Fosamax and Bone Pain: What Users Say

• Sij...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2013

For Osteoporosis "When I first started this, there were little small side effects. I figured over time I would get used to the side effects and thus deal with them. Instead, the side effects became intolerable. I would test the med by taking it while I was feeling well. I still had several side effects. Finally, the last time I took this, the side effects made me sick for two full days. Terrible upset stomach, extreme gas and bloating. Worse aches and pains, unable to sleep even with sleep medication. On the verge of vomiting at any moment, very dizzy. Extreme bone pain. Several other situations happened with the last dose."

• Tis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2019

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I was prescribed Fosamax for osteopenia. I have taken a total of 6 doses. I had no side effects for the first 2 weeks. By the 3rd week, extreme fatigue and headaches. I continued for another 3 weeks hoping symptoms would go away. When they didn't, I discontinued taking it. But a week AFTER I quit, I developed severe bone pain, unbearable pain which is worse at night. I am taking arthritis drug to make the days bearable. SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME THIS PAIN EVENTUALLY GOES AWAY!! I will be calling my Dr. on Monday."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2020

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "I took Fosamax for several months back in 2010. My scan showed osteopenia. After those months, I started to have severe bone pain in both legs. A large amount of my hair also fell out. I stopped the Fosamax. The pain took about 6 months to stop. The hair stopped falling out and after a year returned to normal. Terrible experience."

• Ran...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2019

For Osteoporosis "I had a bone scan. Dr. said I had mild osteoporosis and to take Fosamax once a week and some added supplements to help bone repair. I took it on a Monday. Within 24 hours, I hurt head to toe! Deep down bone and tissue pain. Tylenol didn’t touch it. I was in a recliner for 3 days, crying to get up to go to the bathroom. I have had morphine for less pain than this! I’m tough but this was ridiculous! My muscles and bones hurt so bad just to breathe even. My knee swelled up along with all other pain. After 3 days, it started to improve slightly every day. After 7 days, I went to the chiropractor. He put my right jaw, 3 or 4 ribs, my left shoulder, and knee back in place. All from taking this drug! Doctor offered to give me a shot that lasted 6 months, I said absolutely not!"

• red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2021

For Prevention of Osteoporosis "Prescribed Fosamax and took only ONE weekly pill and after 2 days I felt deep bone pain in my thigh, like drop-you-in-your-tracks pain. For 3 days after, I truly thought I would have a thigh fracture - so I quit. Going the supplement route so we will see. If it works for you, great - not for me."

• Fer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Solgar Advanced Calcium Complex really helped with my horrible side effects of taking this drug. The side effects started on day 2 after my 1st dose. Bone pain (legs and teeth), restless sleep, and an overall feeling of ickiness for 2 weeks. It seemed to trigger binge eating of salty carbohydrates. I gained 8 pounds! My registered dietitian daughter recommended I take a calcium supplement that contained vitamin K2. I immediately started to feel better. Over the 3rd week, most of my symptoms have resolved. Needless to say, I will NOT TAKE ANOTHER DOSE OF THIS."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2025

For Osteoporosis "After just one dose, seven hours later, I had a fever, chills, nausea, fatigue, and stomach issues. The second day, I was tired and chilled in the evening with bone pain in my back and also the third morning. Very achy. I am considering not taking any more doses."