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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April 16, 2013
Hi I am on Fosmax I been on the table for longer then 10 years I have only been testing once that I was told i had Osteoporsis . I never been tested since I want to stop the tablets I read that you only take these tablet 3 to 5 years so why is it I am still on them . I also read that I should have been tested I have never been tested since I have been on them can you pls tell me why this is thank you Jackie
March 16, 2013
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March 11, 2013
I have oestiaprosis and I want to know if it is safe 2 use the tablets and which tablet is better protis 2g or Actonel
February 21, 2013
I am about 98 lbs. was exercising 3 days a week up until 1 year ago. developed ausma.Im going back to exercising with weighs I hope. I have a T score of -2.7 my dr. wants be to take 1200 calcium 800 vitamin D and go on foxumax or Boniva. I was on foxumax and actonol and took myself off about 3 years ago. I already get severe craps in my legs and joint from symbacort. I dont know what to do I hate all kinds of drugs!! I did lose 10 ound in a year but I gave up bread dairy and grains Im under 5 ft I should be 98 lbs. What should I do?
February 6, 2013
Is Evista just as bad as Fosamax, Boniva, etc?
February 6, 2013
Hi Irma,
You can read about Evista in one of my blog posts. Here’s the link:
http://saveourbones.com/taking-evista-and-boniva/
I hope this gives you the information you need!
January 21, 2013
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, I am 59 years old. My doctor prescribed Actonel Dr 35 mg once a week. I took my first pill last Thursday and the side effects started Friday afternoon, I had them all, nausea, abdominal pain, joints pain- I actually felt I had been run over by a train. I will not take another one – I spoke with my doctor, and he sd that I could take another weekly pill called Fosamax, that have the same side effects, or again 1 shot of Prolia every six months…with the same side effects. I am very sceptic and confused about all those medications and I am trying to find an alternative …
February 27, 2013
Hello I am 60 and. Have been taking- protos with no side effects after one year I had a bone density and now I am ostepediea am so happy I suggest you see your doctor and mention protos.
Cheers
Maryanne
January 22, 2013
I take prolia and my jaw hurts in the middle of the night plus I am tired all the time …. maybe I am ok but who knows ? my face seems to have aged quickly my eyes are cloudy
January 14, 2013
Never have idea to take medizine for ignore my pains… so that my body has less poison. I hope i will reach my own way to come out of my pains i have fool 4 years!
January 12, 2013
At age 51 I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis.A specialist put me on Fosomax, alendronat. Then Fosadvance. After several years I had bone loss, according to the Dr.B who is the specialist said I had bone loss, partly due to the alendronate. She took me off the medication after taking it for about 7-8 years. Then I started taking New Roots, Strong Bones formula, made sure I took B-complex three times a day, have been taking 5,000 IU Vitamin D. In 2012, I now have a 9% increase in bone density in my right femoral neck – a significant increase. I also have a 1% increase in my lower lumbar spine – not a significant increase. I have a long way to go but am continuing to research. I do walk and take the stairs. By the way I am a very fast walker. Sincerely Faye Clarkson
January 14, 2013
Faye, that’s great news! Those increases in bone density you mentioned are not insignificant. Keep up the good work, and keep walking!
December 28, 2012
I have had 4 reclast infusions and have suffered terrible leg cramps. Also I have developed burning mouth syndrone which I wonder if it was caused from Reclass. It seems when you are older and experience pain, it is attributed to old age–not the case because I am very active. I am scheduled for my last infusion in a few days and now know that I will not take it.
January 14, 2013
Good for you, Norma! You’ve taken your health into your own hands and have made your own decision. And I agree – too often the aches and pains that older people experience are blamed on age. Aging does not have to be painful!
December 12, 2012
Is there a minimum amount of coffee you can drink a day?
December 11, 2012
I was 79 when I started taking PROTOS and I have just turned 82 and would like to start playing golf again – I have 2 vertebral fractures and osteopenia. My last BDT showed that nothing had changed in two years but had not got any worse.
Will I be at risk of further compression fractures if I start golf again?
I would love to know if other golfers have a similar problem.
