>I guess it depends on how much you want to live. I've been fighting for my survival for a long time. How far I would be willing to go.....I won't really know until it comes time to make that decision. I do know I have a lot to live for.
>
>How about you? Given a choice to die or to live as a blind person, do you have any idea what your decision would be.
>
>Too many aspirin can kill you.

While I think the drug companies should be compelled to make warnings stronger and update them as new information is brought to light, I basically side with you in this regards:
- As a drug gets wider/longer use - even in "off label" prescriptions by doctors themselves - more and more side-effects are bound to come to light. It's always very difficult to know how my own make-up is compared to the more 'difficult' side-effects reported - will I see them or not????
I'm inclined to be watchful any time I start something new.
In fact I just had an 'incident' where my hemoglobin went down badly, and in the course of preparing for a diagnostic test (a 3 days prep of limited eating and certain pills banned) the condition rversed itself. I blame it on a pill I started 5 months ago, but who knows!?!?
I also prefer to ask the doctor how long a pill has been on the market and if there's some pill roughly the equivalent that has been around a long long time. Often I get a yes and the alternate pill.

It's a tough call. some getting blind surely doesn't mean everyone getting blind. But warnings MUST be there and self-watching important in such cases.



>
>
>>But would you be willing to go blind because of the side effects?
>>
>>>Been doing a little more digging. It looks like all drugs classified as "bisphosphonate" can cause the side effects. It's not just Fosamax.
>>>
>>>So, it looks like we have a choice of getting Osteoporosis or possibly get osteonecrosis.
>>>
>>>One source I found (http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/prostate.pdf) says osteonecrosis can be a side effect if you have a dental disease.
>>>
>>>Considering the alternative, if my BMD (Bone Mineral Density) declines into the range of osteoporosis, I will be restarting a bisphosphonate.
>>>
>>>I take back what I previously said (below). Millions are dependent upon bisphosphonates for their survival. It would be wrong to take this drug away from them, you, or I when and if it's needed.
>>>
>>>>Hi,
>>>>The side effects were documented regarding those who were receiving treatments for cancer, but it looks as though the side effects are the same for those who are just being treated for Osteoporosis and that combined with known effects to the eye is enough for me to say "Reconsider taking the drug".
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>> If you or anyone you know is taking the Drug Fosamax I would urge you or your friends to reconsider taking it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>The following link is an interview with a lawyer involved in the class action against Merck and his comments are well balanced and objective.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>http://www.legaltalknetwork.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=89
>>>>>
>>>>>I took fosamax off and on for about 5 years starting in 1999. Luckily, no side effects that I know of.
>>>>>
>>>>>My treatment for prostate cancer is known to cause Osteoporosis.
>>>>>
>>>>>I stopped taking it in 2004, because discussions on a prostate cancer list pointed out these side effects.
>>>>>
>>>>>So, I guess this information has been public knowledge for 3-4 years.....and Merck has known about it at least as long, if not before?
>>>>>
>>>>>If this is how "big brother" watches out for us, what other surprises are down the road?