Fosamax and eye problems and phantom odours

[G Miller Vancouver BC]

Has anyone reading this forum experienced problems with their eyes since they began taking fosamax?
I have read of some people developing retinal problems while on fosamax due to a sodium component in the drug. The small vessels behind the retina can hemorrage and detach or warp the retina. There was also some mention of people being bothered by strange and strong odours that come and go but no-one else can smell them.
I am curious because eye problems could be overlooked, hence the question posed here.
My wife has been taking fosamax for 2 years and had a partial retinal detachment in her right eye and now requires surgery on her left eye (retinal problem, macular pucker). She has been experiencing these phantom odours for the last few months that are raising alarms with our Doctor. She has had her sinuses x-rayed and will be going for a CT scan next. One year ago during a routine dental check-up a cyst was discovered and she required a root-canal on a tooth that was under some bridge-work that was 10 years old.
Does anyone else have a similar history? Please reply here or email me at [e-mail]

[repost]

try here: www.askpatient.com and type in fosamax and scroll down ..

[repost]

sorry wrong link .. here is the right one:

http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp...

[Lois Breadsell]

I had only been taking fosamax for a month when I suffered a retinal detachment of the right eye, which required laser surgery.

[amy]

Lois Breadsell wrote:

I had only been taking fosamax for a month when I suffered a retinal detachment of the right eye, which required laser surgery.

Me too. I am 53 years old, was on actonel and also had a detached retina. Intuitively I believed there was a link and want to communicate with others in a similar situation.

[Jim]

About 1.5 yrs ago I had pain and blurred vision of my right eye. I was found to have retinal bleeding that resolved on it's own and now have a scare on my retina. I also have Jaw pain and all my teeth have decayed and I need dentures. Remain with sweeling on Left side of face and swollen glands. I am 51, have osteopenia and osteoperosis. I was on fosamax for about four years and stopped it approx. twelve months ago because i need the oral surgeryand my Rheumotologist told me to stop taking it until the surgery was performed but never told me why. I figured it was probably like Aspirin and it might make you bleed after surgery. This is the first I have herd of ONJ. and eye problems.

[Geoff]

I had the same exact same eye problems at Jim about 2 years after I started taking 70mg weekly fosamax. I was told that it was likely stress related and didn't make any connection to Fosamax till now, but now I wonder. Up until that moment, I had better than 20/20 vision, which has degraded progressively since (in addition to the central serous retinopathy

[Walter]

I'm an optometrist in Ft. Lauderdale. Two days ago a patient reported an unusual history: a couple years ago she had been started on Fosamax and experienced a retinal bleed within a few days. Her PCP advised her that there was no connection, and to continue with the drug, but then also saw an eye doctor who told her in strong terms to stop it. Luckily, she recovered relatively good vision - at which time her PCP told her it was OK to go back on Fosamax - quickly leading to another retinal bleed. She was lucky to recover reasonably well a second time.
On her visit to me she gave me the history, and also said she had just visited a new doctor who prescribed the once a week version of Fosamox, telling her forcefully that she really needed it. She had already filled the Rx, but had apprehensions so had not started it yet.
I was amazed, but after my advice I hope she'll never again consider any drug in this class, and recognize when insane advice should be ignored.

[Blondie]

I too was diagnosed with a macular pucker and now have severe vision loss in one eye. At the time I had been on fosamax for 3 years. Somehow I made the connection because I had had some redness and eye pain. The Drs. pooh-poohed any connection but I stopped the drug and have not had any further problems; although I still have the vision loss.

[Sue]

I experienced blurred vision in my right eye. I went to an opthamologist and he suggested I stop
the Fosamax (which I had planned on doing anyways because of all the bone and joint pain). My
eye has cleared up for the most part, but once in
ahwile, the blurriness comes back. WILL NEVER
TAKE THE DRUG AGAIN!!!!!!!!!

[rsu]

I had been taking Fosamox on and off for 4 years .I donot know whether my eye trouble started after this or not.But I do have blurred vision.
But I have developed kidney trouble and the strange smells.
Has this anyhting to do with Fosamox? I have stopped taking Fosamox against the wishes of my Dr.
Now I want to know what I can take intead of Fosamox because I have severe osteoporosis.
RS

[Michelle]

I took one, once a week phosomax and on the very first day had chest pains six hours later. I also experience joint and bone pain, acid reflux which I still have, plus nausea and headache. I hate to think what might have happened had I taken phosomax the second week.

