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 Osteoporosis Reversal 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…
My experience is different from the comments I have read about Fosamax. I took Alendronate for 3 months. About 6 weeks after beginning the medication, my hair got very dry and lifeless and began to fall out. I may have had some thinning prior to this, but certainly not to the extent I am experiencing it now. The doctor told me to stop taking it. I have been off this medication 7 weeks now with no improvement
We appreciate you sharing your experience, Carole. Sadly, most doctors are clueless about this. Bisphosphonates block a pathway that’s necessary for hair. The good thing is that you can take Foundation Supplements that are beneficial to hair and scalp health. You might want to read more about it in this article:
https://saveourbones.com/do-osteoporosis-drugs-cause-hair-loss/
I hope this helps. We’re always rooting for you!
I took Alendronate Sodium for 4.5 years. I just had a DEXA scan hoping that my bone density had at least come back into the osteopenia range. However, the opposite was true. The Aldendronate had helped me the first couple of years, but around 2017, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto Hypothyroidism. In doing some research, I found that Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism can deplete the bone density, so my Alendronate was doing nothing. However, I will now look to doing weigh bearing exercise and my diet to increase my bone strength, because in doing more research on the Alendronate Sodium, the stuff is toxic and I believe it has been the reason for my chronic stomach upset the day after I would take it and all of my achy joints.
I have stopped taking Fosamax after taking for 3 weeks and my fatigue, back pain, nausea, headaches and diarrhea are worse than ever! How long do the side effects last????
I took this damn drug for 5 months, stopped in early March, 2019…still having severe leg pain and weakness, spasms, lower back pain…cannot do things I used to do. And I am fit and healthy…very frustrating. I want to know the same thing!
To All: I have been taking Alendronate for 6 weeks. I now have a serious inflammation in my eyes, throat, tongue, nose, front of my face, etc. I could not find this in the med’s side effects at first until I got an expanded and more recent version from a well-known clinic. Nothing else in my life was different, just the Alen- (Fosomax). I have no infection in my eyes. I was trying this drug for the second time, just to see if I had been wrong about it, and the effects were horrifying. I have not been able to get a consistent answer about how long the drug stays in the body. I have stopped it, of course. Hope this helps.
I was having eye irritation and was attributing to allergies maybe I was wrong, alone had finger tip numbness was attributing to carpal tunnel maybe was wrong there as well, have had constant diarrhea, headache, back pain, irregular heartbeat, several side effects, wonder how much longer will go on.
To All: I have been taking Alendronate for 6 weeks. I now have a serious inflammation in my eyes, throat, tongue, nose, front of my face, etc. I could not find this in the med’s side effects at first until I got an expanded and more recent version from a well-known clinic. Nothing else in my life was different, just the Alen- (Fosomax). I have no infection in my eyes. I was trying this drug for the second time, just to see if I had been wrong about it, and the effects were horrifying. I have not been able to get a consistent answer about how long the drug stays in the body. I have stopped it, of course. Hope this helps.
I have taken one fosamax once a week for three weeks. I am not taking anymore. How long will it take for it to leave my system?
I’m wondering if you got an answer to your question?
I took Fosamax for three weeks how long does it stay in your system I’ve been dealing with rash and hives.
I want to stop taking Foxamax as I am in great pain I took it 9 years ago and was told by my doctor to begin again I have taken it for 4 week and am in great pain
How do I stop taking it
Thanks for any help you can give
Took generic Fosamax for 9-10 weeks and ended up stopping it (over 6 months ago) due to severe hip and bone pain in my legs. The leg and toe cramping was pretty horrible as well.
If I sit for any length of time, my legs are very stiff and painful when I get up to walk. I’m now wishing I’d never touched this crap drug. Not worth the 24/7 pain it brings.
I was put on risedronate sodium 35 mg once a week in May. I took 2 pills, and the side effects (and I got them ALL) were so bad I quit. I thought with only taking 2 pills, the side effects would go away within a week or so. Nope! It’s 2 months later, and I’m still having major gastrointestinal issues. Thankfully, the severe back and joint pains and headaches are gone. But, my doctor now wants to start to do a bunch of tests (EGD, colonoscopy), because she doesn’t believe my stomach issues are still related to the meds. My question is, how long does that poison stay in your system? Before I pay a bunch of money for tests, I want to know if I should just wait it out for a while yet. Why is this crap still on the market??
