Fosamax is a drug which is created to fix a disease called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease which causes the bones to weaken and become easily broken.

Fosamax can be taken orally in either a pill or fluid form, and is generally consumed on an empty stomach. It is used by both men and women as the disease exists in both.

Pharmaceutical industries have developed many drugs that initially show dramatic results. But they alter body functions so drastically that adverse effects of the drug come to surface, and in some cases more harm is done than any good.

Fosamax generally helps in the mechanism of rebuilding and refreshing weak bones of a person which in turn helps in minimizing the risk of fracture. But the unfortunate part is: it can only control it and not completely prevent it, and it has some serious side effects.

Although uncommon but most dangerous damage done by Fosamax is jaw decay. Yes, Fosamax can even result in osteonecrosis of the jaw or ‘dead jaw’ i.e. deterioration of the temporomandibular joint and harm one’s ability to eat, swallow and speak.

About five years ago dentists and oral surgeons detected the people who used this drug for a long time, many of them, suffered from jaw decay. Initially it was seen as a potential risk for cancer patients but then they got convinced that oral bisphosphonates as in Fosamax can cause jawbone death to anyone. New cases of jaw bone rotting and decay are cropping up with each passing day.

Other side effects reported for fosamax are some reactions including nausea, heartburn, blood clotting disorders, stomach pain, diarrhea, and muscle cramps, chest pain, heartburn,  anemia, dental problems, numbness,  stiffness in the muscles of face, seizures and unusual thoughts or behaviors.

Fosamax can interfere in other body functions. It is advisable to sit straight for at least thirty minutes after taking Fosamax. Also some severe reaction may occur if you are taking some supplements and Fosamax simultaneously. It should not be taken by pregnant women as it may prove harmful for the unborn baby.

Just like other osteoporosis dugs, Fosamax will severely affect gastrointestinal tract and problems like nausea and constipation becomes inevitable. The user might require intense treatment even hospitalization if it gets really bad as gastric and duodenal ulceration or ulceration of the esophagus.

Eye problems like uveitis or scleritis, pain in bones, muscles or joints and skin rashes can also occur, though these problems don’t reach alarming levels. Skin rashes might get manifested as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Fosamax can affect your neurological system. With other bisphosphonates and alendronate, auditory hallucinations and visual disturbances can occur.

Continuous use of Fosamax has also been found to make thigh bone brittle and stop body cells that help in remodelling the bone.  The continuous intake of this drug can develop a rare type of leg fracture known as subtrochanteric fracture. Those who are using it for more than five years can develop these kinds of fractures a lot. Some people can experience aching for weeks even months. Your thigh bone can break or crack due to a simple action like walking or standing. Some long term users of alendronate may suffer from low-impact femoral fractures.

Therefore, it is good to know the repercussions before going for a drug like Fosamax as the damage it does, like jaw decay, is irreversible.