In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program I dedicate an entire chapter to the discussion of all the osteoporosis drugs, including Fosamax and its generic formula alendronate sodium. This is a popular bisphosphonate drug widely prescribed by doctors and advertised on TV and other media outlets.
Marketing ads for this drug offer no information whatsoever on what bisphosphonates are really made of, and for a good reason. You’ll know why once you read an excerpt from the Introduction to an article by the late Dr. Herbert Fleisch titled “Bisphosphonates: Mechanisms of Action”. It was published in the prestigious Endocrine Reviews in the year 1998. Dr. Fleisch was a Swiss pioneer researcher on metabolic bone diseases whose work led to the discovery of bisphoshponates as osteoporosis drugs.
He writes that:
“Bisphosphonates were used in industry, mainly as corrosion inhibitors or as complexing agents in the textile, fertilizer, and oil industries. Their ability to inhibit calcium carbonate precipitation, similar to polyphosphates, was put to good use in the prevention of scaling. Only in the past three decades have bisphosphonates been developed as drugs for use in various diseases of bone, tooth, and calcium metabolism.”
Isn’t it amazing that mainstream scientists openly admit the industrial origins of these drugs? And wouldn’t you expect that they would think twice before they even considered such toxic chemicals as potential bone health solutions? Obviously, that is not the case because thanks to several not-so-coincidental sequence of events, bisphosphonate drugs became instant best-sellers, raking billions of dollars to their manufacturers.
The story of an osteoporosis drug as told by Mr. Allen Dronate Himself
The first mass-marketed bisphosphonate was alendronate sodium, branded as Fosamax and promising to cure osteoporosis, a brand new bone disease as defined by the World Health Organization in the early 90’s. Approved in the US on September 29th 1995, Fosamax has made billions of dollars to pharmaceutical giant Merck. Its patent expired in February 2008, and since then, generic alendronate sodium is widely available and still used by millions of women and men all over the world.
So who better than the obnoxious Mr. Allen Dronate himself to narrate his meteoric success story (as you can see, I’m in a lighthearted mood today). This is how it all began…
Forget my humble origins; they don’t mean a thing!
Hi there! I’m Allen Dronate, one of the luckiest and richest guys you’ll ever meet. I used to live in dirty workshops, grimy warehouses with heavy machinery, fertilizer manufacturing plants, and other disgusting industrial places. I was handled by careless mechanics and factory workers, and I hated every minute of my life, including them! But hey, why should they care about a worthless chemical that costs pennies?
But one day, my life took a sudden 180 degree turn for the better. I don’t want to waste my time getting into details, but thanks to a bunch of brainy “Einsteins” led by my hero, Dr. Fleisch, I became what I was meant to be: a high class money-making machine, getting respect and the royal treatment I always deserved.
You see, scientific studies show that I can somehow increase bone density, at least for the first couple of years, and once this was rubber-stamped by a well-known government agency… money has been pouring out of peoples’ pockets like hot lava from a volcano!
I really don’t know exactly what to do, except that I’m supposed to destroy osteoclasts – if I find them. I don’t even know what those lowlifes look like, so I attach myself to bone and hope for the best. As far as I know, all I have to do is mess up normal bone metabolism, and voila! Mission accomplished. I can also wreak havoc in people’s digestion, cause joint and muscle aches plus a whole slew of other nasty side effects…
But, who cares? I certainly don’t. Nobody can see me there anyways. Some party-poopers claim to have seen giant osteoclasts around me, but if you ask me, they’re totally insane. No wonder just about everyone in the medical field ignores them.
Hey docs, continue to keep your eyes and ears shut and those prescriptions coming… I’m working out a deal to get my first Rolls Royce next month.
It’s ALL about image, NOT substance
It’s a good thing I already have an extremely low opinion of all you people, otherwise I’d be upset at the bad rap I’m getting lately, especially from that lady Vivian from Save Our Bones. She keeps saying that there are better drug-free ways to increase bone density and she’s probably right, but hey, she could ruin my lifestyle. So get lost, lady, I need to Save My Profits!
