Fosamax
Fosamax® (Fosamax)
Important FDA Warning: [Posted 01/07/2008] FDA informed healthcare professionals and patients of the possibility of severe and sometimes incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle (musculoskeletal) pain in patients taking bisphosphonates. Although severe musculoskeletal pain is included in the prescribing information for all bisphosphonates, the association between bisphosphonates and severe musculoskeletal pain may be overlooked by healthcare professionals, delaying diagnosis, prolonging pain and/or impairment, and necessitating the use of analgesics. The severe musculoskeletal pain may occur within days, months, or years after starting a bisphosphonates. Some patients have reported complete relief of symptoms after discontinuing the bisphosphonate, whereas others have reported slow or incomplete resolution. The risk factors for and incidence of severe musculoskeletal pain associated with bisphosphonates are unknown.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Fosamax is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause (change of life; end of menstrual periods). Fosamax is also used to treat osteoporosis in men and women, who are taking corticosteroids (a type of medication that may cause osteoporosis in some patients). Fosamax is also used to treat Paget's disease of bone (a condition in which the bones are soft and weak and may be deformed, painful, or easily broken). Fosamax is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).
What side effects can this medication cause?
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.
Fosamax may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
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change in ability to taste food
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bone, muscle, or joint pain
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headache
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dizziness
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flu-like symptoms
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately before you take any more Fosamax:
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new or worsening heartburn
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difficulty swallowing
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pain on swallowing
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chest pain
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bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
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black, tarry, or bloody stools
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fever
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blisters or peeling skin
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rash (may be made worse by sunlight)
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itching
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hives
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swelling of eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
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difficulty breathing
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hoarseness
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painful or swollen gums
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loosening of the teeth
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numbness or heavy feeling in the jaw
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poor healing of the jaw
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eye pain
Fosamax may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Information taken from the US National Library of Medience, through their Medline website.
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