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Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for all of your responses to my inquiry.  I had asked listmembers if anyone had been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, taken fosamax, and then stopped taking it after their bone density tests were normal.  

I received several responses from listmembers -- mostly positive and some just wondering the same things.

Five people reported that they had taken fosamax and discontinued use after their osteopenia/osteoporosis resolved.  They had no negative side effects from discontinuing the fosamax.

Two people were considering taking the Tri Boron Plus and one reported that the Tri Boron Plus contained calcium carbonate.  She had read an article in her local area newsletter by a doctor who would not recommend calcium carbonate for celiacs as they are unable to absorb it.  According to the doctor, calcium citrate is the recommended type to use.   (My Comment:  I looked up the ingredients in Tri Boron Plus and found that there is 1000 mg of  calcium coming from both calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.)

One person reported that she and her son suffered terrible heartburn from Tri Boron Plus.

Several people mentioned that exercise will do as much for your bone density as taking medication.   (My Comment regarding my husband:  During the time that his bone density improved so much, he was taking fosamax as well as working out at the gym three days per week.)

I have copied and pasted some of your comments below:

"Make sure he has plenty of Mg, Vitamin K, and Vitamin D.  These two oil soluble vitamins are poorly absorbed in celiacs."

"Bone is continually being dismantled and rebuild by the body. Usually the process results in a net loss.  Fosamax just slow down the rate at which it is being dismantled and tips the scale so that there is a gain in bone mass."

"I stopped taking fosamax several years ago with no negative effects.  I take the complete recommended dose of calcium per day.   Last bone density test was OK,  and will have another in the next few weeks.  I was in my forty's when I started and stoped taking it."

"Working out in a fitness center will add bone density without medications as I'm 68 and nearly died on calcintonin after two weeks on a very low dose. In less than six mo I added 1.2% to my hip density. I also have mega energy. "

"not only can you stop taking fosamax for a while, with your doctor's knowledge, but your doctor can lower the dosage once your bone density becomes stable, and see if the lower dosage does the trick. it's not all or nothing. i am taking the boron plus and the fosamox and calcium and that is how we have been able to keep my bone density stable. my doctor has been able to lower the fosamax dosage. since i have some reflux (due to a hiatal? hernia) my GI doc says i should make sure i take aciphex as long as i take the fosamax. the aciphex does seem to stop the reflux most of the time."

"I think you need to speak to another physician.  I am also on Fosamax
and have been told that once the osteopenia is resolved, I probably won't
have to continue with the Fosamax, unless further bone scans show another
decrease in density.  Because having low bone density is such a health
hazard, the purpose of the Fosamax is to build up bone as quickly as
possible.  If he didn't have the mechanism to build bone, Fosamax
wouldn't have helped.  But since he does, and the Fosamax has brought him
"up to par", regular calcium supplements (no more that 400 mg. at a time,
taken with food and magnesium for optimum effect), and calcium rich foods
should suffice.  Again, I would check with another physician because he's
going to want yearly scans to make sure his calcium intake/bone building is
adequate without the Fosamax."

"I am 64 and  was not diagnosed with CD till last September and the drs.
figure I have probably had it for at least 20 years.  I have Osteoporosis
and am taking 1 Fosamax every Saturday and will probably have to take it the
rest of my life.  I was so upset as I never smoked do not drink but I know
now it was because my body was not taking in the vitamins and calcium
because of  CD.  At this point I will probably have to take it for the rest
of my life.  I have figured now that I can think rationally that is ok as
there is nothing I can do about it.  I will be going for a test soon and am
anxious to see it there is any difference in my bones."

"I was diagnosed with osteopenia several years back and started taking extra calcium.  With the next year's dexascan, it was osteoporosis.  I was put on Miacalcin, Fosamax and 2000 mg of calcium supplements.  I took the Rx's for a year and a half and went for the next year's scan.  The scan results were so good I was taken off both Miacalcin and Fosamax.  I'm still taking 2000 mg of calcium + D and magnesium and do lots of walking.  This year's scan was again fine, I'm still off both Rx's.  If your bones make up the mass loss with the meds and supplements, you shouldn't have to take the Rx's the rest of your life."

"I am curious as to what side effects you have heard about.  I've been on it
for two years with gradual improvement and no side effects that I know of.
My doctor wasn't sure how long he would keep me on it but didn't talk about
life, maybe 5 years."

"I have never heard that you have to use fosamax for life once you start.  To the contrary, my husbands specialist is considering taking him off of it in a year or so.  I would recommend that you see someone who specializes in Osteoporosis before making any decisions."

Thank you again for all of your responses.  It was truly helpful to us.

Barbara in Missouri

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