I’ll tell you the secret of my success, and listen well, before I regret that I told you this. It’s all about image. You see, from the moment medical scientists considered me a valuable prescription drug, I had a complete makeover. I became a neat little tablet inside fancy-shmancy packaging. With this new image, my popularity just kept growing. Before I forget, here’s a shout out to those marketing guys for the great job they’re doing. Hey guys, Allen Dronate loves ya!
And what I life I have! I’m given the “white glove treatment”… literally. Lab workers sometimes even wear masks when they handle me. No more dirty warehouses for me. Now I live in a clean laboratory and my name’s all over well-known medical publications.
If there’s one thing I learned from hanging out with scientists is that most of them are quite gullible… they believe in their own one-sided “studies”. Good for me, bad for the people… but who cares?
Oh, and I met an over the counter wonder, Tyla Knowl – my new girlfriend. She’s all mine, that is if I can keep that slimy Rick Last away from her. You know, the one for “women on the go”. Hey Rick, they’re on the go all right …straight to the hospital they go, you loser. But I digress. I want to continue talking about what’s really important: moi…
So what’s wrong with chemicals anyway?
Listen, I may not be the nicest guy, but I’m filthy rich; and that’s what really matters. Sometimes I feel a bit of remorse about what I’m doing. But then, I remember that the same agency that approved me approved many other drugs and more than 3,000 chemicals used as food additives. So what can one more do, in the greater picture of things?
I don’t know what the future will bring, but for now, I’m living the life… And as long as humans continue to gamble with their health, I’ll keep raking in the big bucks. So long, losers.
So there you have it from Mr. Allen Dronate himself. Pretty shocking stuff huh… good thing you know better.
Hi Vivian, I too liked your story, it is satirical but with a very clear message, – DO NOT TAKE BISPHOSPHANATES, they will not assist your bones!. I referred my sister to your website, and as a result she has stopped taking Alendronate. Since then, she has realised that a number of problems with joints have probably been the result of taking the medication.
In my Australian edition of the Reader’s Digest, for January 2010, there is this snippet of information, which your members may find interesting:
“Studies suggest that plums may be the best fruit for strengthening our bones. In animal studies, dried plums (prunes) not only prevented bone loss, but also reversed it. Preliminary research in postmenopausal women suggests prunes may have the same effect in humans.
What makes them so special? Plums are high in disease-fighting antioxidants and are a good source of boron, potassium, and Vitamin K – all of which are important for bone health.”
Alongside the above information a new variety of plum, the Queen Garnet,”is being heralded as fruit royalty”. It has been developed by Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries(DPI), “and it’s being hailed as the next superfruit. The dark purple skin and flesh are loaded with anthocyanin, the antioxidant that gives blueberries their colour.” A DPI researcher has said that the fruit has”more than double the antioxidants of regular blood flesh plums and as much as five to ten times more than red skin, yellow flesh plums”.A Queen Garnet weighing 100g apparently contains about 250mg of anthocyanins, and the typical Western diet just 100-200mg of anthocyanins a day.
Tests have been done to process the fruit as juice, dried fruit, canned, and powder (as antioxidant)and it seems a small amount of fresh fruit will be available next month (February)in the markets, presumably here in Queensland.
I just hope the farmers who grow the fruit reap a suitable reward for their efforts.
Nancy
In the Bone Health Rev. book both blueberries and plums/prunes are under the acidifying fruits. The antioxidants and bone strenthening benefits seem outweigh the negative acidity if you keep them in the 80/20 range of your diet. Especially since plums/prunes are a good source of boron, potassium, and Vitamin K – all of which are important for bone health.” We really have to be watchdogs and use the food guide in order to keep our diets 80/20. And not forget the benefits of some of the acidifying foods as well. Thanks for sharing this information.
I live in Victoria (Australia)Does anyone know if these plums are available yet? If so, where? Also can Queen Garnet plum trees be purchased anywhere?
Have just had right breast removed. Left is already gone. Went to hospital and oncologist recommended arimidex on a daily basis for 1-3 yrs. Side effects keep popping up. After MRIs and CT etc. he is recommending Zometa an infusion drug for bones. I am reluctant to start another medication that is going to give me symptoms I don’t need – bone a muscle pain, blurred vision. I already have this due to taking cataract medication Cospost and Travatan Z. It’s an absolute merriyoround.
