently joined the gym for stretching exercises and see if that helps. I plan to get a Bone Density test if June and after that I do not want to continue the Forteo even if my Dr. wants me to take it for another year. I read on the small print area that it caused Bone Cancer on rats. So I am terrified especially after the Fosomax.
April 19, 2010
Does Evista do the same things to the bones that Fosamax, Actonel, and others do ? That is the only drug I am taking at the present time. I have celebrex to use whenever I start hurting too much, but seldom use it. I take my calcium and Vita D, plus K-2. Any help will be appreciated. Linda
May 5, 2010
I have pain as well especially at my joints and after long perio of sitting down. Few years ago my doctor prescribed me celebrex for anti-inflammatory. After reading about adverse effects of drugs in general and in osteoporosis I decided to google about joint pain and artritis and I read that the best relief (cure) for pain in the natural way is taking green-lipped mussels extract known as Lyprinol. I decided because this is a natural product that I should tried it. I have taken this for one week and found considerable relief from the pain and noticed easier movement and less pain on my knees and hips . Please google and I hope you find this helpful. Connie – Australia.
July 2, 2010
Hi Connie, I would be careful with NATURAL products, not all natural products are safe. Well known our marrine is very poluted and a lot of toxins like mercury in there. Mussels are cleaning, filtering the ocean. Other question how this company clean or get rid off toxins to make product, do they use heat or mollecular distillation, wich all this can cause oil go ranced and that can cause dangerous effect of free radicals damage. They question is how they extract. And research often paid by companies celling product. There are so many herbs has so great anti-inflamatory effect, and for arthritis. Indian Ginseng( Withania Somnifera) is safe great herb: anti-inflamatory, arthritis. Bacial Skullcap ( Scutellaria Baicalensis) : also anti-inflamatory. You can google. In the same time has to be work done in nutrition: decrease as much as you can acidic food: like meat, fish ( marine annimals), eggs, dairy, sugar, coffee, all refine, artificial. Acidity is a major cause for osteoporosis, arthritis and heaps of other diseases. I hope it helps, Diana. Australia.
April 16, 2010
At age 82 I donot know which way to go. the first thing I took was Adrida Therapy and that made me worse as for as weakness and I tried a couple of others and was allergic to them. I have taken nothing and now I need somsething bad. Which way do I turn at my age?
April 11, 2010
Hello again,l had been taking an osteoporosis drug for 6 months and decided(after many problems with side effects and a lot more pain than before taking the drugs)to just stop them.
l went to my GP and told him what l’d done…he
said l had done the right thing.All l am doing now since finding your site(thanks again)is eating the foods which will restore my bones to a healthy state….l’m 60yrs young and already feeling stronger.My bone density reading was -3:5 !!!!My next B.D.is due in October….I will update you then…wish me luck,l’m on a mission!
April 3, 2010
Am 74, have been on Fosamax for 12 years, was back to normal density. Doctor refused to give more,
but put me on weekly Actonel,1 Caltrate D, 2D3 instead.Within one year my density was back down to almost where I started 13 years ago!!! I am looking for natural, because I am as scared of Fosamax as
I am of relying on natural cures that
are not really proven as yet. My Osteoperosis is REALLY severe.
Your approach sounds good, but I have
lost so much in one year that I wonder how much I would lose during 6
months without anything!
May 6, 2010
I feel exactly the same about the fear of “natural” therapy because ultimately that is what we would all like to do, no one wants to take chemicals that are basically “unproven” side affects. I desperately want to believe the natural way will help my bones, however as I only have a bone density test every 2 years it is a long time to not know what is happening with taking another therapy. Anyway if it is proven to me that the natural way will work I would be delighted.
May 13, 2010
Correction, Inge. If you refer to “6 months without anything” as the time you’ll be on the Save Our Bones Program, then it’s not anything… it’s everything what you need to increase your bone density… so believe in yourself, and believe in your bones
April 1, 2010
I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis in my spine. I only took Alendronic Acid for two months then after joining the Save Our Bones program and because I had also read elsewhere an article mirroring Vivian’s theories, I decided to stop the med. I have also seen reports that these drugs should not be used for longer than five years. A little part of me wonders if they might be appropriate for osteoporis for the first five years only, but I have still decided not to carry on with the drugs. It makes it easier to make a real go of a change in life style. I am feeling healthier and also I do Pilates – a bit every day. If I was taking medication, I would probably not be as conscientious about the nutrition and exercise!