Was also fortunate to have a good doctor who recognized that I should stop taking phosomax. Walter the optometrist gave good advice to a lady who continued to listen to other doctors..too bad she did not use some common sense and listen to her optometrist..Pills kill, the less you take the healthier you will stay. Every drug has its side affects sooner or later..thankfully I did not take the once a month Boniva.

Why do some doctors insist that patients continue taking phosomax and other drugs in spite of their complaints.

Have you ever known people to take one pill for an ailment only to have added problems which the doctor masks with another pill which causes still more problems rather than find the root cause? People do your research if you have a computer..use it.

[Denice]

I am 51 and have been on Fosamax Plus D (70mg/2800IU) for 7 months. Last month I had a detached retina in my left eye which was corrected with laser surgery. Now, 4 weeks post surgery, my vision isn't clear (like looking through a brown tinted lens), and now my right eye has been having some small floaters.
I have also been experiencing dental problems. I've been having pain in my front incisors, but my dentist can't find any reason for the pain except that I "may" be grinding my teeth. A dental splint has helped, but not completely.
I've decided to take myself off Fosamax. Better to take 1000mg of calcium with 400IU of vitamin D twice a day and do weight bearing exercises like lift weights (10 pounds will do) overhead.

[Blondie]

I was also taking the 70mg dose too. It has now been 2 years since I stopped taking it. Unfortunately my vision problems remain. I think you made the right decision getting off the medication. Good luck
,
.

[Pam]

Michelle wrote:

I took one, once a week phosomax and on the very first day had chest pains six hours later. I also experience joint and bone pain, acid reflux which I still have, plus nausea and headache. I hate to think what might have happened had I taken phosomax the second week.
Was also fortunate to have a good doctor who recognized that I should stop taking phosomax. Walter the optometrist gave good advice to a lady who continued to listen to other doctors..too bad she did not use some common sense and listen to her optometrist..Pills kill, the less you take the healthier you will stay. Every drug has its side affects sooner or later..thankfully I did not take the once a month Boniva.
Why do some doctors insist that patients continue taking phosomax and other drugs in spite of their complaints.
Have you ever known people to take one pill for an ailment only to have added problems which the doctor masks with another pill which causes still more problems rather than find the root cause? People do your research if you have a computer..use it.

I stopped taking Fosamax D and noticed I do have blurry eyes BUT I do use the computer a lot; also, lots of sciatica and still losing height. I too am going to just do more calcium AND pls consider, ladies, Glucosamine Chondroitin now avail. everywhere and do the walking, swimming and weight bearing exercises. NOT taking Fosamax or Actonel (Act. really messed with my digest sysem) means: you have to be more proactive and if you hate exercise, ask yourself "Do I hate it or looking old, getting shorter and losing strength?" It really is up to US to educate ourselves and to work individually and communally in fighting back. Drug companies prob succeed because so many of us get mentally lazy when it comes to our own health. And we are raised to trust the medical profession and doctors. Vitamin stores (the little cottage one? hint hint)has a great osteo drug alternative. If you are v lactose intolerant, try just yogurt building up tolerance and try flavored Cod Liver oil in sm doses, eat canned salmon (wild) w little bones, I have an over 50 deg curve in my spine and move around a lot. Flexibility is very important if you have osteo and other forms of arthritis; swimming is a lifesaver so is simple weight lifting, learn to do it right and then do it at home. Acupuncture and chiropractic sessions can really help along with good therapeutic massage, spend yr money on yourself and less on drugs!

[Pam]

G Miller Vancouver BC wrote:

Has anyone reading this forum experienced problems with their eyes since they began taking fosamax?
I have read of some people developing retinal problems while on fosamax due to a sodium component in the drug. The small vessels behind the retina can hemorrage and detach or warp the retina. There was also some mention of people being bothered by strange and strong odours that come and go but no-one else can smell them.
I am curious because eye problems could be overlooked, hence the question posed here.
My wife has been taking fosamax for 2 years and had a partial retinal detachment in her right eye and now requires surgery on her left eye (retinal problem, macular pucker). She has been experiencing these phantom odours for the last few months that are raising alarms with our Doctor. She has had her sinuses x-rayed and will be going for a CT scan next. One year ago during a routine dental check-up a cyst was discovered and she required a root-canal on a tooth that was under some bridge-work that was 10 years old.
Does anyone else have a similar history? Please reply here or email me at [e-mail]

Hi I thought of something, the odors might be from the fact that this is in part or wholly (don't know logistics or complete makeup of Foxamax)a SULPHUR drug and sulphur does cause odor. Just a guess. The fact that so many have vision problems and a great many have jaw damage is enough for me. Take care.