Have your symptoms resolved by now? It has been 1 1/2 years since I stopped Fosamax, and the joint, muscle pain is a bad as ever.
I think this article is misleading though, when they state that Alendronic Acid (Fosamax) ‘closes the door on new bone being formed’. That is incorrect, It slows down the process of old bone being broken down whilst allowing new bone to be formed.
Anyway, I have being prescribed this, and I took it for a few months then had a break and now am taking it again. Not sure what to do. I don’t like taking any meds, for long periods, but if I happen to slip and fall, I do not want to break a bone again. It was a horrible experience. Thankfully, so far I have no side effects. My Dr also told me to take calcium and vitamin D3 which I make sure I do.
My Mom is 93 and took Fosamax for 25 years, broke her femur bone about 8 years ago, and has been taking the Prolia shots, twice a year, for the past 6 years. Is the Prolia really helping her at the age of 93???
Hi just been reading all your comments many of you ask how long it lasts in your body. alendronic acid half life is 120 days!!!!! So lets all hope we start to feel better by that time scale ! Fingers crossed for us all
My Mom has been taking Fosamax for about 4 months. I’m suggesting her getting on a natural program to increase her bone density natural. Can she just stop taking Fosamax? Does she need a Dr’s permission to get off of Fosamax? Is there any good Drs in Orange County, CA that can help her get off Fosamax?
Thnaks
! had my second Ibandronate tablet on may 2nd and that’s it for me.my prescription is renewable every 3 months and as i type this with my third monthly dose in hand ready for immediate disposal. I have had a lower back pain for the last 3 weeks and tried all the over the counter pain medicines with little relief, can’t find any positive feed back on this terrible drug
Only took 1 dose following instructions to the letter. Approx 4 days later began to feel unwell, strong sudden pains in joints. Worst is in the hip and groin right side. can hardly walk/ feel ill/ exhausted/ in pain. going back to doctor tomorrow re asking for an xray– something is NOT right . PLEASE take the very greatest care if it is prescribed to you, read up and be very aware that it may be a dangerous drug and not suit you.
I have been on Fosamax for 3 years……Over that period of time I have experienced heartburn, sometimes to the point I felt like I was having a heart attack. I also had shortness of breath, out of the clear blue……..FINALLY my intern suggested I stop Fosamax……..and look at this no more heart burn,,,,,, but I know it is still in my system as I still experience shortness of breath. I am so frustrated and upset realizing I dealt with this problem for three years……….The side effects are just to dangerous. I feel if you can try it naturally!!! what did they do years ago!!
I have been taking Fosamax for about a year. Recently went to an oral surgeon to have a tooth extracted and he said their protocol was not to do it without blood work. The Fosamax has already destroyed some of the cells and I have to wait 4 months for another blood test to see the oral surgeon. After two weeks of stopping the Fosamax I am in severe pain head to toe, muscles and bones hurt, teeth hurt, jaws hurt, everything hurts. I am hopeful that this pain will go away and the bad cells or dead cells will leave my body and the bones will heal.
I tried to stop this medication a year ago was so sick and in great pain! I decided to see if it was the Fosamax and took a pill. Sure enough within 1 week my pain, stomach pain was gone. I am getting ready to stop this pill again and will see my physician if this is a repeat reaction. Please if your not on Fosamax don’t take this under any circumstances. I am very active and am so mad that any doctor would prescribe this med!!!
I started Fosamax on January 22, 2018 but on February 20th I started having lower back pain all across the back and down into both hips and also my bowel movements are different. I’ve seen my chiropractor for this pain but he said it’s more in my muscles. So I called my Doctor and he told me to stop taking Fosamax to see if my symptoms goes away. Any body else had this pain and trouble with bowels?
I’ve been taking generic Fosomax for 1 year and have severe constipation. I am considering stopping this medication and go to a natural healing Dr. to see what would be a more natural way of improving my bones.
