[BarryRX]

As a retired pharmacist, I promised myself that I wouldn't get involved in these discussions anymore. But there has been so much misinformation presented here that I feel I must jump in. The drugs being discussed are bisphosphonates. Post menopausal women treated with bisphosphonates show normalization of bone turnover, significant increase in bone mineral density of the spine, hip, wrist, and total body, and significant reduction in risk of fractures. In fact, double blind controlled studies of bisphosphonates resulted in a 50% reduction of fractures of the spine! hip! and wrist as compared to the control group that took placebo plus calcium.
As with all drugs, there are possible side effects, including severe irritation or worse of the esophagus, and the aforementioned necrosis of the jaw. Your doctor measures those risks against the benefits when he prescribes the drug. You must educate yourself and make your own decision, but to listen to medical advice from an internet bulletin board like TOTV is just crazy, and that probably includes listening to advice from an old pharmacist like me. For those recommending that dietary changes can cure this or that this is all some type of secret conspiracy by Big Pharma, I suggest you spend a half decade or more studying up on osteoclast mediated bone resorption, normal bone turnover, and the mineralization of newly formed bone. Your local pharmacist is probably the most accessible health professional in your life. Please ask them your questions, they will be happy to help you.