If you were diagnosed with osteoporosis, chances are you got a litany of reasons why you should take drugs to treat this “disease.” Most likely, your doctor also mentioned all sorts of horrible things that could happen to you if you don’t take the drugs.
What’s interesting is that most doctors won’t tell you anything about their harmful side effects. They leave that up to the consumer – you – even though the doctors are supposed to be the experts!
But since you’re here and reading this, you are one of the consumers who is an expert – an expert on your own bone health.
So to counter some of the scare tactics and drug-pushing mantras of the Medical Establishment, today I am bringing you the top five reasons never to take osteoporosis drugs.
Reason #1: Drugs Are Synthetic Chemicals That Work Against the Body
There is a misconception that drugs heal the body. They don’t. Drugs can only temporarily mask symptoms – and not always. What’s more, they artificially mimic healing by counteracting the body’s processes. I’ll explain…
Osteoporosis drugs “work” by stopping bone remodeling, which is the body’s finely-balanced process for renewing bone. This process goes on continually, with crucial vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, and various other substances all coming into play. Osteoclasts (bone-removing cells) and osteoblasts (bone-building cells) work together to tear down and replenish your skeleton.
Bone Loss is Only Half of the Remodeling Equation
That’s right – you have to lose bone to build new bone. Like any building project, demolition is necessary to remove old structures before building. Imagine what a mess the average city and neighborhood would be in, if we simply tried to build on top of old structures. It would be unstable and unsightly.
When bone cells wear out, they need to be removed. Osteoclasts do this, and then osteoblasts put new bone cells in their place. Thus, your bones are always being rejuvenated, and they are able to stay strong and flexible.
Osteoporosis drugs stop the entire process, not allowing old bone cells to be shed, so bones become thick and brittle, composed almost entirely of worn-out cells. Yes, the bone may appear denser, but the bone’s tensile strength is greatly compromised, ironically, making bones more prone to fracture. This is what happens when synthetic chemicals work against the body.
And this is precisely why…
Reason #2: All Osteoporosis Drugs Have Bad Side Effects
You may be wondering which osteoporosis drug is safe, and whether or not a particular drug has side effects. Unfortunately, a safe drug without side effects simply doesn’t exist.
All osteoporosis drugs, regardless of which company manufactures them, have bad side effects.
What’s So Bad About Them?
All osteoporosis drugs can induce life-changing side effects. Many of the side effects and the resulting conditions are irreversible. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant ones.
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a terrible, difficult-to-treat, and potentially disfiguring side effect of bisphosphonates. This disease was first noted back when match factory workers, who handled white phosphorous daily, developed the tell-tale symptoms of ONJ, called “phossy jaw” back then: jaw pain, infection, abscesses, and rotting jaw bone. Bisphosphonates, being phosphorous-based, have a similar effect.
The Medical Establishment’s response was to put black box warnings about ONJ on all bisphosphonates. The sad reality is that most people who raise concerns about such warnings will have their fears brushed off by their doctor.
- Atrial fibrillation (fast, irregular heartbeat) is associated with bisphosphonates, a side effect confirmed by recent research. Just this month, scientists at the Maimonides Medical Center in New York published a meta-analysis showing that bisphosphonate use increases the risk of serious atrial fibrillation by 40%.1 “Evidence from RCTs and observational studies suggests a significantly increased risk of AF requiring hospitalization,”1 researchers conclude.
- Esophageal cancer risk is greatly increased with the use of bisphosphonates, especially Fosamax. According to an analysis of the FDA’s database (the adverse event reporting system, or AERS), nearly 75% of bisphosphonate-caused esophageal cancer were directly attributed to Fosamax use.2 Alarmed by what they found, the researchers concluded that “Increased awareness and vigilance is needed for patients receiving oral bisphosphonate therapy.”2
“Increased awareness” and shunning these dangerous drugs is exactly what the Osteoporosis Reversal Program – and this website – are all about!
Sadly, This is the Most Ridiculous and Ironic Side Effect
Perhaps the most ironic (and ridiculous) side effect of osteoporosis drugs is increased fracture risk.3
The ostensible reason behind taking drugs for low bone density is to decrease the chances that one of your bones will break. That’s what makes this side effect so ironic!
Atypical femoral fractures are the most common break associated with osteoporosis drugs, and especially bisphosphonates. These are referred to as “atypical femoral fractures” because they are just that – not typical.