Brenda,
stop the Fosamax……..the side effects are not worth constipation………there are other natural ways to affect bone loss……..do the research, as I intend to do……….keep our bodies free of these harmful drugs…………
Yes both back and hip pain shortly after starting medicine .Also 4 months into it severe nausea major itching. Going crazy detoxing from this.Its only my first week without it
I’ve been taking this for 3 weeks now once a week. I’ve lost my appetite, and feel nauseous, especially in upon waking up. I vomit bile off n on during the day. My hip hurts and now walk with a limp. I’m stopping this medication and trying diet. After reading all your comments it confirmed what I thought. My breath smells weird too!
I have been taking Ibandronate for only 3 months (one pill a month) . One day into my 3rd dose I began to experience awful leg cramps, Chest pain, jaw and neck pain, thigh and hip tightness, pain under my chest and in my back, especially when I take a deep breath. I can barely walk or turn my head. I called my doctor and advised him of my symptoms. I hope and pray that these symptoms are not permanent!!!! I will never ever take this medication again.
I was prescribed alendronate in Dec. I was supposed to take a 70 mg tablet once a week, the first 2, I took wrong, I took it after taking BP meds, then the 3rd tablet I took correct ,my question is how long with the little bit I took ,stay in my system, I have stopped taking it after searching to see if it causes itching, & hives, which I have had since taking it.I will never take anymore after reading all about it on the internet. It even can raise the risk of macular degeneration, which I am getting treatment for at the present time.
I took one pill of risedronate sodium yesterday its the once a month pill (150) and my shoulders are so sore. It affected my acid reflux too. How long will it take for it to leave my system. Did i do irreparable damage? I am drinking alot of water to try and flush as much of it out as I can. What else can I do.
I took Foxamax 12 years ago for about 18 months. I had gum disease at the time but the doctor never told me of the dire Side affects of getting osteonecrosis. I stopped taking it 10 years ago after I saw the class action lawsuit for osteonecrosis
I now have to have teeth extracted, is it safe to do so? I am very very concerned.
I just posted my comments and I am waiting for a reply. Thank you
My mom is 84 years old she has taken fosomax for 4 years she just stopped taking it a month ago but now she is experiencing severe joint & muscle pain how long will that last she is really having a hard time getting around she now has to use a walker
Taking Alendronate tablets weekly. What are the side effects if I quit taking drug, please.
I have taken Actonel for several weeks. (Once a week.)
I have lower back pain, pain between my shoulder blades but worse is the severe pain in my neck. Hurts to breath deeply and even to swallow. Can’t turn my neck in any direction. Sleep is almost impossible. I can’t take Advil, Aspirin or Alive. Since I have a problem with nose bleeds, those pain medicines make the bleeding worse. Tylenol does nothing for pain. Please help !
Hopefully, you’ve stopped taking the Actonel by now, JP, and your body can begin the recovery process. Do you know a good chiropractor in your area? He or she might be able to help with pain relief as you recover from the drug.
Are there any statistics to show the success of a fosamax type drug ? I am 65 and just had my first dexa scan and found osteoporosis 2.4 in hips, 2.5 in spine and 2.1 in wrist. I am hyperthyroid and assume this contributes to the problem. I am adamant about not taking those awful drugs. I plan to ramp up exercise and calcium intake. Is there any guarantee that I will not be in pain when I’m 85 if I take fosamax?
My 93 year old Mom has been taking the Prolia injections, twice a year, for the last 6 years. Are they really helping her bone health at this age? She broke her femur bone 8 years ago and has been using a walker ever since.
I am a male and have taken Fosamax for about 4 to 5 years. I recently had foot surgery with the result of non-fusion of 2 bones. I am not allowed to put weight on that foot and I am doing electrical bone stimulation to encourage bone growth. Just realized that Fosamax would interfere with bone growth. I just stopped taking it. Can you give me any hope that I will see bone growth in the next few month’s?
I can have Barrett s should I take alendronic acid which my doctor has prescribed me.
R
I have been taking alendronate sodium since May. Is this what is causing ankle pain?? I didn’t take pill this morning. How long will last in my system?
I have severe hip pain tingling toes ,muscles cramps muscle pain.I need to know how long time I should wait to get rid of these side effects.
I believe there is a far greater damage and risk through not taking Fosamax.
I for one have had my bone density increased and am now in the 90 percentile for my she.
Surely better than the alternative of broken hips and life in a wheel chair!
