Do Benefits of Fosamax and Boniva Outweigh the Risks?

I had my first DEXA scan at age 54. The doctors office called with the results and said you have osteoporosis and need to start taking Boniva. I said okay, I will stop by your office on the way home from work to pick up the prescription and asked that they put a copy of the DEXA scan report with it. I knew I probably would not take the drug, but I wanted a copy of my report.

The report showed that I have osteopenia, not osteoporosis. My spine was a low normal, barely into the osteopenia range, my hip on the other hand was very close to the osteoporosis range. It is normal for people, especially women to lose bone density as they age and this often results in broken hips when you get older. Broken hips in the elderly often lead to death. So how wonderful, now you can just swallow a pill to prevent bone loss. I only wish it was so easy!

First off the doctor should have told me my readings, not just called and told me to take Boniva without informing me the dangers of the drug. Fosamax which is similar to Boniva already has class action lawsuits against it. Boniva was approved in March of 2005 so long term affects remain to be seen. 7.1% of subjects in the one year trial for once monthly Boniva had serious side effects.

Taking any drug can be scary after reading some of the side effects, but you should read them first and decide for yourself if it is worth the risk. Some people have severe bone pain that continues for months after taking one Boniva, there are stories about bone loss in the jaw, flu like symptoms, cancer of the esophagus. Click to read patients comments on Boniva.

There are other ways to combat bone loss besides taking Boniva or Fosamax. Increasing your calcium and vitamin D and weight bearing exercises are helpful. Fair skinned and thin people are more prone to osteoporosis. Smoking contributes to bone loss. I don't think my bones will crumble in a year if I don't take Boniva. My choice is to take calcium every day and do more weight bearing exercises. When I have my next DEXA scan it can be compared to the first to see how rapid my bone loss is.

If my doctors knew what they were doing they would have suggested I have I bone scan at age 50 since I am in a high risk group. I am fair skinned, thin, used to smoke and have scoliosis. When I asked my doctor about a bone scan several years ago he said I didn't need one till I was 60. If I had a scan at 50 I might have been taking calcium for 4 years already and not lost so much bone. Do have a scan, and if your doctor suggests a drug like Boniva be sure to read up on it and make your own decision.

Read Osteoporosis drugs linked to bone fractures.