http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/osteoporosis/ Latest NetWellness content for Osteoporosis en-us Copyright 2007 NetWellness.org Wed, 16 May 2012 03:12:02 PST http://www.netwellness.org/images/logo/nwlogosmall.gif http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/osteoporosis/ <b>Question</b>: I have been taken Fosmax for over 5 years and my bone density has improved. Now my dentist tells me that Fosomax can cause trouble with bone growth in the jaw, causing the bone to turn and shut off the blood supply to the tissues. I am having this kind of problem with a lower rear molar. Should I s . . .<p><b>Answer</b>: The condition possibly&nbsp;associated with bisphosphonates is osteonecrosis of the jaw.&nbsp; It was seen primarily in people with cancer&nbsp;who had received intravenous bisphosphonates and had undergone dental procedures that involved the jaw bone.&nbsp; It&nbsp;does not occur spontaneously in t . . .<p><b>Ask an Expert</b>: Margery Gass MD, Osteoporosis http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/66539.htm Margery Gass MD Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:09:00 EST http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/66539.htm <b>Question</b>: I have been taking Fosamax for many years for osetoporosis, along with calcium and D supplement. I understand that recent studies have indicated that long-term use may set up the patient for non-stress fractures, and a holiday from Fosamax may be advantageous. Before I go in to consult my doctor on . . .<p><b>Answer</b>: There was only one paper that reported on the long-term use of Fosamax after 5 yrs of use.&nbsp; Those who discontinued the drug at that time did about as well as those who continued the medication.&nbsp; That report coupled with the case reports of subtrochanteric fractures has led some clinicians . . .<p><b>Ask an Expert</b>: Margery Gass MD, Osteoporosis http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/66509.htm Margery Gass MD Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:09:00 EST http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/66509.htm <b>Question</b>: My OB/GYN recently put me on Fortical for osteoporosis because I have GERD and cannot take Fosamax/Boniva. After 5 days on it I now am coughing and tired, flu like symptoms, could it be from the Fortical? <p><b>Answer</b>: It is possible some of the symptoms are related to the medication or it could be a viral syndrome.&nbsp; If the symptoms do not resolve in 10 days, review your symptoms with the person who prescribed the medication. <p><b>Ask an Expert</b>: Margery Gass MD, Osteoporosis http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/65382.htm Margery Gass MD Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:08:00 EST http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/65382.htm <b>Question</b>: I had taken Actonel for several years but my bone density T score continued to decline. My doctor then prescribed Miacalcin instead of the Actonel. After 2 years the T score showed very little improvement and still remains in the osteoporosis range. I am now taking Miacalcin and Fasomax. Can this co . . .<p><b>Answer</b>: I would agree with your insurance.&nbsp; Usually one osteoporosis drug is sufficient.&nbsp; Be sure you are taking the Fosamax correctly and that you are getting the recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D.&nbsp; If you have not checked your 25 hydroxy vitamin D level, it might be good to do tha . . .<p><b>Ask an Expert</b>: Margery Gass MD, Osteoporosis http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/65029.htm Margery Gass MD Sat, 09 Aug 2008 13:08:00 EST http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/65029.htm <b>Question</b>: I have read that soda is not good for bone health. Is it all soda or only soda with caffeine and phosphoric acid? Is a caffeine free soda with cidric acid ok? <p><b>Answer</b>: Small amounts of soda are not thought to be a problem. <p><b>Ask an Expert</b>: Margery Gass MD, Osteoporosis http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/64959.htm Margery Gass MD Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:08:00 EST http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/64959.htm <b>Question</b>: My wife has been taking Boniva for several years. She is 70. In March she fell and broke her tibia and fibula. Her osteopath says it is ok to continue taking Boniva. Her oncologist says to discontinue use. The two parties do not appear to consult each other for the last four months. What to do? <p><b>Answer</b>: Some experts recommend taking a drug holiday for one year&nbsp;after 5 years of taking an osteoporosis drug in this class.&nbsp; Otherwise, if Boniva has been beneficial in preserving bone density and there are no side effects, there is no reason to discontinue it. Be sure your wife is taking the re . . .<p><b>Ask an Expert</b>: Margery Gass MD, Osteoporosis http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/64949.htm Margery Gass MD Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:08:00 EST http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/64949.htm <b>Question</b>: My mother is 86 years of age, has had open heart surgury and is on medication for that (if its a help I can give you the name of her tablets) but she suffers from chronic back pain due to osteoporosis and is finding walking a struggle and is a little breathless. She is prescribed calcium tablets dai . . .<p><b>Answer</b>: <p>It may be time for your mother to see a pain specialist.&nbsp; Osteoporosis medications do not do much for pain.</p><p><b>Ask an Expert</b>: Margery Gass MD, Osteoporosis http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/64769.htm Margery Gass MD Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:07:00 EST http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/64769.htm <b>Question</b>: I have been on Evista for over a year, with few side effects. But for the last few months, I have been experienced severe leg swelling, especially after sitting for more than 10 minutes, and leg cramps at night. Many of the Evista info indicates these are possible side effects. Should I stop taking . . .<p><b>Answer</b>: Leg cramps are a side effect of Evista.&nbsp; The leg swelling is more concerning and should be evaluated by your physician as soon as possible.&nbsp; If you are having any pain or tenderness in the leg (as can happen with blood clots), you should be seen immediately. <p><b>Ask an Expert</b>: Margery Gass MD, Osteoporosis http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/64135.htm Margery Gass MD Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:07:00 EST http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/64135.htm <b>Question</b>: I am a 55 year old woman suffering from Fibromyalgia. My bone density test indicated Osteopenia in my left hip. I presently have pain in my left hip, sometimes radiating down my left leg. What medical attention should I receive? Thank you for your consideration. <p><b>Answer</b>: The pain in your hip is unrelated to your osteopenia.&nbsp; It could be related to arthritis, bursitis or a number of other conditions.&nbsp; Your primary care physician should be able to refer you for some diagnostic tests or to a specialist. <p><b>Ask an Expert</b>: Margery Gass MD, Osteoporosis http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/63936.htm Margery Gass MD Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:07:00 EST http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/63936.htm <b>Question</b>: My internist has prescribed 50,000 units of Vitamin D once a week. How often should I have my Vitamin D levels checked while on this prescription? At what point does this become toxic? What should I watch for? Thanks. (P.S. I have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis and Vitamin D deficiency. My age is . . .<p><b>Answer</b>: Many physicians prescribe 50,000 IU of vitamin D once a week for 8 weeks and then recheck your blood level.&nbsp; If it is normal, they often recommend stopping the mega-dose and resorting to 800 IU per day. <p><b>Ask an Expert</b>: Margery Gass MD, Osteoporosis http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/63867.htm Margery Gass MD Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:07:00 EST http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/63867.htm