While trying to quantify the exact number of people potentially affected is difficult, Fosamax alone is taken by nearly 10 million men and women.- Since 2001, more than 2,400 patients taking bisphosphonates have reported jaw bone death. Most of these reports came from people who took potent, intravenously delivered versions of these drugs – An additional 120 people who were taking bisphosphonates in pill form have suffered from bone, joint or muscle pain leaving them bedridden or in need of walkers, crutches or wheelchairs.