Pros:

• Fosamax can increase bone density in both the spine, the hip, and other bones too.
• Fosamax can lower your chances of breaking a bone in both the spine and the hip.
• Both men and women can take Fosamax to treat their osteopenia or osteoporosis.
• You can take Fosamax in a 5 mg daily prevention dose, a 10 mg daily treatment dose, or a 70 mg weekly dose.

Cons:

• Fosamax may cause stomach upset and irritation to the food pipe (esophagus) - should not be taken by patients with certain stomach and food pipe disorders.

How to take Fosamax:

Patients need to take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with an 8-ounce glass of water and then wait thirty minutes before eating or drinking anything else besides plain water. People taking this drug should also remain in an upright position during the 30 minutes (sitting or standing). Taking Fosamax this way helps absorption and also lowers your chances of stomach & esophagus (food pipe) irritation.