Fosamax Linked to Heart Rhythm Trouble

Craig Stoltz Interested Health Journalist A veteran health journalist, I spent six years as editor of The... Send Message Subscribe: Craig Stoltz

Monday, April 28, 2008
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Big news today in the world of osteoporosis: A study in the April 28 Archives of Internal Medicine shows that the osteoporosis drug Fosamax is linked to atrial fibrillation--an irregular heartbeat. Before we go any further, please heed this easy-to-recall slogan: BE CONCERNED. DON'T PANIC. ...

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Foamax
Mollie Burrows
Monday, April 28, 2008 at 05:26 PM
I take Fosamax and I will continue to take it. The chance of my having a serious illness is very small. The benefits I'm getting with this drug are worth the risk. Mollie Burrows

re: Fosamax
Craig Stoltz
Monday, April 28, 2008 at 05:30 PM

Thanks, Mollie. That's just the kind of consideration of risks/benefits people should be making--in close collaboration with thier physicians, of course.

p.s. There is a related study in the same edition of the journal about bisphosphates. We'll write about that one tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Craig

Fosamax
Anonymous
Monday, April 28, 2008 at 05:36 PM

I agree - having had a spinal fracture - the benefits outweight the slight risk.

But I have another question.

In another health central article I read that Actonel (which I was taking) and Fosamax (which I take now that it is generic and thus more Medicare affordable) have different functions and thus different benefits. So why don't doctors prescribe both and we alternate weekly or monthly?

Fosamax and Actonel?
Craig Stoltz
Monday, April 28, 2008 at 05:44 PM

That's a fascinating question--but one that goes well beyond the scope of my knowledge.

You may want to ask the question of one of the medical experts in our community--as well as, of course, your personal physician.

Best,

Craig

re: Fosamax and Actonel?
whynot
Monday, April 28, 2008 at 06:08 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. I certainly will do both.

Fosamax side effects
Kim
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 01:10 AM

After I took Fosamax, I developed chest pains and heart palpitations. I finally went to my Primary and stopped taking the Fosamax as I couldn't take it anymore. I went through two Holter monitor tests. The chest pain and palpitations slowly subsided, but the chest pains haven't completely faded. That was a year ago. This is probably considered anecdotal information, but it was my experience with this medication.

re: Fosamax side effects
Craig Stoltz
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 09:31 AM

Kim--An anecdote, yes, but a powerful story.

And a good reminder for everyone to be alert to heart-related side effects, and to stay in close touch with your physician.

Congrats for being an assertive patient, and I hope you're doing well.

Craig

re: Fosamax side effects
Craig Stoltz
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 09:31 AM

Kim--An anecdote, yes, but a powerful story.

And a good reminder for everyone to be alert to heart-related side effects, and to stay in close touch with your physician.

Congrats for being an assertive patient, and I hope you're doing well.

Craig

Fosamax and irrugular heart rhythm
BR
Monday, March 16, 2009 at 06:13 PM

I took Fosamax for 7 years and I got severe heart rhythm problem which I associated with menopause. I underwnet several tests , several times in last 7 years and the doctor couldn't find anything wrong with my heart. I recently went overseas and ran out of Fosamax and so I stopped for 2 months. Surprisingly, I found out that the scary heart rhythm problem completely dissapeared !! Later, doing some research on the internet, I found out that "Fosamax" could cause such problem!!!!!. My question is why can't the doctors think of the side effects of the medicines patients are taking when they cannot explain certain condition in a patient ? I accidently found out this otherwise I would have been continuing Fosamax and get a scare of my life everytime heart acts up !!!