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Diagnosed recently with three mild compression fractures, one healed and two others nearly healed. Can't get in to see an endocrinologist for 4 months. Primary care doc is prescribing a bisphosphanate, Fosamax, for me to take until I can see the endo. But I read that biphosphanates like this one can blunt the effectiveness of any anabolic med that the endocrinologist might prescribe. Has anybody heard about this/experienced this? Thank you!

October 21
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A MyOsteoTeam Member

You are welcome. Take care.

October 23
A MyOsteoTeam Member

Hello Jean. I never had Fosamax as my first lumbar fracture was severe and I lost 3 inches of height with it. Also had a family history of OP. Could not take the oral medication as I also had gastrointestinal issues. It took me about 5 months to see my endocrinologist with whom I have been with for 16 years. My first med was Forteo subway daily for 2 years. I then had the IV bisphosphonate,Reclast IV. I was 51 when I was officially diagnosed with OP. Please make sure you follow the directions regarding the Fosamax as can be irritating to the GItract. Hopefully the endocrinologist will help you with a long term plan. I am in my tenth year of Prolia, twice yearly. Best of luck to you.

October 22
A MyOsteoTeam Member

Thank you so much for your answer, Maureen! It’s very helpful to me. Good news: Just found out the endo can take me much sooner, on an urgent basis! Such a relief. Thanks again, Maureen.❤️

October 22
MyOsteoTeam

That's a really thoughtful question, and it's great that you're already thinking ahead to your endocrinologist appointment. The concern about bisphosphonates potentially affecting anabolic medications is something worth discussing with your doctors.

Here's what's generally understood:

- Bisphosphonates like Fosamax work by Show Full Answer

That's a really thoughtful question, and it's great that you're already thinking ahead to your endocrinologist appointment. The concern about bisphosphonates potentially affecting anabolic medications is something worth discussing with your doctors.

Here's what's generally understood:

- Bisphosphonates like Fosamax work by slowing bone breakdown
- Anabolic medications work by stimulating new bone growth
- Some research has suggested that prior bisphosphonate use *may* reduce the initial response to certain anabolic therapies, though the bone-building effects are still present

The good news is that a short 4-month course of Fosamax is unlikely to significantly impact future anabolic treatment compared to years of use. A MyOsteoTeam member shared a similar experience of needing to decide quickly on a medication while waiting for specialist care, which can feel overwhelming.

The most important step is to write down this specific concern and bring it to your endocrinologist appointment. Your endo can weigh your fracture history against treatment sequencing options.

In the meantime, don't stop or avoid Fosamax without consulting your primary care doctor first — protecting your bones now matters too.

October 21

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