I am so happy that you have not had any trouble with Fosamax. I, on the other hand, am in debilitating pain in my muscles, my neck and my lower back. I can hardly walk or lift anything. I am healthy and have always had an exceedingly high pain tolerance. Not now. I stopped taking my weekly pill last Monday. I am hoping and praying that this pain goes away but so far, no change.
I had stepped up lower back pain while taking Fosamax. However having had back surgery 3 years ago I attributed it to that. At one point I had an episode of severe left jaw pain. I reported it to my doctor who made no comment and just said “Keep taking it.” I saw a back specialist who said stop taking it. Again my doctor countered that advice. I stopped it after 12 weeks. After 3 weeks without the med the back pain is awful and I am experiencing nausea and occasional right jaw pain. What’s up with this?
I was just wondering if you can tell me how long it took for the symptoms of pain to go away? My mom took this for two weeks and was in such pain she stopped. It has been 3 weeks and she is still in pain and I would think with as little as she took it would have left by now, but so far no change. Any information you can provide will be helpful.
How long does it take for pain to go away after stopping Fosamax?
I was just wondering if you can tell me how long it took for the symptoms of pain to go away? My mom took this for two weeks and was in such pain she stopped. It has been 3 weeks and she is still in pain and I would think with as little as she took it would have left by now, but so far no change. Any information you can provide will be helpful.
I’ve been taking Actonel 35mg once-per-week for a
about ten years . I’m currently experiencing sleeplessness , some stinging sensations in both feet ( such when lying in bed ) , and within the past nine months or so would have pain in my jawbones , especially when in bed. I’m 71 now , and had NO problems when I stopped menstruating at age 49 ; however I am now experiencing bodily sweats when I either drink water or even do simple things like easy meal preparations . Could Actonel ( Risedronate Sodium ) be causing any or all of these current problems of mine ?
Upon reading another page of this site ( saveourbones.com) just now , , i suddenly remembered that on April 13th , 2016 , my left heel suddenly hurt , totally out of the blue , and progressed to severe pain in 5 days ( a 9 out of a 10 on the pain scale ) , and it was excruciating to walk , even with a cane . So my husband talked to our sister-in–law ( I’m deaf and read lips , so can’t use the phone to listen to people ) , and she said , based on what her doctor told her for HER sciatica , to take 600mg of Ibuprofen three times a day for three weeks , for a therapeutic level to be reached . So , I’ve been taking this dosage of ibuprofen for over two weeks now … but I’ve noticed that there is some pain & stinging sensation in that heel starting back again . My regular doctor took X-rays of that heel about 3 1/2 weeks ago and said ” The bones of your heel have fused together … I’m sending you to an orthopedist .” Well , the appointment is set for June 6th , but NOW I am Wondering if the Actonel has anything to do with this sudden onset of excruciating heel pain ? And whether I should even bother going to him , and just STOP taking the Actonel ? How long can it take to eliminate the effect of taking Actonel for _years_ ?
Be very careful with that much ibuprofen, it can cause kidney damage. I was taking two 800 mg. twice a day and went for my yearly physical and found out that my kidney function was dropping. Never had issues with kidneys before but if you Google ibuprofen and kidney damage you can find a lot of info on that subject. And re the actonel, within 24 hours of taking my first dose, the pain in my back, hips, shoulders and thighs is unbearable. I refuse to take any more of that evil drug. I work in a factory doing very physical work and by the end of the day, I am in tears. Sure hope the one time I took it doesn’t continue to cause these awful side effects.
My mum has been taking Alendronic Acid for many years and at 82 she is almost fully bent over. My sister and I were diagnosed with Osteoproosis over 5 years ago and we have both been taking Alendronic Acid since. My sister was recently told by her doctor that as she’s been on it for over 5 years she should stop taking them for 3 years. My doctor doesn’t agree. Has anyone else been told to stop taking them for 3 years.
Have been taking Alendronic Acid tablets for 5 years and just had my 2nd scan am still in safe level on bones so told to stop tablets and have another scan in 2years time.
my dr wants me to start this med, I am really scared because how bad the side effects are, She did say after 5 years that she would take me off for a year.
I was in those tablets nearly 12 years !
I started to get thigh pain about 18 months ago.
