Sept. 2, 2010 -- The long-term use of oral bisphosphonate osteoporosis drugs such as Actonel, Boniva, and Fosamax may be associated with a doubling in esophageal cancer risk, but the risk to. A new study has found that the long-term use of the popular osteoporosis drug Fosamax (generic: alendronate) may lead to esophageal cancer. The risk of the disease appears to be greater with Fosamax than with any other bisphosphonate osteoporosis medication. Is it dangerous to do this, take the pill and eat before 30 minutes are up? Thanks _____ Dear Kim, Fosamax has been shown to cause severe irritation of the esophageal mucosa if there is prolonged contact between the pill and the esophageal lining. Correspondence from The New England Journal of Medicine — Reports of Esophageal Cancer with Oral Bisphosphonate Use Report Links Osteoporosis Drug to Esophagus Cancer Fosamax may be tied to 23 cases of esophageal cancer, a new report says. Background. Epidemiology studies suggest that oral bisphosphonate may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the association between exposure of oral bisphosphonate and risk of esophageal cancer. I've read conflicting reports as to the risks of esophageal cancer from taking bisphosphonates. Is it possible that taking the Fosamax for so very long could have had a direct cause of her upper gastric cancer? Fosamax Esophageal Cancer In 2011, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication discussing the potential risks of bisphosphonates and esophageal cancer. The announcement stated that there was conflicting evidence to whether or not Fosamax and other bisphosphonates cause cancer of the esophagus. Fosamax has been linked to femur fractures, osteonecrosis of the jaw, esophageal cancer, and softened bones among other dangerous side effects by the FDA. FDA Safety Communications Potential increased risk for esophageal cancer, risk of thighbone fractures, reports of atrial fibrillation Active Ingredient Alendronate sodium Initial FDA Approval Fosamax in 1995, Fosamax Plus D in 2005.