[Linda]

I, too, have had a lot of eye problems. Two 1/2 yrs. ago vitruous gel in the right eye pulled away and caused a small hole in the retina (in the peripheral part). I was sent to a retina specialist who thought it best to laser the hole, just to make sure it stayed flat. Two years later I developed a macular pucker (scar tissue formed on the retina and then started puckering which caused puckering of the retina). I had surgery - two days later had a second surgery due to a staph infection I contacted during my first surgery. Two weeks later I had a 3rd surgery as the retina detached at the top. Four weeks later I had my 4th surgery because the retina detached from below. Two months later I had my 5th surgery to, again, get rid of scar tissue on the macular part of the retina. During this whole process I lost the lens in my eye. I have been taking Actonel for approximately four years as I was diagnosed with osteopenia. I also take Effexor XR 75mg and have for many, many years after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and accompanying anxiety/depression. Has anyone else out there had any similar problems.

[Linda]

I, too, have had three episodes of smelling a strange odor, and no one else could smell it. The smell was rather offensive because it reminded me of a wound that had infection in it. The smell of pus - I realize this explanation is rather gross but, it is the only way I know how to describe it. Infection has a slightly sweet, sickening smell, and that's what it reminded me of.

[Frances White]

Denice wrote:

I am 51 and have been on Fosamax Plus D (70mg/2800IU) for 7 months. Last month I had a detached retina in my left eye which was corrected with laser surgery. Now, 4 weeks post surgery, my vision isn't clear (like looking through a brown tinted lens), and now my right eye has been having some small floaters.
I have also been experiencing dental problems. I've been having pain in my front incisors, but my dentist can't find any reason for the pain except that I "may" be grinding my teeth. A dental splint has helped, but not completely.
I've decided to take myself off Fosamax. Better to take 1000mg of calcium with 400IU of vitamin D twice a day and do weight bearing exercises like lift weights (10 pounds will do) overhead.

I just started taking Fosamax and had only taken one when I experienced terrible joint pains all over my body within the first week. To say the least I didn't take the second pill. It was too late. I started having dental problems and within a couple of days of the next week I had a horrible tooth ache in my stomach tooth. I might add, I have fillings, bridges and a partial but have not had a problem for at least 6 to 8 years. I went to my dentist and had an exam with x-rays and no problem was found. The pain persisted and I went back. My dentist said no cavity so a root canal had to be done and an abcess was found. They did the root canal 3 weeks ago and I continue to have pain in that tooth. I had my teeth cleaned and wouldn't you know they found two cavities in other teeth one being the eye tooth and back molar. All of the changes are on my right side??? I had the fillings this past Tuesday and can't put my bridge in because I still have pain. Makes me wonder what other damage has been done that I'm not aware of yet.

[Blondie]

Linda wrote:

I, too, have had a lot of eye problems. Two 1/2 yrs. ago vitruous gel in the right eye pulled away and caused a small hole in the retina (in the peripheral part). I was sent to a retina specialist who thought it best to laser the hole, just to make sure it stayed flat. Two years later I developed a macular pucker (scar tissue formed on the retina and then started puckering which caused puckering of the retina). I had surgery - two days later had a second surgery due to a staph infection I contacted during my first surgery. Two weeks later I had a 3rd surgery as the retina detached at the top. Four weeks later I had my 4th surgery because the retina detached from below. Two months later I had my 5th surgery to, again, get rid of scar tissue on the macular part of the retina. During this whole process I lost the lens in my eye. I have been taking Actonel for approximately four years as I was diagnosed with osteopenia. I also take Effexor XR 75mg and have for many, many years after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and accompanying anxiety/depression. Has anyone else out there had any similar problems.

I was wondering what your final visual outcom
e was after all your surgeries. Has it improved? I am considering surgery for macular pucker removal in January amd am curious as to others outcomes and opinions.