The femur is the strongest bone in the body. Under normal conditions, it doesn’t simply snap. But when it’s been made brittle and hard by drugs, it can break near the head of the femur when you’re doing simple, everyday things.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that the drug has been pulled from the market, or won’t be prescribed anymore. Instead, the Medical Establishment thinks their tracks are covered if they simply put a warning on all bisphosphonates, like they did for ONJ.
Remember, These Are Just the Biggies…
The list of annoying and even debilitating side effects also includes nausea, flatulence, blurred vision, joint pain, muscle pain, and abdominal cramping. They may not sound that bad in print, but if you’ve tried to live with one or several of these effects, you know how devastating they can be.
Reason #3: Quite Often, Osteoporosis Drugs Don’t Work
I actually hesitate to use to term “work” when describing any osteoporosis drug, which is why I often put it in quotes. If the drug is supposed to improve bone health, then it doesn’t work at all; it fails miserably. And even if it “works” according to medical protocol – that is, it effectively increases bone density scores in some people – there is still a high price to pay, as discussed in Reason #2 above.
We also talked about how osteoporosis drugs, in a pharmaceutical sleight of hand, can appear to increase bone density by halting healthy remodeling.
Many in the Save Our Bones community have posted that they’ve been taking osteoporosis drugs for many years to no avail. In fact, many have had to go to the emergency room because of the effects of these drugs.
Why take the chance? The price of osteoporosis drugs is just too high!
With the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you can achieve significant results without taking chances with your health, body, and well-being. Many have done so, and I invite you to read their stories here.
Reason #4: Drug “Approvals” are Meaningless
A drug has to be “approved” by the FDA before it can be put on the market. Have you ever wondered why such dangerous drugs get approved, especially when they have side effects worse than the condition they are intended to treat?
Take, for example, the osteoporosis drug Forteo. This drug is a synthetic form of parathyroid hormone, which, oddly, is known to break down bone in conditions like hyperparathyroidism. Yet mysteriously, the Forteo injection causes abnormally rapid growth of bone cells, resulting in a very frightening side effect: osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
Despite the fact that how Forteo “works” was a complete mystery, and despite this potentially fatal side effect, Forteo was approved by the FDA.
Another seemingly “natural” drug not only may cause cancer; it’s also entirely useless in increasing bone density.
I am referring to calcitonin or calcitonin salmon, the fish-based nasal spray, pill, or injection that doesn’t even “work,” and may actually cause cancer in those taking the drug in pill form.4
How Does This Make Any Sense?
The FDA was put in place to monitor drug safety with the public interest at heart. Unfortunately, the reality is much less philanthropic than we’ve been led to believe.
The FDA has forged a disturbing connection with Big Pharma that means two things: more money for them, and harm to your health.
You see, Big Pharma pays “user fees” to the FDA as part of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act of 1992. The intention of these fees was ostensibly to speed up the drug approval process so the United States could keep up with the rest of the world. Not surprisingly, in this game of “catch up”, the only winner is Big Pharma.
In addition, executives with the FDA and Big Pharma are caught in a revolving door as they work for one and then the other. For example, FDA executive Keith Webber left the regulatory agency to work for drug company Perrigo. And on the flip side, Dr. Lawrence Yu, an executive for 8 years at the pharmaceutical companies Pfizer (Upjohn) and GlaxoWellcome, left and joined the FDA. These are just two examples of many.
The Latest FDA Scandal
A recent public records request led to the revelation of hundreds of e-mails between the FDA and various pharmaceutical companies. They also revealed something about how the drug approval process works…and how corrupt it really is.
When a drug is up for approval, the FDA holds a panel, in which clinical trial evidence is discussed. In this most recent scandal, painkillers were the topic of discussion, and much of the discussion took place not before the panel, but behind closed doors.
You see, a select few individuals on the FDA panel’s steering committee met in private with Big Pharma employees to draft documents that would lead to approval. They were effectively bypassing the panel votes.
How did the FDA decide which drug company’s employees got to attend the secret meetings? They chose those who paid, of course – as much as $25,000 to attend one meeting. Shameful!
The question of approval for osteoporosis drugs could be answered easily if only Reason #5 were understood.
Reason #5: Osteoporosis, as Stated in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, is Not a Disease
This is one of the main premises behind the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
“…you don’t have a disease and therefore, it is not ‘your’ osteoporosis or ‘your’ bone disease. Your bone loss is a direct reflection of your biochemistry.”