Then in December last year , I got out of the shower to reach for the towel and my thigh Just gave way . I fell backward Back into the shower breaking my ankle at same time !
My consultant says it was caused in his view from long term use of this drug ,
Apparently They have the opposite effect on the bones if you take them long term .
7 months down the line . After having plate and screws in ankle , and a gamma nail put in my leg . I still cannot walk unaided .
My advice don’t take them after 5 years !!!
You might end up in the same situation as me !!
In hospital for 7 weeks !!
Well I have heard 5 yrs. I myself am getting slight chest pain. I.am done with this drug. I would rather ecercise
The insert that came with mine said not to take it for more than three years, so, at five years, you should definitely stop.
I am a 64 year old female who took Fosamax for osteoporosis for almost 3 years and now am having trouble breathing. I was in the hospital last week because I couldn’t breathe. They found I have an irregular heartbeat. The cardiologist took me off Fosamax, I also had unexplained severe scalp itching and hives for 8 months and the biopsy only showed that is was chronic. When I got home from the hospital, I started researching Fosamax side effects and found, severe itching, hives, irregular heartbeat, breathing problems, etc., etc., etc.! I am hoping that with time, my breathing will improve now that I am off Fosamax.
Hello I am 51, started taking Fosamax a yr and half ago. A few months ago I started having constipation, bloating, joint pain, heartburn, feeling fatigued. I contacted my Rheumatologist and she did some blood test but said everything was fine. The symptoms are getting worse so I have contacted her again and I am awaiting for her to contact me back to see if there maybe a connection.
Suggestions on what to do and if these side effects can start happening after this long of taking the fosamax.
I just started this medicine and I am experiencing the same symptoms this has me wondering if I will experience these side effects while I continue to take this medication.
I been taken foxomax for tree months and I been have very bad groinpain i stop taken too see if pain goes away
My mom is 86 years old, with numerous health problems including: diabetes, osteoporosis, CHF, dementia and has mobility difficulties. Her doctor recently took her off alendronate for osteoporosis and wants her to start Prolia. Her bone density has gotten worse but as her care giver I don’t know if Prolia is the answer. Some of the side effects are pretty scary. Any suggestions for how to make an educated decision?
I have taken fosamax for 4 weeks with side effects of nausea and extreme joint and muscle pain (none of which I had before) and was then put on risedronate with the added side effect of heartburn. I stopped taking it but still experiencing side effects. How long can I expect to have these side effects. I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck! Tired of feeling this way. Felt healthy before. I have osteoporosis. Age 58.
i took it for 2 months. Had a dream throat for 2 weeks. Also nausea & vomiting. Now a problem with balance. Have been off over Two weeks and still have periods of bad nausea with occ vomiting. None of this before. Will it go away ?. I’m 79 yr.
I would not have taken one pill if I knew this would happen.
After what I have experienced (and sadly, are still experiencing, I wouldn’t give Fosamax to my worst enemy.
I have taken Fosamax for one month and I really don’t want to continue taking it. I just read an article about melatonin being a boon to bone density. It is a very interesting article taken from Aging January 2017. Does anyone have more information about this?
Hi Dianne,
Melatonin is good for bones because it promotes healthful sleep, which your bones need to rejuvenate. For more on this topic, please read the following posts:
https://saveourbones.com/why-sleep-is-crucial-to-your-bone-health/
https://saveourbones.com/how-to-build-your-bones-while-you-sleep/
I ha e just been prescribed the generic brand of fosamax and I am really scared to take this med i ha e been researching g this med all day and he e not read o e good or successful comment on this med it really scared the he’ll out of me now I am in limbo wherever to proceed with this med i questioned by health provider today as d she swares it safe and none of her patients e sr complained about it I so not know what to do about taking this med i am 65 years old still working a nd want to continue to work but with all these side effects it scares me to deaths are there any alternatives
I’ve been taking Actonel since 2006. Only problems I had in beginning was with stomach upset, now for past week having problems with my left hip. Pain level is 10 don’t know what to do. Can’t even sit without extreme pain, which means I won’t be able to take it tomorrow as I take weekly. Doctor only wants me to take for 2 more years. My question is could I have a fractured hip?
l have taken Alendronate for two months and as many have commented, l had a sore tummy; l persisted with the medication, hoping the side effects would go away. A week ago, with doctors permission, l stopped taking the medication; still have sore uncomfortable tummy which is now quite distended. Can you tell me how long this will stay? and will my tummy go down? very uncomfortable.
