Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, MD, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke, recently shared her expertise on osteoporosis treatment and medication safety in Woman’s World. Fosamax, a widely prescribed bisphosphonate, helps prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Still, Dr. Wittstein emphasizes that patients should be aware of rare yet serious side effects, including jaw osteonecrosis and atypical femur fractures. She advises women to discuss risks and benefits with their physicians and consider complementary strategies—such as strength training, proper nutrition, and early bone density screening—to maintain bone health. Her guidance underscores the importance of personalized care in managing osteoporosis and preventing fractures.
Dr. Wittstein underscores that osteoporosis treatment is not one-size-fits-all. “Every patient’s risk profile is different,” she says. “The best outcomes come from individualized care plans that consider medication benefits, potential side effects, and lifestyle factors.”
3 Rare Fosamax Side Effects Women Over 50 Should Never Ignore, Woman's World