Fosamax Side Effects

Summary

Possible side effects of Fosamax may include mild symptoms such as nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea, which are not a concern unless they worsen or do not go away. Serious side effects like dead jaw and localized pain in the jaw are less common but can also occur. Information about these side effects is provided below.

Common Fosamax Side Effects

Fosamax is used to commonly treat a variety of bone disease, such as osteitis deformans and osteoporosis. However, use of this drug has caused some side effects in patients, many of which are related to the gastrointestinal tract. Some of these side effects include:

• Severe constipation
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramping
• Ulcers of the esophagus

In addition to the side effects that may occur in the GI tract, there are a number of other side effects that can result from the use of this drug. Some may include:

• Eye problems
• Generalized pain of the bones, joints, or muscles
• Skin rash

These side effects are typically not serious, but if they continue to worsen or do not subside, patients may want to seek medical treatment and the advice of physician.

Serious Fosamax Side Effects

Some of the most frequently experienced serious side effects of Fosamax are due to an allergic reaction. If this occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Some of the most common serious side effects include:

• Rash
• Swelling of the skin
• Hives
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, face, and mouth
• Tightness in the chest
• Difficulty breathing

Serious side effects of Fosamax that are not caused by an allergic reaction have also been experienced, the most serious of which is the development of “dead jaw” or osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is a bone disease. This type of bone disease is commonly associated with large joints, such as the shoulders, ankles, knees, or hips. Its onset is linked with the permanent or temporary loss of blood to bone tissue, and this result in the death of the tissue and eventual collapse of the affected bone. Fosamax users can develop a serious case of this disease in the jaw, and extreme pain is associated with the death of the jawbone tissue. Symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw are similar to the symptoms of arthritis, and they can include:

• Exposure of the bone within the oral cavity
• Soft tissue infections
• Loosening of the teeth
• Localized pain in the jaw
• A feeling of altered sensation or numbness

Fosamax Food Interactions

When taking Fosamax or alendronate, it is important to note that certain foods may cause side effects or interactions. For example, products that contain calcium, aluminum, and magnesium are likely to interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of oral bisphosphonates.

Food, coffee, and orange juice can significantly reduce the absorption of Fosamax, and although they may not cause specific symptoms, it will reduce the effectiveness of the medication, and the symptoms of the initial condition will remain.

Fosamax with Treatment of Other Diseases

Fosamax side effects can also occur when taking this medication in conjunction with the treatment of other diseases. The three diseases of particular importance include:

• Hypocalcemia
• Upper Gastrointestinal Mucosal Irritation
• Renal dysfunction

Upper GI mucosal irritation may be the most common and severe, and symptoms of this condition when aggravated by Fosamax may include:

• Esophageal disease
• Dyspepsia
• Peptic ulcer
• Dysphagia
• Gastritis

Fosamax or alendronate has successfully treated and prevented osteoporosis and other bone diseases in both men and women. Despite its benefits, some Fosamax side effects have also been experienced. It is important for patients to discuss any other conditions they may have or medications they are taking in order to reduce the chances of experiencing these side effects.