Gwyneth
Hi, my mom has taken herself off of fosamax, would this account for the nasuea,dissiness, and elevated blood pressure?
Has anyone heard of using Nero dronate for the treatment of CRPS my wife has type1 CRPS now for 2 years we live in BC and heard about Nero dronate treatments in Costa Rica and are looking into it
Does the same apply to evista
I took fosamax from 2002-2007. My doctor wants me to begin another round. Is this safe?
Hi Kittie,
The Save Our Bones philosophy is that no osteoporosis drug is 100% safe. There is quite a bit of free information on this site about Fosamax – I urge you to use the search feature so you can read up on this drug before making your decision. It’s great that you are asking questions and learning before ingesting a medication!
I asked this question a week ago, but I can’t find it now. I live in England and have started reading your Save our Bones book. I took Fosamax for 6 months, after five months I started to get chronic constipation. I read the information and it said that this could be a side effect, so I stopped taking it, 2 months later I still have it. My doctor has done blood tests and they are fine. She says it cannot still be the Fosamax that is causing the constipation. My question is ‘Could it still be the Fosamax that is causing the problem?’ I am also a Coeliac.
Hi Ann,
Yes, I do remember your question! I responded to it in the comment section of this post: https://saveourbones.com/the-truth-about-your-osteopenia-treatment/
🙂
I had the first injection of Desonumab in July to treat osteoporosis in my spine having sustained 8 vertebrae compression fractures, 3 thoracic and 5 lumbar. I occasionally need to have steroid injections for Crohn’s disease. Steroids are known to cause osteoporosis. Is there anything else I can take to counter the effect of the steroids other than the Desonumab and does it have the same long term effects as bisphosphonates. I am 74 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn’s at 64 after an intestinal obstruction.
I’ve been having hives for 2weeks now and I need to find out if it’s from the Risedronate I e been taking. How long do I stay off of this Medicine to see if it’s the cause ?
Yes
Realy worried had breast cancer twice put on tamoxifen, had tia. Doc now put me on letrozole knowing i have oesteoporous said i would be alright as i was on bisophates did,nt tell i was,nt taking it have ishot myself in foot
I’m 49 found out I have osteoporosis. My T scores were low. Family history of osteoporosis as well. Family doctor described Actonel 35mg. The first tablet I took 4 days ago. The next day I felt tired and some parts of my body ached following the next day stomach ache and lost of appetite and I felt bloated. 4 days have passed and I still have the stomach ache and now around my kidneys area are sore and achy. I’m going to stop these tablets. If only one tablet does this to my body i rather look into something natural and change my dietary eating habits and start going back to the gym. And hope these symptoms will go away soon.
I have only taken one 35mg Actenol and I am having severe neck pain flulike symptoms and diarrhea. There is no way I am continuing this medication. Does anyone know how long it takes to get out of your system?
I have been taking Alendronate for at least 3 years – Focamax prior to Alendronate. My doctor told me after a year or two more I should stop taking it. After taking Alendronate Sunday for my weekly dose I began having
diarrhea & not feeling well. It has been three days since I took the tablet & still have some diarrhea & still don’t feel well. I’m wondering if the Alendronate is causing the problem. knowing there is a 5 yr. limit on taking these drugs I’m wondering if they are doing enough good to be worth the possible side effects. At my next Dr. appt. I’m going to see what she suggest. In the mean time I’m not taking anymore & wonder how long it takes to get the medicine out of my system.
Hi Billie,
The half-life of bisphosphonates like Fosamax an Alendronate is approximately 10 years, meaning that it takes 10 years for the body to get rid of half of the drug that attached itself to bone. As you know, these drugs stop normal bone metabolism, namely bone remodeling, but as it gets released and less is attached to bone, normal bone remodeling resumes at one point. Exactly when that happens varies from individual to individual. According to a Harvard Medical School study, pre-drug bone metabolism is restored to “normal” levels in an average of five (5) years.
