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Tuesday, October, 07, 2008

Fosamax Linked to Heart Rhythm Trouble

by  Craig Stoltz
Monday, April 28, 2008
Craig Stoltz
Craig Stoltz
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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.

 

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  1. 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
    reply
    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


    reply
  2. 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?


    reply
    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


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

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


    reply
  3. 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.


    reply
    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


    reply
    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


    reply

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