Vivian, I am very thankful for all the information about osteoporosis. I took Fosomax for about 1 year; then y tried Actonel for another year. Actually, I am not taking any drugs, because of the side effects. Now I am
eating healthy foods and exercise regularly.
Thank you for yuor advice Vivian.
Hi Vivian:
What a hilarious story and very sad as well. What do you think of the recent report I saw on TV that taking these terrible drugs could actually help by preventing you from developing breast cancer? I am sure there are some believers out there but NOT ME! Keep your articles coming. Have a great holiday and a very happy, healthy and safe new year.
Yep… and I bet arsenic would also get rid of breast cancer… it’s so sad that modern medicine seems to lack basic common sense…
I first started on Didronel PMO
Fosamax next, Actonel and then Boniva all have the bisphosphonate in them and have been on all these different drugs for over twenty years, two years ago almost, I stopped, don’t take any more drugs for osteoporosis but eat what I know to be of benefit for this disease. Jean
HI
I have been taking fosomax or actonel( on my GP ‘s and my rheumatologist’s advice) for nearly 10 years. I now have necrosis of my heel bone and can only walk with pain and cannot do all the activities I had planned for my retiremeni. I have been through a bone graft and joint fusio with little success. I was horrified when I read about what I have been putting in my body. I have stopped the actonel and am about to tackle my doctros about my decision
I was on Forteo for 20 months. I could not walk as far as before I started on Forteo and all my muscles hurt. The bone scan that I had after the last treatment showed that my bones were worse than before. Than the doctor wanted me to go on infusions of Boniva every three months. I refused and so he handed me a prescription for yet another drug. I tore it up when I got home. This was two years ago. It took me well over a year before I started feeling better. Please don’t let the doctor scare you into taking these drugs.
I changed PCP in 2009. My PCP respected my opinion and she won’t prescribe me drugs. She advised me to continue doing what I was doing, that is: reading your book and follows your recommendation. My daughter an M.D. specialized in Rheumatology, worked with Orthopedics refused to talk to me about your book. I thought she believes in medical books that she reads. She also planning to teach after her fellowship and do research. My other son is a director of medical research in one of the big pharmaceutical company, and both of them have the same opinion. So I am the bad sheep here. Thanks again for sharing your new findings about saving our bones. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thanks for all your articles. Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Monica
I have been using Fosamax for at least 10 years
and my bone density is worse.
I don’t have Osteoporosis, I have Rheumatoid arthritis and I
need to increase bone density. The doctor wants
me to take Fosamax and I did, my jaw bothered me and he still wants me to try it again.
Susan
I was given Prednisilone for Polymyalgia and calcium tablets every day with Actonek once a week for 17 months. Now that I have finished this course of treatment I am suffering terrible pains in my tendons and an MRI scan has confirmed changes in the tendons. I suspect that the steroids plus the actonel have caused this problem. Any thoughts?
Thanks Joan
I need either Boniva or prlioa. As I have read the side effects of these drugs, I have not thought I should get it. I am glad I read your column today. I would like to know what I can do with supplements and nutrition to heal. Thanks
I have been sick with something else for almost
2-years and take Prednisone. Prednisone makes
me sick with weak legs and makes my body feel
horrible every day and the RH Dr is trying to
get me off of it because my sed rate is below
normal now. The RH has been trying to tell me
to take all kinds of bone pills for my osteoporsis but I am allergic to all of them so far. Now they want me to try Reclase and I am afraid once I get injected because it is for a year it will be too late to stop the side effects and they don’t say anything about
that. I had sore muscels when I was on Actonel
4-years ago and stopped after 3- weeks and I
am glad I did. I tryed Fosomax by my RH last
year and had chest pains and hair loss after
one month my hair came out on the brush a lot and I stopped taking it after I read about hair loss in an article on the computer that
someone else had hair loss from it and after about 5 months my hair started growing again and I have my hair back so it was not the Prednisone that did it because I am still on
10 mg of Prednisone weaning off it gradually.
