Should You Ask about a Bone Mineral Density Test (BMD)?
The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends BMD testing for all women older than 65 years; postmenopausal women younger than 65 years with 1 or more risk factors for osteoporosis, other than being white, postmenopausal, and female; and postmenopausal women who have had a recent fracture.
A BMD test is a simple and painless way to help your doctor measure the health of your bones. It may also be used to monitor your rate of bone loss and response to therapy.
Early on, osteoporosis is a silent disease, so you may not see any signs. However, it can eventually lead to broken bones or the disfiguring “dowager’s hump.” The good news is, if osteoporosis is detected early enough, its effects may be prevented.
Ask your doctor whether you should have a BMD test—today!
How Testing is Done
There are 2 types of BMD tests. Some machines (called “peripheral”) measure such sites as your finger, wrist, or heel. Other machines (called “central”) measure your hip, spine, or total body. Both tests are simple and painless. The result of your BMD test is called a T-score.
Some BMD tests use sound waves. Others use small amounts of radiation to determine the thickness or density of bones. BMD tests are safe, painless, and easy. Your doctor can answer questions you have about the BMD test.
Ask your doctor about FOSAMAX and FOSAMAX PLUS D.
Selected Cautionary Information About FOSAMAX and FOSAMAX PLUS D
You should not use FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D if you have certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth with the stomach), are not able to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes, have severe kidney disease, low blood calcium, or are allergic to FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D. Before use, talk to your doctor if you have or have had stomach or digestive problems or problems with swallowing. You should tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. In addition, for FOSAMAX PLUS D, you should talk to your doctor if you have conditions that may cause an overproduction of vitamin D (eg, sarcoidosis, leukemia, lymphoma).
Stop taking FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D and call your doctor right away if you develop new or worsening heartburn, difficult or painful swallowing, or chest pain because these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems, which can include irritation, inflammation, or ulceration of the esophagus. (See the Patient Product Information for more details.) If you develop severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain at any time, contact your doctor. Digestive side effects in studies were generally mild and included stomach pain, indigestion/heartburn, or nausea.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.