Bisphosphonates are ordered in as many as 30 million prescriptions annually in the United States. One reason for that is because one bisphosphonate can be given as pain reliever for bone metastases of prostate cancer; however, on top of that, Fosamax, a drug under bisphosphonate class, is one of the most preferred by physicians as treatment for osteoporosis. Now that Fosamax is patronized by a myriad of patients, reinforcing the knowledge of thwarting Fosamax side effects is very necessary.

According to Merck & Co., Fosamax may yield the following unintended effects:

  - Problems in the esophagus

- Hypocalcemia or having serum calcium levels below normal

- Severe pain on the bones, joints or muscles

- Death of jaw bone tissue (osteonecrosis)

- Low-impact thigh bone fracture

  -  Take the drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor

  -  Take the drug after getting up and before taking any food, drink, or other drug

  -  Take this medicine while standing or sitting upright along with a full glass of plain water only  never                    keep the drug on your mouth for too long by chewing or sucking  its oral forms

  -  Within the next 30 minutes, do not switch into a reclining position and do not take any food, Medication
        or drink (except plain water)

In addition to the tips stated above, you are advised to temporarily stop taking Fosamax and call your doctor immediately once you felt chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or difficulty or pain during swallowing. Any of these conditions may be suggestive of a damage on your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and your stomach) such as irritation, inflammation, or ulceration which may include bleeding at times.

Also, spasms, twitches and muscles cramps; or numbness or tingling sensation in your fingers, toes or around your mouth, are possibly due to hypocalcemia which needs to be reported to your physician right away. Most of the time, calcium and vitamin D supplements may be added on your therapy but only take these drugs if your doctor says so.

Rare but significant counts of people incurring an unusual thigh bone fracture due to long-term use of the drug have also been reported. Thus, don%u2019t forget to ask your doctor about the course of your therapy and your risk for such adverse reaction. What%u2019s more is that most of these situations ultimately resulted in the litigation of Fosamax lawsuits against the the drug maker. Although undoubtedly beneficial, taking Fosamax requires precautions and responsibilities that every patronizer needs to be aware of.

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