Now the new Dr RH that I have is also prscribing reclast and said it has been out about 10 years and they all say it is great and they never mention side effects and it says it might effect the jaw. I am not going to take anything especially while on Prednisone because my body already hurts me
while on steroids. Somebody should also say
something about what long time use of steroids
does to people.
why are you taking prednisone?
It is dangerous to take it long term.
It is terrible for your bones.
Do a Google search about it and read everything you can about it
as well as all the other drugs.
type in side effects of each one
and a lot of info will come up
look at http://www.mgwater.com a lot of health info.
Great article Vivian. I will share it with friends. Keep up the good work.
l enjoyed that. Thanks Vivian.
Vivian: You are something else. This is clever and funny, but I took Fosamax for 11 years till I found you. Now I am following your diet and feel great! I got rid of of something that could have caused trouble. Thanks, Vivian. Margie
I was on actonel for a few years, started asking my doctor questions because I had dental appointments and was frightened..after looking in his book, he told me to not take actonel for a fortnight before, and a fortnight after my treatment. As it happened I was not well and my dentist sent me home, but was concerned I was on actonel.
I had severe back pain, and after an x ray from a visit to another doctor, I have multiple fractures on one side of my back. I fell down the stairs end of Feb last, but no pain until recently! I have now been prescribed Protoles but although my doctor says he has done trials on this, am not happy about taking it as it contains aspartame! I have kept away from this substance in all foods, only to be forced to take it in medication. I do want to try your programme but I am scared to come off the medication.
Hi Vivian 🙂
Thanks for that article, it is funny but very serious. I’m glad I found out more about the Bonviva that I used for three years, I just wish it had been sooner.To think I was putting something that was probably used for cleaning the toilets into my body to help my bones, really makes me feel sick. We trust our Rheumatologists to do the very best for us, but if they read all the relevant information that you are writing about, I am sure they wouldn’t prescribe nearly as many of these poisonous drugs. We all now have the right to choose. Thank you again.
Marysia 🙂
marysia,
Thanks to Vivian we are now well aware of the dangers to our health.
You can only help yourself better, by becoming informed. REad about these drugs. Do searches on Google about other health issues you have.
They all sort of become related.
DO think of strengthening your body with exercise. When you strengthen your CORE muscles they help support your bones better.
Research ph acid/ alkaline that will give you a lot of good information. kl
I would love to send this to the Dr who is trying to push these drugs onto me. LOL
So very true and honestly stated.
Maureen
Your book is helping me understand why I have had heart problems. I am trying to follow your suggestions but being coeliac and with kidney failure as well as osteoporosis, I have to be very careful.The diet can only be helpful. I have refused to take Actonel for some time now but I know damage has been done. Thank you for persevering with me to take notice. Una
This new article written by Allen Dronate is so horrible, it almost
sounds like it couldn’t be true. It seems sad that there really could be a person who really is not interested in helping us and is more interested in being rich. Well, I certainly will not be taking Fosamax.
Great work Vivian. I love reading all the comments. I supposedly have osteoporosis but have declined to take any of the so-clled drugs because of a bed reaction years ago. I take my calcium and vitamin D and do my exercises and I feel great and hope for the best. thanks for all your help Kathleen
My mother, who will be 89 on Thursday, was prescribed Fosomax and faithfully took her poison. When she was diagnosed with esophegal problems and started loosing her voice I finally convinced her that the doctor is not always right. The ear, nose, and throat doctor told her that she had irrepairable damage.
Years ago I went to an alternative health care center where seminars instructed on the damaging effects of many drugs. I listened closely and have stayed away from drugs.
It is easier to go to a doctor and get a pill than it is to do the things that you, Vivian, suggest, but your suggestions make much more sense and my body is worth the effort.
Thank you, Vivian. Keep up the good hard work.
Hi! Vivian,
Great way to make us wiser & realise our bodies are not guinea pigs. We have the right to make choices.
Hi Vivian;
I just love your story, and I’m going to share it around 🙂
Anne.
Everything I read from the above comments sounds so familiar. I was told I had to take Actonel. But when I called back and told the doctor I was vomiting and had stomach cramps so bad I was passing pure blood, I was told to get over the counter zantac. They wouldn’t even prescribe anything. I suffered severe pain and have had stomach problems ever since.
