I'm 38 years old, still wonder if I might get pregnant in the future, have a history of breast cancer in my family, and was diagnosed with osteopenia (-1.6). My doctor recommended Fosteum, but in reading other websites about reasons not to take this medication, commentary about not taking it if you have a family history of cancer and it not being tested on pre-menopausal women that wish to someday get pregnant makes me concerned. Any advice?
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Q: Fosteum, under 40 years old, Cancer family history, and eventual Pregnancy?
Answers (1)
1/ 2/10 3:10pm
Hi A, welcome to the community. It's true that you shouldn't take Fosteum while breast feeding or during pregnancy. Also it shouldn't be used by those who have or have had cancer of the reproductive organs. I'm not sure what the recommendation is for those with a family history of cancer. The prescribing info only mentions those who have had cancer or currently have cancer. Also if you have any allergies to the ingredients you shouldn't take it either. The ingredients are: zinc, D3 and genistein (form of soy).
Here's an interview I did with one of the Drs who tested this medical food that you can read to see if it answers your questions. This Dr. also takes Fosteum and is doing well on it. Here's an additional article on Fosteum that answers most of the common questions about it.
I would talk to your Dr. about your concerns and see if they apply to Fosteum.
Good luck and if you have another question just post again.
1/ 3/10 12:22pm
Hi A, you're absolutely correct...Fosteum has not been tested on premenopausal women. Thanks for the links, and yes if you read the PI, it does say that anyone with cancer or a first degree family member with a history of cancer should not take Fosteum. So, have you discussed all this with your Dr? Since you might have more children I think you should explain this to your Dr. and see if there is something else to take. Read the paragraph from the Prescribing Info on pregnancy precautions.
Couldn't you take calcium, vitamin D and do weight bearing exercises?
Good luck on your decision...
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By A— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 01/02/10
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Thank you for the reply. Here's the point that I read on the Fosteum website (http://www.fosteum.com/faqs.pdf) that raised my concern:
Do not take Fosteum:
- If you are still producing estrogen from your ovaries and
are of child bearing age (because it has not been tested in
premenopausal patients).