November 25, 2012
I have been taking Evista for less than a month. I really don’t want to take it but my dr advised it was best. I was at a health food store today and was told Bone Strength is good to take. Can I just stop taking Evista and start Bone Strength? I really would like to try a natural way..Thanks
October 3, 2012
Thank you for the valuable information you provided
November 5, 2012
In 2007 at the age of 60, I was given statins for very high colesterol! I became ill and they were stopped and I was diagnosed with polymyalgia, which has similar symptons! I was put on steroids and biphosphonates which I stopped in March this year! By 2008 I had been shown lots of small factures in my spine and ribs! It was very hard to stop thaes things, but now I’m feeling stronger thanks to the Save our Bones advice which I came accros when looking for help! I feel like none of the medication helps and now try to stay clear of GPs! Just try to eat good food and snd stay healthy! As a nurs told me! ‘What’s the harm in a couple of paracetamols now and again!
October 2, 2012
What is your opinion about Calcitonin-Salmon nasal spray?
January 14, 2013
Hi Eva,
Feel free to take advantage of the Search feature at the top of the page – just type in your topic of interest, and every article that Vivian has written on that topic will come up.
September 24, 2012
Just stopped taking Actonel 6 months ago and have severe hip pain.
October 24, 2012
This happened exactly the same way for my mother, who is in her 80′s. She stopped Actonel 6 months ago, that’s about when her new hip and back pains started. Does anyone else have similar experiences and advise?
September 23, 2012
I quit taking Actonel after 8 years. It has been about 6 months now and I’m getting awful back and hip pain. Is this normal or should I see a Doctor. I feel much better being off of it. I also have noticed a lock jaw kind of thing a couple of times. This really scares me. Linda
August 16, 2012
I have just been diagnosed with Osteopenea and my doctor has put me on Actonel tablet once a month dosage. I took the first one yesterday. Today I feel unwell.. soreness in ribs, clavicle and throat. I am scared to take this drug and scared not to. I am at a loss to know what to do. I am also taking Caltrate twice a day. I am worried and depressed about what this drug is doing to my body. I have always been active and find I cannot do what I used to do because of the osteopenea. Can anyone give me any answers as I am sure there are others out there who feel the same way.
June 15, 2012
I found all of this information regarding Fosamax, Boniva, Actenol, and reclast very scary years ago, when I was told I had osteopina. So at that time it was recommended by my Homeopath to try Miacalcin/Fortical now generic.
I had been on Miacalcin for about 10 years, now 2 years on Fortical. (nasal spray) my bone density test every two years up until this year still showed maintaining Osteopina.
Now Osteoporosis stage.
I am very concern now what to do. So I just have continued with the nasal spray and of course calcium and Vitamin D. and I added Boron and Maganese. I also take Fish oil and Flaxseed.
My Primary care, suggest that I take Fosamax or Actenol ..if side effects then re-clast.
I am not going to take those drugs. So I am asking your opinon regarding what I am still doing and added.
Fortical, calcium, vitamin D, boron and Maganese and fish oil and flaxseed.
I also use a liptical machine and lift 5 pound weights.
for weight bearing exercise is suppose to help build strong bones.
I have a freind that actually after taking Fortical for years, her bones are not osteopedic ..anymore.
so she is off the medication.
Thanks
Joyce
May 17, 2012
I was on Fosomax some years ago for my osteoporosis, (severe). I took the drug for 5 weeks only, as it made me violently ill. I was very weak and confined to bed for months and it took close to a full year before I felt the drug had left my body. I asked my doctor could this bad reaction be because I have been on Prednisone for many years, but he didn’t think it was that. I still wonder about that, I have found Prednisone is not compatible with some medications. However I would never take any drug like that again.I have friends who take Fosomax and they have no bad reactions so far so maybe I was the unlucky one. I am still suspicious of Fosomax and would never consider it again.
April 25, 2012
Most interesting looking at my finances to help me decide.
October 6, 2012
rducks1 on February 13, 2011 Well I have three navigator and my brtehor has the 05 and 09 escelade I have the 1998 2006 and 2011 navigator but I must say I’m not a big fan of the 2011 I favor to tue 2006 it’s flashy but not over exagrerating the car I love my 1998 navigator to it’s just awesome but I’m thinking about goin to get the 2011 escelade esv platinum over the 2011 navigator
March 25, 2012
thank you,Ita.