Hi. I am a 58 yr old previously healthy active woman. I have stopped taking alendronic acid 3 weeks ago after taking it for 2 years 3 mths because I have serious macular oedema which I found out could be caused by it. Since then I have been getting worsening stiffness and pain in my neck and lower back. Today I can hardly move the pain is so bad. Could it be withdrawal symptoms? And if so how likely is it to go on for. Thanks
I was prescribed this pill and took it once a week for 9 weeks. After week 7 I was sick. After 9 weeks I was suffering with stomach ache and general debility. I lost my appetite and began to lose weight and dropped over 16 pounds.
It has taken 6 months to clear my system of this poisonous drug. I drank a lot of green tea and water but lack energy because of lack of nourishing food ………..I really think more warning should be given about taking this medication. Merck please take note!
I seem to have spoken too soon!
All the symptoms have recurred today and I feel really ill again!
Does the Drug Company Merck really care about the effect the drug has on some people???
I’m 49 years old. Found out I have osteoporosis My T scores were low. Family history of osteoporosis as well. Family doctor described Actonel 35mg . I took the first tablet 4 days ago the next day I felt tired and some parts of my body ached following the next day I felt bloated with a stomach ache and lost of appetite. 4 days pass and I still got the stomach ache following with a aching back around the kidneys. I’m not going to keep on with these tablets if only one tablet does this to my body i rather look into something natural and change my dietary eating habits and start going back to the gym.
I am 69, in good health, don’t drink or smoke, exercise regularly and diagnosed with osteoporosis and scared into taking Fosomax. After one pill last week, 48 hour later I now have trouble swallowing! Food does. It want to go down, pain in my leg and arm, headaches which I never get and feeling seasick. I will NEVER take another of those poisonous pills but Vivian how do I counter act the one pill? I understand the half life is 10 years. Will magnesium help? I wish I had read your info before I got sucked into this horrid drug. Thankfully I on,y took one. Please let me know all I can do and let me know how long will it stay with me. Is it truly 10 years!!!
Betsy, how long did it take to get out of your system? My mom took it for two weeks and is in horrible pain. I see you posted this two years ago, any information you can give me would be helpful.
i took actonel for 10 years now at 71 years old i had tooth break off leaving the root still in my gum, it got very infected, when to see the dentist and he told me i needed to see an oral surgeon that no dentist was going to touch me and that i needed antibotices before i had any dental work, found out the reason was because i was taking actonel now i am at risk of getting Osteonecrosis of the jaw and that there is no treatment for this…what advise can you give me, how can i get this out of my system?
Hi Mari,
Remember, as the article says, it’s never too late! If you’ve stopped taking Actonel, then your body will begin the process of cleansing your system of the drug. Your best bet is to support this process with plenty of pH-balanced, bone-healthy foods, lots of pure water, exercise, and adequate rest.
Best of luck!
I am 55. I took the prolix injection Dec 26, 2017. I have ever been so sick. Swollen sore lymph nodes. Really severe bone and muscle pain. My neuropathy is worse and I have had several respitory issues. I feel sick and in pain all the time. I am due for the next shot in June. I do not want it. But the manufacturers of prolix say you have a 50%increase in fractures of the spine and hip. Most fractures are with out injuries. 5-7 fractures of spine average in 6 months. People dying from rebound hip fractures. I am terrified. But I can not live this way either.
doctor prescribed fosamax plus d-cal. which i took as insructed on friday morning, i felt so sick that afternoon , saturday and sunday back to the doctor monday stop taking, in three weeks well try another, its tuesday and i still feel terrble, is ther anthing i can take to make me feel better, and is there a natural alternative. im 81 years old my hight is 155 cm and my weight is 59 k my bone density is 2.5 how bad is that?
Delores, I have the same problem. Waiting to hear from my phys on what to do next.
Vivian,
I was put on Actonel at the age of 17!! Parents went to a doctor who said I had osteopenia. I hadnt yet gotten a period. I stopped on my own terms after taking it for a year.. What damage could have been done? I am now almost 23, so about 5 years removed from the med. and have been having periods for 2 years, which has probably improved my bone density. however, I am not sure with having taken the Actonel. what can I expect my bones to do…or will I face problems later in life? 🙁
My first dose and 25 days in on the monthly Boniva. My question is could Boniva have caused me to have a week’s worth of unexplainable and severe neck and back muscle spasms?