Worst Drug for Osteoporosis? Bisphosphonate Drugs, Fear, Confusion and Facts

Excellent presentation. Concise, informative and delivered well. I find speech patterns highly diagnostic for intelligence and the good Dr. has it in spades. Thanks

I am 60 and was diagnosed with osteoporosis 4 years ago. T SCORE -2.5 I was also overweight. I started on a serious exercise regiment of walking, yoga, weights. And a calcium and vitamin supplement together with dietary improvements. As i got fitter, i started running and increased the weights. I lost weight, all my pains disappeared. My bones improved. My health improved and even my mood improved. I now love to exercise, its the best decision i ever took .

My aunt was prescribed a bisphosphate (Fosamax I think) for her osteoporosis. She's also previously had oral cancer and radiation treatments for that cancer. She should never have been prescribed that medicine given her medical history. She died of necrosis of the jawbone (complications due to...?, but yes, we were told it was 'necrosis of the jawbone' that killed her). I feel like too many Drs prescribe patients whatever is the common drug for whatever issue without considering a person's total health picture, medical history, or even what other drugs they're currently on. And then they get angry with you if you don't want to take it or express concern or reluctance - some are even horrible bullies about it. People are losing faith in doctors, and its not surprising.

What a nightmare osteoporosis is, and it’s crazy how it’s not taken as seriously as it should!!!

My poor mother took an oral bisphosphonate drug for 20 years, and her lower spine collapsed into itself. A surgeon tried to repair it, but she developed an infection and died of sepsis. Never never never would I take one of these drugs that I consider dangerous.

My dr started me on alendronate 70 mg, for last 2 months, extreme pain on bottom of both feet, got steroid injections on both feet, fixing to get steroid injection on L-4, L-5, bc of recurring sciatica. I can’t even go exercise anymore & it all started after taking this drug, I AM NOT taking this crap anymore, I’d rather die exercising sporadically than nothing at all. Never had prob’s w/plantar fasciitis before! Yes I have osteoporosis & osteopenia but I was happy before, I was exercising, now nada! No more Alendronate for me, I’m 75 & miserable w/this drug. No mas!!

Thank you for this information. It has been very helpful for me to hear. I took a 30 day Boniva pill in my early 50’s. I started breaking out in hives within 15 minutes and my throat was swelling shut. So I took a benydryl capsule and went immediately to the close hospital ER for help. I had to take Benadryl for 30 days every four hours. Also, my jaw started hurting. It was not a good medication for me. A very scary & awful experience. My physician advised that I never take another bone building drug because they are all cousins. Currently, I have been able to increase my bone health with diet, vitamins and exercises.

If you have understood the difference between absolute and relative risk, you have a better understanding than most doctors. Thanks for explaining this here again, doc.

My neighbor and my sister both took bisphosphonates; one weekly, and the other was a monthly prescription. They both had extreme pain immediately in their bones. My neighbor, 82 yrs old, went to the hospital for help, screaming in pain and they told her there was no antidote for that and she'd have to just put up with it and it would probably last a month. They gave her painkillers, which she eventually got hooked on, and no resolution for what she took. That's why I will never, ever take bisphosphonate's.

Helpful and practical video. When Fosamax first came out, it was even being prescribed for osteopenia. Now some doctors say it should not be prescribed for people who don't actually have osteoporosis. At first, the drug was considered a lifetime drug. Since some serious side effects have come to light, they have backed off on long-term use, using such terms as "drug holiday." The bottom line is that some of the earlier guidelines for this drug are being walked back. Despite that, many doctors are still promoting it without taking these patient differences into consideration. Let's all hope and pray a better, less dangerous drug comes along.

I have taken them all. Most made me sick after using for a period of time. I rather risk fractures than ever be on these drugs again.

Thank you for explaining the variables. I’m 69 and have been researching this heavily for the past year. This is the first conversation I’ve seen that actually offers a considered approach vs a blanket ‘don’t take the meds’ approach. I will be signing up for your masterclass and recommending this channel to friends also diagnosed with osteoporosis

I agree. Please talk about women and men in their 70’s.

I so much appreciate this video!! What a clear and concise explanation of bisphosphonates. I was prescribed them at age 40 because of osteopenia and had horrible side effects. Doctors have continued to push me to take these drugs even though they made my quality of life so bad. I am now in my late 60's and probably have osteoporosis. I had a DEXA scan 6 years ago that still showed osteopenia and have now decided that there is no point in getting another one because I cannot tolerate the drugs. I have made every lifestyle change possible and that will have to be good enough.

This was the most informative, unbiased video I've seen, and I can't thank you enough!

Thank you so much for this clear explanation of relative vs absolute risk. Patients need more of these tools to manage their health!

Such a helpful post. I am example 2 and you've described the concerns so well. Thank you for a balanced approach without one side fearmongering.

Thank you very much for making a complex subject so understandable.

Wow! Excellent explanation of choosing or not choosing to take the bisphosonates. Well organized and clear presentation! Thank you.

This is such a concise and unbiased presentation of facts. I really appreciate you and will watch and learn from your channel. Thank you!