In spite of doing "all the right things",  two years ago I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis.  I have been taking Calcium supplements with Vitamin D for years; but I am also severely lactose intolerant.  Perhaps I did not absorb as much calcium from the tablets as I would have from calcium-rich foods.  My doctor discussed several options with me including Boniva which you take once a month.  As I didn't have a preference she suggested Fosamax.  The generic substitute is Alendronate Sodium. I take the 70 mg tablet once a week; and I picked Saturday as my dosage day.  I take one pill as soon as I wake up with a full glass of water (not mineral water).  You must not lie down or eat or drink anything for 1/2 hour.  This includes any of your other medications.  Lying down increases the risk of acid reflux; and eating, drinking or taking other medications within that 1/2 hour reduces the effectiveness of the drug. Within 2 years the alendronate sodium (with the addition of Calcium with Vitamin D which I take) should increase bone mineral density and reduce fractures by 50%.  I am due for my next bone density screening in November of this year and will give you an update. If your doctor recommends that you start on a medication to treat your Osteoporosis, discuss all the options carefully.  There are several different types of medication.  One of the newer ones is an intravenous (IV)  dose that takes approximately 15 minutes and lasts for one year.  You would also need to take Calcium with Vitamin D with this regimen. I highly recommend that when your doctor suggests that you should start taking bone density screenings that you do so.  If you are diagnosed with Osteoporosis, discuss all the options, know the risks of each and follow your doctor's instructions carefully.  If the recommendation is Fosamax (Alendronate Sodium), the weekly dosage routine is easy to fit into your schedule.    The risk of a fracture with low bone density, especially a hip fracture, is not a risk I care to take.

LindaOH

Madison, OH