November 18, 2011
I am thinking seriously of going back to Fosamax.
Your book says quite clearly that the only people who have to be really concerned about fractures are those who are at high risk for fracture. Those people include those like myself who must take corticosteroids; however most people don’t have that problem. Therefore, they can freely follow your advice and get off Foxamax. Please do not deny that your language implies this: to me it certainly does. I invite other readers to find the paragraph and judge for themselves. I do not still possess the book; I sent it back and my payment was refunded.
I am an Addison’s Disease patient who has been taking corticosteroids for sixteen years and medically am considered at “high risk” for fractures. I have been taking Fosamax for nine years and my endocrinologist wishes me to continue for another year. I have osteopenia (with one hip -2.6 which is considered osteoporosis.)
I am a young 81 year old who plays doubles tennis and is still very flexible.
I am following as best I can the 80-20 acid-alkiline diet. Yet with my high-risk prognosis, I see no way out of taking the Fosamax and assuming the risk of its fairly rare side effects.
June 3, 2012
I have had artthritis for hears and have taken drugs…
January 29, 2012
I live in Australia so do not know if you can get this drug for osteoporosis. My Doc has put me on PROTOS which is strontium and from what I have read it is the best thing for osteoporosis. Ask & check it out. Good luck.
November 16, 2011
My mom and I would like to develop a weblog similar to this for our internet site, I stumbled across your web blog looking for ideas on the theme and page layout. I am taking some html coding class in college and not sure if I would be able to develop a blog such as this one just yet. Did you code this site by yourself or hire a qualified?
October 30, 2011
Dear Dr.Vivian,
I have osteoporosis, lower part of my spine – not too sure exactly where as my GP never explain nor discuss it with me properly. In the year 2000, I started on Fosomax, switched to Aldronic and Adcal 3 after some 4 or 5 years, and I am still on a one weekly Aldonic and one daily Adcal-3 , though I was prescribed two adcal -3 daily.
I am very healthy 77 years old, swim, pilates, cycle etc., and really fed up with the medication. Can I PLEASE stop taking them?
Many thanks.
Amy.
October 24, 2011
I did a dumb thing a couple weeks ago and let a drup rep talk me into taking Prolia. I told her that I had side effects from Actenol and Boniva. That my legs went numb. She told me that Prolia has “NO” side effects. Well, guess what? My right leg is now numb from hip to the foot and I get tingling around my lips. Is there something I can do to get rid of this?
October 23, 2011
What about these drugs being given to stage 4 cancer patients to improve their bone strength. The drs, are trying to make the bones dtronger to prevent fractures.
September 29, 2011
I am so thankful that I learned about these drugs before I started takeing them. I am also thankful I found your website and have your book.
September 13, 2011
`2 infusions of reclast ??? what are the long term effects of this drug///
September 17, 2011
I took fosamax for approx. 10 years. My sister-in-law had a jaw problem so I discontinued taking Fosmax for two years. 2 years ago a Doctor suggested reclast and I had two infusions. I am 82 years old have decided to quit the infusions. I take Calcium 600 + D 2x day, Vit D 2000 IU 2xday,Fish oil 1200mg l aday, Magnesium Citrate 200 mg 2x day. Have taken Calcium for years.
Broke my left wrist this year and the Doctor said it would not have healed as well as it has and the break could have been worst is not for having Reclast.(this info was from the Doctor that prescribed it)not the orthoptist Doctor.
September 10, 2011
I am a believer of Dr Oz, who proclaims that
milk and dairy products are good for your bones. Isn’t this just your opinion about them
robing our bones of calcium ? I know you have done research, but why hasn’t our health industry told us about these warnings.
September 3, 2011
We have stopped the boniva. We are having some trouble establishing a new vitamin program. We
thought we had it with Dr. Fuhrmans vitamins but after 2 days my mother said she has stomach pains.We are not sure it is due to the
viamtins and D3 non-vegan . It has been almost two months since we stopped the Boniva. Mother is 86. We to know what other vitamns people have tried. We want about 500mgs. of calcium and Slightly less than 2000 I.U’s of D3.
Any advice from your readers is encouraged,
WE will give Dr. Fuhrmans vitamins another chance today. We do plan to consult a nutrionist, have a good Labor Day weekend. Thank you.