These words are found in Chapter 1 of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. It refers to the true cause of osteoporosis: an imbalance in the body’s chemistry. Therefore, achieving biochemical balance is the core of the osteoporosis solution. And no drug can do that – only you, by taking your bone health into your hands and with the necessary knowledge, can achieve the ideal state of acidity/alkalinity that your bones need to thrive.
The Osteoporosis Reversal Program, with its comprehensive yet easy nutritional and lifestyle guidelines, is designed to help you achieve that balance and reverse osteoporosis or osteopenia once and for all.
Please click here for all the details about the Program.
Till next time,
References
1 Sharma, Abhishek, M.D., et al. “Risk of Serious Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke With Use of Bisphosphonates: Evidence From a Meta-analysis.” CHEST. October 2013. 144(4): 1311-1322. Web. https://journal.publications.chestnet.org/article.aspx?articleid=1691936
2 Edwards, Beatrice J., et al. “Bisphosphonates and esophageal cancer: A RADAR report.” Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2012 ASCO Annual Meeting. Web. https://meetinglibrary.asco.org/content/92963-114
3 Shane E. et al. Atypical subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures: report of a task force of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. J. Bone Miner Res. 2010 Nov;25(11):2267-94.
4 Perrone, Matthew. “FDA panel sees risk in long-used osteoporosis drug.” Associated Press. Google News. March d40593c619
I am a 68 yr old female with a very small frame.
About 2 yrs ago my bone density revealed osteoporosis. I tried strontium and red mineral algae, but did not take the full dosage. After 2 years there was a slight improvement so I am now take the full suggested dose. A few months ago I passed out and suffered a compressed fracture of the lower spine, after breaking my knee cap in a freak accident. That is when doc issued the 2nd bone scan. He says the improvement (9.7%) in the lower spine is because of the compression when I fractured the back. I had a 2%-3% increase in other areas which I contribute to the supplements. However he wants me to get a Zoledronic Acid injection yearly, because my digestive system can not tolerate Fosamax.
I want to keep taking the supplements with proper diet and exercise for another year or so then take another bone scan before I take Zoledronic Acid. Doc says if I break a hip, I would be immobile so my overall health will go down very rapidly.
I researched the med and I don’t like the side effects listed.
I feel pressured to make a decision soon. Do you think waiting a year or two is acceptable?
I made the most colossal mistake of my life allowing docs to put me on Prolia in 2012. It didn’t even do much to stop bone loss.
In 2018 because of a change in doctors at the university clinic where I was seen, there was a delay of a few weeks in getting a shot and in that time I had three vertebral compression fractures leaving me, a year later, in pain most of the time. I document what happened to me in my blog http://www.JoansBackboneDisaster.com.
The doctor who gave me Prolia had NO help for me when this happened. I had to find rehabilitative help (physical therapy, etc., on my own). They just put me right back on Prolia again when my pain was at its worst, and now I cannot get off it. No one seems to know how to do this safely without breaking more bones. I feel like a fish stuck in a gill net and the drug is creating other problems for me, such as with getting needed dental work done.
I’m working hard to get better with NO help from the doctors. I wish to heaven I knew in 2012 what I know now about all of this! All I can do now is let others know what happened to me in hopes that this will not happen to anyone else!
Dear Vivien, I share your concerns re the Drug Industry & re the poor cost:benefit ratio of the current osteoporosis drugs with significant side effects. I also share your focus on lifestyle factors like weight-bearing exercise & healthy diet. My intro to natural food benefits was back in the Adele Davis days & I used to run ultra marathons. However, my DXA scans indicate that in general, my osteoporosis is worsening, so I continue looking for less harmful treatments that truly are effective. It concerns me when I look up your alma mater & see that they do not offer an MA like you claim. It is especially important that alternative practitioners state their background/credentials accurately & do not overstate their expertise, as this discredits alternative approaches. Please reconsider.
I have been trying to follow the Save our Bones program, but at my most recent scan the hip was listed as osteopenia, but the spine was osteoporosis. My doctor says I am at high risk for fracture. I do not want to start taking drugs. What is the single most important thing I can do to build bone density in my spine?