Finally, I told my self, is it any worse to die from osteo. or the side effects. I had no choice but to not take such medicine. So anything I can learn to do for myself besides take such medication the better.
Chloa
Hi Vivian,
Thank you for all your articles and stories. Five years ago I was on Foxamax and became very ill. I no longer take any chemical drugs.
I am trying to follow your bone health program. I had a copy of your Bone Health Revolution but I gave it to a family member.Is there a way I can order another one without the whole program. Thank you. Gloria
How can the doctors ignore these many symptoms? It makes you very skeptical of medical system.
And today, my husband had to order drugs prescribed by doctors and the cost is unbelievable! How much better to invest in a safer, more effective way to fight the aging battle! Thank you for all your research. You are a life-saver!
I wish I knew this about 6 yrs ago. You wrote a really good comedy. But after being off actonel for a year, I keep wondering if there can still be side effects since I have arthritis in my hands and knees and back. I had it before taking actonel and I hope the drug did not make things worse. Maybe the drs think that people taking bisphosphonates will just think it is the aging process causing pains. I just read that honey is good for arthritis. Thanks for the information. Marge
marge,
read about ph levels.
I couldnt read all the article because I just cant stand the apathy that exists in all departments of health. Not only from specialists in fields who have too much to loose to find a solution to ordinary people who are too apathetic to take concern for thier own health. They have the attitude of you have to die of something. I say but when?
Yesterday as I was going through the checkout I coined a fraze after looking in someones trolly and it was this. “Death by diet”
Diet means what you put in your mouth.
If you told a man the car he has today is the last car he’s going to get he sure would take good care of it unlike how 90% take good care of thier earth suit which is their vehicle. Most people dont realise you degenerate and get old not get old and degenerate.
I just started on the diet when I had some stress, breast cancer – now all clear, Thank God – and also too much vinegar at a meal. I am on a diet to get rid of the candida and am staying within the Alkaline/Acid diet as much as possible but it’s difficult to run with both at the same time.
I realy enjoyed your story, had a good laugh as well. Thank you. But isn’t it sad that the the drug companies have so many people so brainwashed!
I’m 81 yrs old . Too late for new bone saving programs. I have to do what my Doctor tells me . The osteoporosis in my right hip has nothing to do with the pain in my butt from osteoarthritis causing spinal stenosis which presses on the nerves. If I were 50 or 60 I’d investigate your theories further . Your story is clever. I write Memoirs. Some day you will too.
My mother-in-law lived to be 102.
Do you want to listen to someone telling you to take poison when you could be taking care of your body in a sane way? You could reverse some of your problems just by changing your diet. You could still have 21 years to work on healthy living. I really become concerned about people who choose to give up.
never give up
I have been taking Boniva and have recently had
shoulder and neck pain. I stopped the Boniva
two months ago but I’m still having the pain.
I feel like the Boniva caused this. What can I do?
Mary
I too have problems with a deteriated spine (tail bone) as well as osteoarthritis in both knees.
I’ll be 83 this July . I try to do exercise every day even if it’s just walking up and down the hall.
I just ordered the book from Vivian and can’t wait to start the program. I want to live to 100 at least(God willing). Think positive,live longer!
Flo1
It is helpful to read your articles and the comments of your community. Any new information is important. I feel so much better after switching to an 80% alkaline diet and the positive effects on my bone and general health.
Thank you,
Andrea
Two SPICES were recommended for me to try for their many properties and the plus of being an anti-inflamatory. Curcumin and Tumeric. Just began these. Hope they will assist in lessening my painful joints etc.
I still take Strontium citrate.
What is you opinion of these supplements?
Vivian
Thank you very much for sharing that funny yet
informative information regarding the Osteoporosis medication.
I will continue to exercise, monitor my diet and take calcium and vitamin D.
By the way, can you be cloned? LOL
HI VIVIAN, HAVE YOUR BOOK, RECENTLY HAVE BEEN USING VIBRATOR BODY MACHINE WHICH IS SUPPOSE TO AID BONE RESTRUCTURE, HAVE YOU ANY THOUGHTS ON THIS. REGARDS NOREEN
vivian, i have also had a session on what is called a ‘hypervibe’ machine which apparently is used to counteract loss of bone density in astronauts.It is meant to have the same effect as weight bearing exercise. It was very impressive but i’m also trying to find out re. official studies/data etc. has anybody any further information??
