Ask Dr. Gott: Osteoporosis drugs cause concerns

Dear Dr. Gott: I just read in The New York Times that long-term use of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis can lead to weaker bones.

[Virginia Krueger]

I was given Fosomax for osteoporosis about 9 yrs. ago. After taking it for about a year or more I had began having indigestion and pressure in my chest and since I was nearing 70 yrs, my doctor recommended a nuclear stress test. I had not been on the treadmill more than 3 minutes when my heart began to race and I was having trouble continuing the test. I was given nitoglycerin and taken to the Intensive care unit of the hospital and later was given a heart catherization to see if I had blockage as I was told I had come very close to having a heart attack. The test revealed very little blockage and I have not had any further problems with my heart. Since I had mentioned having heartburn and indigestion they decided that maybe it was caused by the Fosomax and it was discontinued. However, the doctor could not explain the episode on the treadmill. Your article seems to solve that puzzle. It evidentally was caused by the Fosomax. I will add that I began an exercise program to increase my bone density and have succeeded in creasing it by 10%

[Mel Ingram]

Dr. Gott, your article about Fosamax failed to relate a serious side affect that would effect EVERY person who takes one of these osteoprosis drugs, such as Actonel.

The public is not being warned about the side affects of Actonel in blood that can be measured by a CTx blood test for BONJ (bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaw).

EVERY person who has taken these drugs for even a few months is subject to BONJ, especially if they happen to need a tooth extraction, root canal or other surgery that might affect the jaw bone.

Even if dental surgery does not become necessary there are cases when patients lose jaw bone due to oteonnecrosis.

I think every physician, every dentist, every pharmacy and every person who takes one of these drugs should be warned. I also think the government should clearly put a warning on the packaging and container in which such drugs are dispensed.

[sue]

Mel
You are so right, I took these drugs for three years and suffered with MAJOR muscle and bone pain. Also, I also have a friend who took Fosamax for 6 years, and one day when she was at work she bit into a muffin and four of her bottom teeth literally cracked in two. Her dentist will not work on her mouth until she has been off the fosamax for 3 mos, and then he will re-evaulate her. The dentist called her Dr, and the Dr said
"yes, we are seeing more and more jaw and teeth problems". So why are they still prescribing this junk???????? Something needs to be done before its too late

[Scared by Big Pharma]

Hmmm, teeth are basically like bone. So if these stupid drugs are doing that to the teeth and jaw you can only wonder what they are really doing to your bones.
I will never take this stuff.
Talk now of damage to heart and eyes as well.

Did someone say lawsuit??

[Chris]

Hi All,

Osteoporosis case now a day, can be treated by not using any kind of drug. As you know Drug are not good for our health.

Thank You.

[Osteo Mike]

Dear Forum,

I have osteoporosis too, and have taken Fosamax. I became concerned about the long term effects and decided to look for an alternative. There is one! I found a Chinese Herbal Medicine called Xianling Gubao. It is hard to find here in the states, as it is under approval by our FDA at this time. It is offered in OTC form in China, however, and I have a supplier there.
Unlike many Chinese Traditional Medicines, this one is manufactured by a highly respected firm who does clinical trials to verify the efficacy of their medicines. Xianling Gubao in its trials shows efficacy equal to the biophosphonates! It has no side effects, either!
I have decided to try and market it, and have a website. If you are interested, I have links to the clinical trial information. The price is reasonable, considering shipping from China.
Feel free to contact me for any information!
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

Sincerely,
Mike