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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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.
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.
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.
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?
October 9, 2010
now i am really confused,i will speak with my doctor.
October 9, 2010
Wonder if Fosamax has anything to with bowel problema such as diverticulitus.
July 1, 2011
I was unaware that I had diverticula disease until I took Fosamax and within 6 weeks the tablet had inflamed and scarred that part of the colon thereby narrowing it and even though I immediately stopped the drug now 4 years on I am still suffering with diverticula symptoms daily
September 20, 2010
What should I do to increase my bone, I am taking 1200mg calcium, 400mg magnesium and vitamin D3 3000mg daily , I am eating a lot of vegetable.I cannot affort the book. I do excercise more often. thank you for all the imformation you forward to me.Reply
September 27, 2010
I agree, I would love to know how to increase my bone, have osteopenia, but cannot afford the book.
Regards
Terry
September 19, 2010
I have read your article before and I have stopped taking the fosomax. You are saying that my bones will repair themselves better if I don’t take it? I cannot afford the book. do you have a list of food that one could take that helps with bones? If it requires a lot of exercise, that is a problem because of my back and legs I’m not able to excercise a lot. Not much at all. I’m 75 and I still work so have that walking around during the day at work.
September 15, 2010
I have already stopped taking Actonel 4 wks ago after nearly 2yrs,and I feel a great deal better already.
September 14, 2010
I was taking the Actonel medication for 8 months and was then changed to Novo-Risedronate (sodium tablets as monohydrate). Does this medication have the same effect ( risks) as Actonel?
thanks
September 12, 2010
Hi Vivian thanks so much for your email it was so nice of you to educate us regarding the osteoporosis drugs but i am still concerned about the effects of taking Protos 2g each day. Would you please let me know if its safe to take it. Thank you very much and hope to hear from you. God bless.
Nel
October 10, 2010
I am also taking Protos 2gms a day and have been for 10 months, my doctor went thru info on the internet with me and thought that Protos was not as bad as some of the other drugs available. I hope that she is right.
January 29, 2012
I have been taking Protos for some years now & it appears my scans are showing improvement. I also take Calcium + Vit D & then magnesium but take that 2 hours after the calcium.
September 9, 2010
i’m not sure what will happen to me if i’m stop taken the fosamax plus,becouse was give to me for broken bones,without a fall,i’m being take for a year ,and my bone density improve 4% .
August 28, 2010
I have addisons disease and have been taking steroids for about 30 years. A recent mistake made by my pharmacist resulted in my losing 7.5% of my bone mass in one year. I am now Osteopeniac and my doctor has prescribed a 70mg. dose of Alendronate to be taken once a week for the rest of my life. I am a 61 year old male who has led an active life. I love playing golf but now I have constant discomfort in my lower back. I fear my retirement will be spent in pain. I am afraid to not follow my doctor’s orders, but I want to be able to enjoy my life.
August 28, 2010
Please continue your daily emails. I requested you send them only once a week. I really miss them now and hope you resume as before. I do have a question…Is AlgaeCal Plus calcium supplement as good as Ezorb? Continus your good work.
November 10, 2010
Hi,
I stopped taking Actonel for a year after taking it for 2yrs. My T-Score dropped from -2.5 to -3.3 in my spine. I am extremely concerned and I was just about ready to go back on Actonel, however, after researching further, I discovered AlgeaCal. I just ordered a 6 month supply of their Bone Building Combo which is a combo of AlgeaCal and Strontium Boost. I am crossing my fingers that this will work. I am only 57yrs old and in great shape but extremely scared that I will lose more bone density every day and have a spinal fracture. I bought the Save Our Bones book and have begun eating even more veggies and fruits than before although I have always eaten very healthily. Let me know what info you have regarding AlgeaCal.
Thanks
Denise
November 10, 2010
Hi Denise,
AlgaeCal is a great source of organic calcium, but I do not suggest taking the Strontium Boost. Please check out Q&A #3 at ‘Vivian Answers Day’ #3.
November 17, 2010
thanks for the prompt reply Vivian
I will not be taking the Strontium Boost and will stick with the AlgeaCal Plus, then. Should I be continuing with my MultiVitamins which contain Vit. A,B,B12,C,D,E,Calcium, Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamine, Folic Acid, Brotin, Iron, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Seleneum,Copper and Manganese. Not sure if this would be overkill as the AlgeaCal Plus has Calcium, Magnesium, Trace Minerals, Boron, Vit.D3,K2 and C.
I appreciate your input.
Denise
August 10, 2010
I am a new recruit to the program. Your story Vivian, is mine. I am 49 years old and a routine scan showed osteo. I did not start the drug prescribed. I just had a really bad feeling about it. I found your program instead. I am so excited and positive about the future.
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?
August 12, 2010
I was given a Reclast “infusion”. Wonder how long that stays in the body. My osteoporosis is a -4. Nothing does any good. Am I subject to a life of brittle bones ?
If the biophosphate gets covered up, then new bone leaves after discontinuing, is the biophosphate then uncovered again ?
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?