What about baking soda? Does it alkalinize water and foods etc.
I wonder if Sally Fields who does a frequent commercial for one of these drugs–saying how it saved her bones–how she can now play with her grandchild and a very convincing commercial from a respected and well known actress-Im sure she is getting a bundle of money-but my guess is that she does believe in what she is doing? Her face and commercial is on frequently–how can she be reached to inform her of this info?? sincerly-an interested believer, and happy to have this info from you!!! Phyllis
I used to take Fosomax until the dentist wouls not even look in my mouth, so they switch ne to Protos. Guess what, after 7 months I started having significant hair loss. The doctors medical web program, shows much research in eurpoe and articles in the british medical journals, warning of this side effect. The doctor has reported my symptoms to every drug reporting agenct he can find in auatralia, but they are still selling the stuff, with no warnings about hair loss side effects. Can I sue them for stress.
Enjoyed your latest email. As well as trying to eat 80% alkaline – 20% acidic, I am also trying to put on weight and I am blood type A, which is a whole other study, and I would be suited to a vegetarian diet. I’ll be 80 on April 2 and working on recovering from a broken femur just above the knee resulting from a ski fall on April 11 when my bindings didn’t release. Suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. Many thanks. Barbara
Thanks again Vivien for the article on Allen Dronate. You’ve put it so well!
My Doctor pooh poohs the idea of any alernative self help, she told me once in very frosty terms “you know Mary you have some very strong opinions!”
Mary
It is better to be pooh poohd for strong opinions than to baah baah with the rest of the sheep… 😉
Amen to that
you are funny but right
Well Mary I just had to come off all the medication as I was in the end barely able to walk properly, must laugh though looking drunk but not had anything to drink, non the less all the different drugs I was prescribed contained the BISPHOSPHONATES and over the years was getting more and more lethargic, finally when I was given the 1 injection of Boniva every three months the lethergy increased immediately and I just ceased to go any longer for any more treatment, very slowly I am improving but have a dreadful stomach and constantly trying to improve it….
I am so thankful for your articles. My mother recently – Dec of’08 through May of ’09 – had six kyphoplasty surgeries as her vertebrae were crumbling. She suffered greatly and I cared for her through July of ’09 everyday and then every other day until September. She is now taking Foreteo injections. She and I decided she will take those for one year only and not the two years they want her to. I have read there is no proof of any benefit longer than the first year and also that bone cancer is a side effect. She is doing well and back to her every day life now although for such a long time she never thought she would be well again. Anyway, I let her doctor talk me into a bone density test. I was sure there was nothing wrong with me. I told her doctor to notice how straight I stood. However, the test said my hips are a -2.5 and my spine is at -2.7 and I already have some fractures. She asked, “Doesn’t your back hurt?” Yes, it does but I thought it was from fatigue! I told her I didn’t want to take any drugs but did give in and say I’d take Boniva. I left her office, went home and got on the computer and found out about what osteo really is caused from. I found out from YOU! You have made such a difference! I was eating almost all acid foods — trying to keep my weight down by avoiding carbs. I have done this most of my life. When I realized I could change my diet and my body could build more bone I was thrilled. I went back to the doctor and explained to her what caused my body to take the calcium from my bones. I don’t think she realized that my body took the calcium from my bones to neutralize my acidic self. She wished me the best and said she would be there if I needed her. I tell everyone what I have learned. I am a very young 55 years old. I am guessed to be in my thirties always. I would never have thought my bones would be in this shape. I have brought my body from an acid reading of 6.o to 7.0 It is hard to change old eating habits but well worth the effort. Again, thank you so much and may God bless you and your work!!!!!!
Sandra –
I would like to know how you find out the acid in your body, like you did. Thanks
look up ph
acidocious
research research research
Wow! Really humorous or terribly sad…I actually participated in an osteoporosis study at a local hopital before I started taking Fosamax…now I take alendronate(cheaper). I have heard of your book and also inklings of the need of taking alendronate…so I shall certainly look for your writings. Thanks.
