Reported Fosamax Adverse Effects 

A formulation classified within the class of drugs known as bisphosphonates, the anti-resorptive drug mainly works by changing the cycle of bone formation breakdown in the body, and aids in inhibiting bone loss while sustaining and maintaining bone mass – a prevention commonly taken to impede detrimental and limiting bone fractures.
 
Fosamax’s approved indications include treating and preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, providing assistance with elevating bone mineral density in osteoporotic men, and Paget’s disease of the bone, after being distributed as the first bone-building medication.  Fosamax has been highly regarded as a bone-sparing medication in the bisphosphonates class of drugs.
 
Less Serious Side Effects of Fosamax

After it has gained entry into the United States retail market in 1995, Fosamax, also sold by its generic name alendronate, has reportedly been considered as a miracle therapy by an incredible number of Americans struggling with a bone disorder or who may be at an increased likelihood of developing a skeletal condition. As one of the the flagship products of drug manufacturer Merck and Co., the medication has reportedly been commonly used by individuals suffering from osteoporosis, and highly popular especially in osteoporotic postmenopausal women.

The benefits that come with Fosamax may also be accompanied with certain side effects, as all medications have been thought to carry with them, medical researchers say. While most people may have higher tolerance threshold for medication, some patients may still experience the occurrence of Fosamax side effects.
 
Less serious side effects of Fosamax include mild heartburn, bloating, mild nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, diarrhea, gas or constipation, mild joint pain, swelling hands and feet, dizziness, eye pain or headache.
 
Inadvertent Effects Fosamax Has Been Reported To Cause
 
Deteriorating Jawbone

Since it had acquired the approval of the United States Food and Drug Administration to enter the pharmaceutical market, bisphosphonates medications such as Fosamax have been associated with a string of inadvertent effects.  In 2003, a number of researchers were reported to have analyzed the potential connection of prolonged Fosamax use and the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) – a condition that leads to the death of the jawbone – in patients.
 
Limiting Pain 

Reports of disabling pain in some users have also reportedly emerged with some patients relating the adverse effect to the use of Fosamax and other bisphosphonates drugs, which in turn reportedly led for the US FDA to remind physicians and patients alike with early diagnosis and corresponding treatment as immediate as possible.
 
Fractures

A 2011 study, which was documented in the American Medical Association journal, reportedly suggested that postmenopausal women under bisphosphonates therapy longer than five years may be faced with higher chances of experiencing atypical fractures than patients who may be taking the medication for three months or less.  Also known as atypical fractures, these serious injuries are typically found in older adults with declining health, according to medical journals.  Biphosphonate drugs reportedly prescribed to women in the study included Actonel (risedronate), Didronel (etidronate), and Fosamax (alendronate sodium).  

 
Irregular heartbeat

Another early study, published in the journal of Drug Safety, has also reportedly analyzed a possible link between bisphosphonates and the development of atrial fibrillation (a heart condition characterized by irregular beating of the heart).  The research team reportedly concluded that while there was a possible link between the use of bisphosphonates and the development of irregular heartbeat in the study cohorts, the findings were reportedly conflicting, as the results may not yield strong evidence for the potential risks to outweigh its benefits, especially for fracture prevention in osteoporotic women.
 
What Experts Have to Say 

Although the bisphosphonates have been surrounded with controversies, medical experts highlight that many patients may still benefit from the bone-protecting qualities of these drugs.  The list of potential adverse effects may not be all-inclusive, however, an afflicted individual is always recommended to increase conversation with his or her prescribing clinician as the primary source of information that involves a medication’s benefits and risks, patients are also advised to report any indication side effects for timely treatment.
 
 
URL References:
rxlist.com/fosamax-drug/indications-dosage.htm
drugs.com/fosamax.html
cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-questions/about-bisphosphonates-and-jaw-problems#link
mayoclinic.com/health/fosamax/AN01379/
medicalnewstoday.com/articles/93195.php
medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Osteoporosis/13665
nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc0707493
breastcancer.org/tips/new_research/20110223.jsp