So I have gone through menopause and recently after a bone density test my GP wanted to put me on Fosomax or Boniva or do an infusion. After reading about the possible side effects of these drugs, especially necrosis of the jaw... I can tell you I really would like to avoid these medications. But are there any other options. My GP is really leaning on me to take this stuff. With my PD he is afraid I will fall and break a bone. For the record I have not fallen yet, my balance is good. Also, the first time we talked about it he described the results as "mild bone thinning". At a follow up appt. he said it was substantial. Next time I plan to ask him what the actual numbers are . Interestingly he did not say anything about my teeth. I have a couple of teeth that may need root canals in the future.( For anyone interested there is an online article called USC dentist links fosomax-type drugs to jaw necrosis) The only thing I can find is to take 1000 mg of vit. D3 along with my calcium supplements but my sense was that was more for prevention than treating actual bone loss. While researching many articles online my take is that the risk of necrosis of the jaw is low IF you do not need any extractions or surgery to the jaw and the risk is higher using the infusion method over the oral medications. None the less I am looking for any other options before I make a committment to taking any of these drugs for osteoporosis.

I understand the "balancing risks" argument . In this case i am leaning towards not using this medication even if it displeases my Doc.

Got any thoughts on this Mark?

Thanks for your time and consideration of my questions,
EMD

The calcium and vitamin d sold over the counter are for both prevention and to stop progression. The calcium citrate (citical) is much easier on the stomach than the calcium carbonate. I recommend starting with 500mg plus d once daily for 1 week. Then 2 tabs daily for 1 week, then 3 tabs daily thereafter. This is about 1500mg per week. Make sure you get it with vitamin d in it and also make sure you take it with food. I also recommend you separate this from your other meds by a couple hours because the interaction with vitamins and rx products is not fully known.

I would much rather take 1 tablet a month or 1 tablet a week instead of 3 tablets daily. Boniva and fosamax are both very good medications with very few side effects in most people.

Best of health,

Mark