Pradaxa and bone density loss

[RexH]

I have recently heard that anticoagulants can promote bone loss. Have others heard about this?

I have osteopenia, and my bmd is close to osteoporosis, so this is real concern .

[Hidden]

I have osteoporosis in hips base of spine, feet, neck, wow I did not realise my Prodaxa could be making it worse.

[RexH in reply to Hidden]

I think it would be a good ideal to check with your GP. And maybe have a Bone mineral density scan, to see if Pradaxa is it not affecting bone density.

This is what I am going to do. Hope this helps

[10gingercats]

Do you mean any anticoagulants...in your text...or specifically Pradaxa as in your heading?

At 78 my bone density is good accord. to hospital measurements. I took Warfain for several years and have taken Apixaban for one and a half years.

[RexH in reply to 10gingercats]

Not sure, have read warfarin may be worse then the new ones

[seasider18]

If you Google "anticoagulants and bone loss" you will find a lot of medical papers confirming it.

[ovannie]

I've been on Warfarin since 2009 and I'm 77. So far my bone density tests are fine. Sometimes I think bone density may decrease because of the lack of greens and other vitamin K foods. I do drink lots of skim milk (at least a quart) every day. It's just the hair thinning that really bothers me, but then I think of all who are on chemo and feel blessed. (I really miss kale and spinach though).

[CaroleF]

I have osteopenia too as well as paroxysmal AF. Following the osteopenia diagnosis I took alendronic acid for 5 years, but haven't had a bone density scan recently. Nor have I had any more fractures after the one which led to the osteopenia diagnosis.

I now take apixaban and continue taking Calceos (a high dosage calcium and Vit D supplement) and do as much load-bearing excercise as I can manage. You might ask your GP about taking this yourself? It is also available over the counter but you would need to check with your pharmacist about contra-indications.

Given that you already have osteopenia regular DEXA scans would be worth pursuing.

However it strikes me that if warfarin and all NOACS are linked with loss of bone density then those of us in the position of having both AF and osteopenia/osteoporosis are potentially faced with some very difficult decisions about medication.

Are you aware of the National Osteoporosis Society? They have very helpful publications, an absolutely wonderful free helpline and a Forum similar to this one. The nurses on the helpline are very knowledgeable and will almost certainly be able to help with your concerns.

[RexH in reply to CaroleF]

Thankyou for your good advice.

I do have vitamin D every day, and the gym 3 days a week for the weight bearing plus walks. But need to check on calcium supplement and the help line.

have a 40% wedge crush fracture at T6