Fossamex vs. Boniva - is there really a difference? Strength of drug?

Thanks for the response. Yes, my dr. is recommending the oral boniva. Frankly, I was so sick from the Fosamex, that I have decided for the time being to not take any medications. My GI upset is still lingering one week later. I lost time from work. The gas pains and nausa were incredible. Trouble sleeping (had to sleep upright). The burning in my chest was the most uncomfortable thing I've ever experienced. Twice, I nearly choked after drinking milk - seemed like all the fluid was coming up from my stomach into my lungs (I think that is aspiration?). I have been taking Prilosec daily now (on my 5th day), and using Malox as needed during the day and before bed. I've had little appetite - eating lots of crackers and rice. My appetite started to come back a couple days ago. Now, everything is more lower GI (diarea) and still some mild burning in the chest and pit of my stomach. I feel like I'm starting to turn the corner and I'm starting to elminate some of the drug from my body. Wondering how much longer all these symptoms will last? Or, if my doctor should actually see me? I frightens me that my dr. wanted to start me on the oral Bonina today - only one week after the dose I took. I have not been able to speak directly with my doctor; however, have spoken with the nurse numerous times about the incident to explain what has been happening. Frustrated with that situation; however, that is a whole different discussion! Thanks for the info about the Boniva IV. It is concerning that a possible side effect is stomach upset. Again, concerning because I've had such a strong reaction with a drug from the same family. And, where this is an injectable drug, how long will it stay in your system if you have an adverse reaction? I've had two bone scans (one from part of a health study that I am in) and the other was by my health provider to confirm the results of that first scan. My T scores were - AP Spine -2.9, Lateral Spine -2.6, Femoral neck - 1.4, and hip -1.1. I am in great physical shape and have been doing weight bearing exercise nearly daily throughout my entire adult life. I'm 46 years old. Three drs. concurred that I needed meds because of the results and the fact that I already do weight bearing exercise and my calcium and D levels are fine. It only begs the question, have I've been living with these scores for years, and can I continue to live with the scores for more years? Do you think I'm making a mistake by not trying another med - at least until I get another bone scan in two years? I am frightened to experiment with these drugs (keep in mind, I'm someone who barely takes advil). I felt so bad after taking the fosmex that it felt like I was poisoned. I'm going to look into some other natural ways to help build bone. Not sure what is out there or, if there is such a thing. Not much more I can do with weight bearing exercise, I eat right, don't smoke, take my vitamins, and do all the right things. Thanks for your help!

Hi Jo, I can certainly see why you are leary of any of the bisphosphonates (fosamax, actonel, boniva and reclast).  I hope your multiple stomach problems go away soon. 

 

The iv dose of boniva claims it has less stomach side effects, but Roche still lists "stomach upset" as a symptom for <2% of those studied in the clinical tral.

 

According to Roche, the 2-4 mg dose, of iv boniva, has a half-life of 4.6 to 15.3 hours, and the 5 mg dose is 25.5 hours.  The half life is the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to leave your body.  The half life on the oral boniva is actaully longer at 37 to 157 hours.

 

Since you're having such a hard time with Fosamax have you look into Fosteum?  I've never taken it, but the ingredients are: D3, zinc and genistein (form of soy).  Here's an article on it in case you are interested with clinical studies on it's effectiveness.

 

Good luck finding something that doesn't upset your stomach.

 

This is excellent information!  Thank you so much.  I am very intriqued with the Fosteum and will do some additional research on this!  Curious, I looked up the 1/2 life of fosamex and it says 10 years!  This is a very potent drug.  You've been so helpful.  Appreciate it!

Hi again, you are absolutely correct; the half life of fosamax it is 10 years.  Of the bisphosphonates (fosamax, actonel, reclast, and boniva etc.) fosamax stays in the body the longest.  However since you only took a couple doses, I would imagine that the accumulation in your system isn't as great as others and hopefully it won't last that long.

 

If you get a chance to read the article on Fosteum, notice that the clinical trial mentioned in the first or second paragraph has been moved, and I posted the new location of it in the *last comment* below the article.

 

Good luck and if you have any other concerns don't hesitate to post again, we are here to help!!