I had a bone scan three weeks ago. My doctor told me that I have osteoporosis and sent a prescription telling me to start taking Fosamax, 70mg. I was out of town at the time and when I got back to the Assisted Living facility I live at, the Nurse gave me a printout for Fosamax. Just reading the side effects scared e to death I’m on a lot over other meds which I have to take with Yogurt due to a swollowing problem, so when I read that one of the side effects was a difficulty swallowing I called doctor to see what I could do, they never returned my call. After that spent a whole day researching osteoporosis, including your column. I talked to my daughter who is a nurse and she mentioned Prolia. I called the doctor again and his nurse and she said she would talk to him. I read u onProlia, and one again, I was scared! I called the doctor again and just left a message saying that I would not take anything. The next day his nurse called me back and started talking to me about Prolia as if she never got my last message! I just told her, once again, that I would not take anything. It was like she couldn’t believe it! Thank you so much!
My problem now is that my daughter, the nurse, refuses to support me in my decision! More than anything, I’m feeling so sad that I have no one to talk to.
The only person I can trust right now is my psychiatrist, whom I’ve been seeing for 25 years now. The problem is that he is retiring in a month. I feel so lost.
My mother took fosamax for years and passed away from gastric cancer at 80, her mother lived to 94 and took nothing. My Mom’s doctors had her on so many different medications it was ridiculous! She suffered from do many of the side effects mentioned for fosamax. She also almost kidney failure from an osteoarthritis drug called relate that she took. I am 60 and they wanted to put me on fosamax. I said no way!! I am so very sorry you daughter is being non supportive. I understand how you feel whole heartedly. Personally, I believe much of the medical community is in bed with the pharmaceutical companies. I will never take any prescription medication long term unless it is a life or death situation or for palative care. I am so sorry you feel alone, I’d give anything to have my Mom back.
Sorry about the typeos above, but the osteoarthritis med that had my Mom close to kidney failure was relafen (nabumetone). Don’t take the meds!!!
Dear Sir,
We thank you to update this above important details.
Before 8 month, I got positive report of Osteoporosis.
I am taking medicines advised by my doctors but still i feel pain, shevering, weakness,etc…. which made my daily rooting work very difficult.
And now my Dr. suggested Robinaxol.
Please advise me as now i got stuck how many tablets should i intake???
Because i been not over-up from this weakness.
Please advise.
Regards
Jyoti
Hi Jyoti,
I’m sorry, but we’re not set up to advise you regarding medication…on the contrary, the Save Institute is all about drug-free options for osteoporosis management.
You are all fucking liars and crooks, like Thanasis at the Uncle’s Pete’s café.
I just come across your write-ups, questions and answers on osteoporosis. I have been on prescribed drugs. Sincerely, I don’t want to use drugs again but don’t know how to get out of this osteoporosis of a thing. Please what supplement can I go for
Vivian,
I certainly appreciate the work that you have put together on this website, and there is a wealth of information regarding osteoporosis and available treatments. With that said, your stance on osteoporosis medications is completely misguided. As you know, these sensationalized claims have a strong impact on public perception and we should always stick to the facts. I would love the opportunity to discuss point by point the flaws in your article if you desire.
Andrew
I can’t believe how you a man, could believe that ALL of these MEDICATIONS are safe!!! After reading all this research about these medications, why don’t you take them???
There are well meaning academicians out here who trust Big Pharma. Tgey also belirve in Monsanto and otger high powered lobbyists. People need to hear and listen to tgeir bidies, medical histories and true non medical trials run my those paid by tge sponsors to be product. It is a DOCUMENTED fact that most medicines a re poison no katter how the dosage is presented. two drops of lead in water is two drops of lead. Thanks for your research for actual betterment of health.
I too have osteoporosis. I have also opted to not take drugs. I was diagnosed a few years ago and did take them for a time. A couple years ago I had a serious flare of ulcerative colitis and had to use prednisone to get it under control. I went with the gaps diet and studied and learned many things about diet and ph values. During my healing I used bone broth and am convinced it played a huge roll in my recovery . I am totally drug free.i have since read that the health of your nails is related to bone health and when I was using the largest amount of broth was also when my nails were in the best shape ever. This could offer people an option that carries many favourable effects.
I was on 4 different meds for 5 years for my osteoporosis.Pills gave me heart burn so bad I could hardly stand it. Infusions were ok with no side effects, that is until I lifted my leg and my femur cracked in half. I wouldn’t advise anyone to take any of these medicines. I feel Iike I was used as a guinea pig and my dr. got paid on both ends, by me, ins. co and probably the pharm. co. that pushed it, and she probably has stock in big pharm co. too.So disillusioned with my dr. of over 25 yrs.
Everyone should read the book titled…..The Magnesium Miracle & the section on Osteoporosis….