October 11, 2011
I have found that Osteo Calm by Natural Vitality works best for me. It has the requirements mostly you mentioned. And it is liquid which I like, and is organic.
September 10, 2012
Whoops! I meant taught.
September 10, 2012
Thanks for the advice. This is ‘a long shot’, but if you talk history in the 1970s, please contact the school or me re reunion.
August 31, 2011
hi vivienne- just a question about evista for osteoporosis? i have been taking it for quite awhile. It is not a biophosphinate drug. is it safer? Nancy W.
September 1, 2011
Nancy, I talked about Evista in Question #3 in this blog post: http://saveourbones.com/vivian-answers-day-5/
July 22, 2011
Thanks for all the information Vivian.
I´m a bit confused with raw and pasteurized milk, how about yogurt from pasteurized milk?
I enjoy eating healthy!
July 1, 2011
Has anyone had good results strengthening their bones by using a Powerplate i.e. vibrating platform daily as well as good diet and exercise?
December 22, 2011
I’ve been asking that question to Vivian a couple of times with no answer. Would like to know the answer also.
June 21, 2011
I developed barrets syndrome from Fosomax, then I did the injections at hiome, stopped and went on reclapse which I did not do this year, now I need hip replacement, I do not stand up correctly even thou I had back surgery 6 years ago. What can I do to repair or improve my posture, stamina and live a normal life?
March 31, 2011
I am 5 months off of fosamax and 6 weeks on the Save our Bones program. My Dr. is questioning me and concerned, but I am determined to make the bones program work. My experience with fosamax was not pleasent.
Hugo
March 28, 2011
I was on Boniva and Fosamax for five years and stopped when I was having extensive dental work done. Now my hip t-score is -3.1, and my spine numbers have also regressed-although still osteopenia. A specialist wants me to go on Forteo. I have rejected that idea along with the Reclast. I have gone to a homeopathic doctor, and I discovered that I am taking my meds all wrong. I am now taking my Synthroid in the morning and a combination of vitamin D3 and osteoprime ultra at lunch and dinner. I am also going Gluten-free to help with absorption, and I am meeting with a trainer to add a workout which will help my bone density.
A friend of mine just recommended Calictronin. What do you think of that? I am 58, and we are taking a trip to Costa Rica this summer, so I want to enjoy the hiking and ziplining without fear.
February 14, 2011
For those ladies who say they cannot afford the book-I am on social security (700 a month) and saved to get it–best thing I ever did. So very worth the price and helpful for reference! I would like to know will my bone continue to regrow after menopause? I think it will but am unsure. The diet is doing me good and my physician wants to read the book now. Is organic green tea (decaf) okay or not? Thanks so much. Taking curcumin for pain, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood thinning as I have had blockages-so one pill a day is helping all. Thank God for alternative medicine.
December 28, 2010
I have been taking Alendronate 70MG Tablets weekly for 2 years now. can anyone tell me if this drug has bisphosphonates please, as i can not be sure. should i stop now also? i am 52 years old, and was told that i have the start of bone loss, but not bad.thank you.
Regards.
Androulla
October 26, 2011
Alendronic Acid is a bisphosphonate.
March 19, 2011
To the person who wondered “if Alendronate has bisphosphonates”: Alendronate doesn’t “have” bisphosphonates– it IS bisphonates!! If you want to avoid bisphosphonates, then stop taking Alendronate (which is another name for alendronic acid…..
Best regards.
December 18, 2010
Injoy this website. would like to be able to print the comments.
December 13, 2010
Vivian,
Thanks for your reply on advacal calcium and genistein.I stopped taking it .
I need to know if I should start taking a different type of calcium your reply
On advacal made feel that you did not care for it.Your answer means a lot
To me. Thanks Kathy D please reply
June 19, 2011
Thank you for the information. However, I did not get to read the original response regarding advacal. I am taking it and is very interested on comments regarding it. Thank you again and thanks to Vivian for this opportunity.
June 2, 2011
Hi Vivien,
Thankyou for all your wonderful information.I have anterior compressions at T8,T6,T7and T9,as well as undisplaced oblique fracture in sacrum.Is the pain I’m experiencing caused by weak muscles or from the compressions and fracture.
