bisphosphonates and fertility - Osteoporosis Message Board

k3rr1 · 07-21-2006, 05:48 PM

I've just read a thread on here that has really worried me. Somebody wrote that you are not supposed to have babies ever after taking bisphosphonates. That has totally freaked me out as i've been taking them for 2.5 years now and i'm only 26. I've written a similar thread to this, but i never had any replies that indicated it could be a problem. I can understand during taking them and for about a year after stopping taking them pregnancy wouldn't be a great idea. But forever?? I'm hoping that is not true. Does anybody know anyone who had children after stopping taking bisphosphonates?

hypatia · 07-21-2006, 07:33 PM

I don't know of anyone younger than menopause age who has taken Fosamax. Have you discussed your concerns with the doctor who prescribed it for you?

You can call Fosamax manufacturer Merck Co. toll-free @ 1/877-408-4699. Hopefully they can give you a definitive answer.

k3rr1 · 07-22-2006, 10:18 AM

I'm really scared to ask a medical professional about them now. No-one ever said to me that they were likely to cause me complications with my fertility, and if they do affect it then its already too late. I'm terrified beyond belief now, especially because i don't personally believe that I even need them. I've never fractured a bone or anything. I curse the day I was put on them. I really wasn't aware of the dangers of the evil little tablet. The doctors didn't give me an option though they were just pushed upon me like as if they were my only route out of the condition. I read the side effects, of course. But people just said to me that it is very rare to have any problems with them. I guess they didn't have to take them though. As i live in the UK i've got no idea how to contact merck, i feel sick that i may never have children because of these tablets

hypatia · 07-22-2006, 02:33 PM

You can go to Fosamax.com and at the bottom of the home page is a "contact us" form to fill out and submit for their response.

You could even write a letter to the original prescribing doctor expressing your anxiety. He/she owes you a response.

k3rr1 · 07-22-2006, 04:35 PM

I did a bit more research on this today on the internet. I found so many websites that said the medication is not really advised for women of child-bearing age unless all other avenues of treatment have failed! They tried no other treatments with me at all. I just can't believe this is happening. Why on earth did they put me on this treatment?? I only have the condition mildly so i 100% believe that I shouldn't have been given it. I've read lots of your threads and read about so many of you not going through with the alendronic acid/alendronate sodium treatment, I wish i'd been as wise. But my doctor led me to believe this was the ONLY route even though i was told i had 'slight thinning of the bones' (I have a letter from my specialist stating this as my diagnosis). I've read one glimmer of hope which although said it is not a recommended treatment for women of child-bearing age they would advise not having a baby for at least 12 months after stopping treatment. They also spoke of cases where pregnancy over-lapped with treatment and the pregnancies were fine in many cases. The real joke is is i don't take oral contraceptive tablets, and was never advised to take them during this treatment! In fact at one point i went through a faze of feeling sick, dizzy and tired and my specialist actually joked that I could be pregnant with no concern at all about the medication i was taking. Yet all over the internet it says you must definately not take bisphosphonates if u are pregnant!! Anyway, I have decided todays tablet is my last tablet and i'm going to make an appointment to see my doctor to find out why they have taken my treatment this way. If any of you could advise me on supplements/foods I should eat in order to maintain a level of health that would be so greatly appreciated x