Has anyone spoken to their doctor about taking a break from Actonel/Fosamax? It seems like if the bones have been maintained, it could be possible to go months or years without taking Actonel again.
I was so excited to be put on Actonel since my mom had osteoporosis very badly (very hunched over and she did break a hip). I was diagnosed with osteopenia in my 40s, which freaked me out since I did weight-bearing exercise, lifted weights, and took calcium. My bones have since remained the same/improved a little.
But a few months ago, I started to experience heartburn/acid reflux which I never ever had before. Research has shown that Actonel can be associated with this (as well as the necrosis in the jaw and the bones actually becoming more brittle). My doctor said I could stop it for a few weeks, then start again. I did this and there's no more heartburn. I was under a lot of stress at the time, and that may be what caused it rather than the Actonel.
But there really hasn't been enough long-term research on these drugs since they are new. Is anyone here comfortable with remaining on it for the rest of their lives?