Biophosphates half life...full life in body - Osteoporosis Message Board

Misty800 · 07-03-2006, 05:02 PM

Just ran across information stating that biosophnates (Fosmax, Actonel, etc.) has a half-life of 300 days. I assume this means after stopping biosophnates it will take 1-2 years to leave the body or does it ever leave?

Does anyone have more information regarding how long Actonel or Fosmax will remain in the body.

I am still suffering from Actonel side effects. From what I have read the biosophnates can also cause arthritis. I suspect Actonel is the cause of inflammation all over my body, especially in feet, knees, hips, lower back.

Is there any hope the problems Actonel caused will ever go away. It has been a little over a year now since I stopped Actonel. Only took it for 6-weeks. Wow, wonder what it would have done to me if I had stayed on it longer, hate to think of it.

Piano0105 · 07-04-2006, 12:42 PM

Fosamax has a half-life of ten years. I'm not sure about Actonel, but just heard it's 480 hours.

Just Checking · 07-11-2006, 05:40 PM

It has been hard to get straight answers about how at risk I am if I chose to wait to use the drugs later in life. I am 52. This medication is treacherous and if I could postpone taking it I would. If everyone has bone loss I am wondering how many people at 50 have the same amount of osteoporsis as I do but they have just never had a bone scan. How do they know what is normal if so few people have been tested? I just don't want to ingest these drugs if I am really not at that much risk. Does anyone know what constitutes mild osteoprosis and what is severe? How long does it take the average person to go from mild to severe?

Just Wondering, Susie

taape · 07-11-2006, 10:45 PM

Misty800,
There are many causes for osteoporosis and most people don't even know they have it. I didn't tell my friends when I first found out my diagnosis but then I told one friend who is about my age. About 6 months later she was tested and also had severe osteoporosis. She thinks from decreasing hormones(menopause) and lack of exercise. Anyways, she decided (mostly due to the cost) not to seek treatment and just use calcium, exercise for now. She hasn't had a repeat dexa so doesn't know if her bone density is worse or better or stayed the stay. I couldn't tolerate biophosphates and qualified for Forteo. This thread made me wonder how long it stays in your body.

Kaitrin · 07-21-2006, 06:24 AM

I read that Fosamax can still be detected in the urine of people who took it 10 years after stopping the medication! That sounds so strange, and disturbing, but I'm continuing to take it because I still feel like it's the best option at this time...