In 2005, 24 million prescriptions for bone health were written for Boniva and Fosamax in the United States. But the side effects can be severe, and have caused many patients to drop the drugs. Ill effects include heartburn, ulcers, esophageal bleeding and osteonecrosis of the jaw (dead jaw). ONJ results in jaw bones that don’t heal, the inability to eat, perpetual bad breath, and constant pain that has no cure. (Pharma Licensing)