March 30, 2010
I have only taken one month supply of Fosomax. Should i consult my Dr before stopping? Since i can’t afford your info at the moment, what other info can you give me about taking something from the health food store? Really does have me concerned!!!What can i do naturally? I have been in pain after only taking the one month supply…
March 30, 2010
Hi Vivien, my goodness, it gets worse doesn’t it? I really am wanting to come off Protelos 2g. which of course is strontium ranelate sachets. I have kept aspartame out of my body for the past 3 years because of the damage it causes, now I am stuck with a medication with this poison in it! I am not a happy person at all just now but do not have the funds to buy your programme just now. Hopefully it will not be too long before I do. I do not want to take this drug, I worry not about taking it, both for the side effects, and the side effects of aspartame…double the dangers.
I am also on thyroxine Viviene, and I am not happy taking this at all either, I have been having unbearable hot flushes., told my doctor a while ago, and he never commented at all. I have today read about thyroid medication breaking down bone! I do wish I could just come off everything. Your comments regarding thyroid drugs would be appreciated also. Thank you for your continued important info.
Regards. Babs.
April 15, 2010
Hello: Read your comments with great interest. I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and my doctor recommended Armour. I also read where an inactive thyroid condition could be the cause of a decline in bone density. I have Vivian’s book and am reading with great intensity. Also, doing the jumping exercises and stretching. I must admit that I do feel stronger every day. Everyone’s thyroid problem is very personal and I feel it is a good idea to find a good doctor who knows what he/she is talking about regarding thyroid conditions. I also look forward to following Vivian’s philosophy and program wholeheartedly! I’ll definitely be on her site to be a sponge and absorb all that I can learn to build my bones in a natural environment. I believe in being diligent, persistent and accountable to oneself. Good luck!
March 29, 2010
How do I know that you are right and my doctor is wrong. I have had the side effects you mention since taking the pill – but how do know that all this pain I am in is my condition. My doctor has said it is nerve paid and prescribes drugs for epileptics which left me with more side effects – extreme nightmares to say the least and then he prescribes anti-depressants which spaces me out – I end up taking neither and put ut with the paid – I don’t know what to do
March 16, 2010
My 84-year old aunt developed Barrett’s esophagus while taking Fosamax. She finally got off Fosamax but has been taking the Nexium “purple pill” for the Barrett’s esphagus ever since. Now she is sleepy all the time. (It could be from her blood pressure medication or glaucoma drops but I wish she could get off Nexium and see if that helps.)
QUESTION: Can she wean herself off the purple pill now that she’s off Fosamax or is she stuck with the side effect of Barrett’s esophagus forever? Does anyone know if that side effect is permanent? Thanks for any guidance!
June 16, 2010
Try zinc carnosine which is a moleciular combination to treat stomach problems. Look for “Pepzin GI” The purple pill Nexium is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) which severely reduces the stomach acid but it also reduces the absorption of calcium, Vitamin B12 and other beneficial substances. The Zinc heals the stomach lining and should do the same for the esophagus. The carnosine keeps it active.
March 13, 2010
I was on fosamax for 10 yrs. One and a half years ago I fractured my left femur after a fall and have a titanium rod and Nov. 20th I fell, had hip repair and after 2 days home I rolled over improperly and 10 days later had a bipolar full hip replacement. I have had no medication in the past 2 yrs. but I did just start strontium over the counter, 500mg. I have been advised to take Reclast or Forteo but worry about the side effects. Would like your thoughts. Thank you.
March 11, 2010
On Brian Williams NBC News March 10, 2010
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#35805449
just copy and paste to watch the video clip
Topic is dangers of these drugs…..
March 9, 2010
I just heard on Canadian TV that fosamax has been responsible for femur fractures in several women in the US. The advice was to speak with you own Dr. After reading all your blogs I have to agree with you & since I have been taking this drug for over 10 years it is about time to stop. Thanks for your information-it is extremely helpful.Merck has not responded as yet.
