Fosamax, one in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, is supposed to make bones stronger. But now there's mounting evidence that, for some women, taking these medications for more than five years could cause spontaneous fractures.
Fosamax has already been linked to severe musculoskeletal pain, as well as a serious bone-related jaw disease called osteonecrosis.
Sales of the popular drug increased when doctors began prescribing it not only to women with osteoporosis, but to others who were osteopenic -- with reduced bone density that might lead to the disease.