Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis (Jan. 2009)

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 12:36 pm

Worst Pills, Best Pills Newsletter Articles

Long-term Use of Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis
Emerging reports of a rare but unique type of fracture in patients receiving bisphosphonates for many years point toward the drug as a possible culprit. Unlike most drugs, bisphosphonates remain in your body for many years after you stop taking them. Further investigation into the risks, as well as benefits, of long-term bisphosphonate use is needed. But, because there is little evidence of benefit after five years and the long-term risks remain largely unknown, it is reasonable to discuss with your doctor discontinuing these drugs after five years. However, you should continue to take calcium and vitamin D supplements at currently suggested doses (discussed in the article) regardless of whether or not you are on bisphosphonates.

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:07 pm

Thank you for the article, Joan.

I've mentioned that I stopped using Fosamax a few months ago because of those reports. I was just researching Fosamax and I came across this user forum discussing eye problems resulting from it:

http://www.topix.com/forum/drug/fosamax ... 1NP6DCTB3G

I was totally surprised to see the forum because I've had blurry vision and dark spots in my right eye for the past several months. I haven't mentioned it here because it didn't seem to have anything to do with MC. I went to my opthomologist who did a thorough exam and merely acted relieved that I didn't have a tear in my retina. She had no explanation nor advice and I have just been living with it. Now I'm wondering if it has any connection to taking the Fosamax. It sounds like some find improvement after going off it and some don't. I haven't had any change since stopping the Fosamax.

Gloria

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:34 pm

Floaters or permanent dark spots? I have plenty of floaters and blurriness from the eye that got the implant for one of my cataracts. I need to have a laser treatment for it but it's on my 12th of Never list.

I haven't been taking my Fosamax because of the reported jaw problems and the heart palpitations. My regular doc was OK with it but my oncologist said get back on it. I also was off it to rest my gut from all the meds......