My dr.has prescribed Actonel,which I won’t take.
Thankyou
November 12, 2010
Iam 65 years old had breast cancer and was given
astrazolam hormone medication which appearently
destroyes bone density is there anything I can do to prevent bone loss. HOPE YOU CAN GIVE ME A SUGGESTION THANKS EVA M
November 4, 2010
Has anyone heard of Jarrow Ultra Bone Up? What are the side effects? Does it really improve bone?
What about Calcitonin? Any thoughts about that?
Thanks to all and any for help/advice you can give!
November 1, 2010
I am on in years-77yrs. I was given Fosomax and after two weeks I stopped on my own. I had
severe reaction. Yhen I started Miacalcin and have been taking it for at least 8 years.I would like to stop it. My last test was 3.0.
I have been doing weight exercise three times
a week, I walk at least 2 Hours a day and do
Hatha Yoga once a week. After reading your book
I am working on you suggested diet.Thank you.
November 1, 2010
I do not want to take scaring medication causing severe health problems. What to do?
How the other women deal wit it?
October 24, 2010
All well and good stopping biophosphanates, but if you have polymyalgia rheumatica for the last five years, the doctor will keep you on the drugs indefinitely and you never know just how long the polymyalgia is going to stay with you. Is it dangerous to stop and steroids and biophosphanats and will the pain go away if I stop taking the steroids. Quite a conundrum. Any comments? Has anyone else out there got this problem?
October 22, 2010
I have compound missing bone frature 10 years ago ,the bone seems heal after sries of operations and have been using the leg although is shorter, now my problem is I am having serious pain at my low extriemities near where i have the frature . I did ex-ray and scan no sign of new frature or infection but the pain did not go away after series of pain and inflamations drugs. Please Vivan help me.
October 21, 2010
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUGGESTIONS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD (AFTER TAKING A BONE SCAN}THAT I HAVE THE START OF OSTEOPOROSIS AND OSTEOPENIA IN MY HIP. MY DOCTOR ADVISED ME TO GO ON ACTINEL, AND AFTER READING YOUR COMMENTS, I AM HESITANT.
October 20, 2010
I took Fosamax for maybe ten years, and stopped it about a year and a half ago, when I read about how destructive it actually is. My doctor was NOT happy about that, but I just knew I had to stop, so I did.
Maybe it helped me and maybe it didn’t; I slipped on water from my cat’s water dish, which I had dropped, and when I fell, my hip was broken and my leg was at a peculiar angle.
I’m looking forward to receiving your book, which I ordered on Monday the 18th.
Meanwhile, I’ve been using ankle weights just about every day, am dancing again, though not as much yet, and swimming, as I generally do three times a week. Not that swimming helps the bones much, but it does make me feel that I’m doing good for my whole body, from which I’ve lost both weight and height. In spite of that, I’m feeling great! And I do thank you for the encouragement!
Be well and happy, Vivian.
Ria
October 19, 2010
Hi,
I am concerned about stopping actonel because I am also taking a hormone blocker (Femara) since I had breast cancer last year. Femara causes further bone loss. I feel like the side effects have decreased my quality of life. In fact I would like to stop taking both drugs. My doctor says it is necessary to continue to take actonel since I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Does anyone know if there are natural alternatives to these two drugs?
Thank you for any advice you all may have.
April 11, 2012
I am also taking femora (letrozol) for breast cancer and fosamax plus for osteoporosis. My bone density has continued to drop inspite of this. My doctor recommends changing to tamoxofen instead of femora as it has less negative effect on bones. I am unsure as it is not as protective in breast cancer. Can you advise? Are there better osteoporosis drugs to take eg protos. Thank you
October 12, 2010
I just came from my Dr. and of course she is “alarmed” that I will not take foxamax or Boniva or any of the other meds she has prescribed for my osteoporosis. Today she gave me a prescription for Calcitonin Salmon Nasal Spray. I can’t find anything in your posts about this med. I also have hypothyroidism and take Synthroid which depletes calcium. If you or anyone has any knowledge about side effects of Calcitonin Salmon please respond as I will hold off starting this spray for a little.
January 1, 2011
I am on Fortocal Nasel spray and I need to know what you think?