I forgot to mention in my Vitamin D story that my latest lab results showed normal for D.
Good to read the comment about Vitamin D. My doctor had unsuccessfully tried to get me on the self-injection drug, so one day he handed me a prescription for 50,000 IU of Vitamin D, once a week for 12 weeks, saying it is for pain. I do have terrible chronic pain but didn’t tumble to what he was about. I had an adverse reaction to my first megadose of D, used it two more weeks and then quit. I went online, found no mention of its use for pain nor any testing on older women. (I am 75.)
My experience with doctors since shortly after 1970 is that they shout and they lie. Thus I constantly read to protect myself. This doctor at every semiannual checkup has a new kind of pill he wants me to take; I say no. I’ve even learned various doctors use the same approach of the same fear-inducing words for a variety of medicines they want to scare their patients into taking. Sad to say, I have little faith in or liking for them when it comes to chronic conditions. They use the same tired “protocols” over and over and rarely think outside the box. As my present one says, “I can only do what the numbers say.”
Quite enjoyed Mr. Allen Dronate’s testimony.Would be nice if a few doctors who are probably too busy to read your column would take to heart the information and stop writing prescriptions for fosamax, etc.
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for making me laugh. It was a great article and one of the best I have read in a long while. I totally relate to the side effects of these drugs, because after just taking them for a few times(once a month), I suffered from terrible joint pains, which was a blessing,because I gave the drug a kick, started surfing the net, and found you. Your articles are and continue to be an eye opener and I really hope many more women would realize –what they think is a quick fix–is going to do more harm than good. Cheers to you and your team for the good work!!
What about evista….you make no comment on this drug
It’s just as bad as the others.
I took it for a while in a study and suffered from hot flashes and leg pain.
They took me off it and dismissed me from the study.
That had to tell me volumes.
The hot flashes meant is was messing with my hormones and one of the side effects was possible blood clots. Pain in the leg,oh oh, lets dismiss her.
They never called to check on me after that. Wouldn’t you think they would want that info in a study?
I’ll write about Evista soon… stay tuned…
Great job with this Vivian. It is funny but sad that this goes on day after day and ruins so many people’s health. I often wonder what kind of sales these drugs would have if not for television advertising using “stars” to make the pill go down a bit more easily.
Can’t change that aspect though so it’s good you are out there making the truth available. Now we just have to spread the word.
Amen!
Thanks for the laugh, today, Vivien. Definitely more than a kernel of truth here. Keep up your marvelous work!
I found this article depressing and not funny. The struggle is hard enough to find competent healthcare especially regarding osteoporosis since so few doctors give much, if any credence to alternative treatment to help those of us afflicted with this bone issue. For example, my doctor send me a letter to tell me my Vitamin D level is low and that I should increase more Vit. D. She did not even bother to call me and discuss the issue. She just sent me a letter and this occurred after we had an in-depth conversation regarding I was not interested in bisphosphonates. Thanks to Vivian I have a new direction about handling my bone issue. God bless Vivian
I loved it,I just had my latest bone scan and it went from-2.5 to -2.4, & I used Actonel for 7 yrs, just stopped it in March 2009 when I had the sudden loss of hearing in my right ear immediately after taking the once a month pill,
Actonel. I argue with my dentist also, he says a little knowledge is dangerous after I asked him to read your book!!! His wife takes Fosamax & will not give it up. He thinks I am a radical for stopping Actonel.
I took Actonal for some time & as it stuffed up my stomach I lost weight & went to 42 kg.All these drugs are definetly not good. I also tried fosamax & with the same result.I am 80 yrs old & feel blessed that I still have the ability to make choices.
Vivian,you are a friend from early 2008. I quit taking Fosamax on March 22,2008.I had lost five percent bone in the year 2007 to March 22.2008. I had my annual bone desity test in March 2009. I was greeted with these words from my Dr. “What in the world have you been doing”? I told her I quit Fosamax in March, 2008. The Dr could not believe the fact that I had not lost any bone, but in fact had added five percent bone from the inner bone!!THANKS ALOT!