March 8, 2010
At this juncture I am not fully convinced of the
bad side effect of Fosamax., otherwise my Dr.
would not have prescribed it. My husband is a
retired Navy MD and has not commented about
Fosamax. I have friends who have been with Fosamax for years..
But, I have been experiencing hyper acidity since my trip to the Philippines due to spicy food.
February 28, 2010
I don’t have osteoporosis as yet and would never take any of the drugs no matter what. I take a liquid calcium-magnesium citrate which was recommended to me by a registered dietitian. (great advice) I am late 60s & my bones are in great shape. I do appreciate all your advice also as it is all good & correct. Thankyou.
February 28, 2010
But the problem is I have a thyroid condition called psuedohypoparathyroidism which is dibilitating as far as trying to keep calcium in my bones. They have me on Evista now, is that safe?
March 16, 2010
My aunt experienced hip pain for years while on Evista. She could barely walk. When I discovered it was a possible side effect, I persuaded her to ask her doctor if she could go off it. Result? She did and her hip pain has faded away.
I would suggest that you look for patient message boards discussing side effects of Evista, then stay alert for side effects while you take it.
May 13, 2010
Evista has its own long list of quite dangerous side effects.
February 27, 2010
I TOO AM ON fOSOMAx. My doctor almost insisted that I take it. AFTER ABOUT A MONTH. i talked about coming off and he would not agree with me. I have thoughtabout doing it anyway without his permission.
Audrey
February 26, 2010
I was taking one of these drugs, and I had terrible side affects, like a pain behind the breast bone, reflux, feeling sick, then I got told off from my doctor and put me on another one like ARONNEL which I am not going to take. I am on a drug called Armidex which things the bones, so I am at my wits end, knowing what to do as I am frightened my bones could get weaker. I have been on Arimidex for approx two years, an other three to go.
February 25, 2010
.Vivian,
A friend of mine who has had breast cancer was
prescribed Zometa infusion for her bones. Is there an alternative for her. I am looking foward to receiving my Save Our Bones program.
Thank you for sharing your info.
Rosemary Ferrigno
February 22, 2010
How long do you stay on these drugs, and why are you right and the my Dr. wrong
February 21, 2010
I can not understand why Drs. put us on all these drugs that are bad, I am sure they get the same reports that you do. I feel that the Drug Companies give the Dr. a cut for pushing their drugs no matter how bad they are for us! I used to feel..trust your Dr…what do we do????? My right hip & knee has been killing me for years, could that have anything to do with the Boniva and other druse for the bones? My primary care Dr. says take Tylenol! I dont want to live on that stuff.
May 14, 2010
I have read most of the comments today. May 14th, I try to use common sense. The super markets are a challenge,full of poisons. So big are the companies that one might think it’s impossible. I and trying to go organic as best I can. I have been incorporating more fruits and aies veggies. Walking and weights and taking a good cal,mag,etc. and vitiamnins. It’s important to purchase a good product that will absorb well in your system.I was on Fosamax for 9 years it made me very sick could not stand the pain I had for 2 days after I took the meds. a
May 14, 2010
It’s easy to know why drugs are perscribed. Yes Dr.’s get cutback and look how wealthly the drug companies are getting. They are laughting all the way to the bank, while we continue to suffer. God made the earth for us to sustain us, but we managed to fowl that up. Another subfaject all together. Go by the program as best you can. Eat right and excerise I will not go back to drugs for strong bones. Luck go with us
February 20, 2010
I am 81 years old and have been taking osterperosis drugs for approximately 13 years. recently I have noticed joint and muscle pain, which is a side effect of the drugs. The 1st drug I took was Miacalcin nasal spray, actenel weekly, then Boniva monthly. After reading your articles about serious side effects I decided to stop taking the drugs.I did so without consultanting my Dr. My last dose was taken on the 1st Saturday of January. I realize that I probably will not notice any difference right away but at least I won’t be putting anymore drugs into my system. Thank for your research on osteopersis medications.
May 2, 2010
I was taking Fosomax for five years.Developed
problems with my esophagus.Stopped.I am also on a medication for 9 years called Prednezone which draws meds out of bones.Can’t stop Prednezone because of extreme pain,so now I am
forced to think about Reclast IV injection once
year. I would appreciate your thoughts on my
comment.
February 16, 2010
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