Bone density Pradaxa

[YannyD]

I've just found out that Pradaxa effects bone density. Is there anything I can do to control or at least do something about this? I'm 61 and so far the GP says I,ll be taking Pradaxa for life. Does anyone know anything to help please?

[BobD Volunteer]

Not heard this before.

[YannyD in reply to BobD]

I read it somewhere Bob and googled it. Its an issue. I wouldn't mind, but 99% of the time I don't know I have Paryox AF. Thank god,after reading about some poor souls on here.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Yanny

Like many things in life it's a decision based on risk.

Most of us will be on anti-coagulants for life, and we balance the risk of either potentially having a life threatening stroke, or suffering from one of the side effects of long term drug use. I have to say that bone density in my opinion is very low down that risk scale of worries when taking an anti coagulant, much higher would be the bleed risk.

My PERSONAL view is that I deal with the risk analysis based on the best infomation available, and right now that tells me that my risk of stroke vastly outweighs my risk of side effects (and yes that does vary from person to person) and that long term possible side effects are of less importance to me.

Yes I could be one of the unfortunate people who have a life threatening bleed, or suffer from long term damage from the drug, but that doesn't change my decision right now, anymore than I would stay indoors worried about the risk of being hurt out on the street.

We all make risk based decision on a daily basis, driving, walking and choosing holidays for example. Of course consider the risks, but ensure that those risks do not become magnified in your mind to the point that you cannot function. After all life is here for us to live almost day to day, one thing none of us know if what tomorrow will bring.

Be well

Ian

[YannyD in reply to Beancounter]

All very true, Thankyou for putting it into perspective. I've only had the condition 6 months so its all new.

[Bridges4]

You can have yearly checks for bone density. It's called a Dexa scan and this will tell you if you will/have development of osteoporosis. It's a simple test (you don't have to get undressed or anything like that) and only takes ten minutes. This monitoring will allow you to continue with Pradaxa which is an important treatment

In addition there is medication available to keep bone density at bay (Alendronic Acid) as well as calcium and vitamin D daily.

Of course, you need to arrange all of this through your doctor

[YannyD in reply to Bridges4]

Vitamin D is a good idea. I was on that before as I was advised by the GP, but stopped in cade it would react to Pradaxa. I,ll get back on that. Thankyou.

[Jomama]

Oh boy. I'm on Pradaxa and had no idea about this. I have osteoporosis and that's bad news. I do have quarterly injections of Boniva to keep my osteoporosis at bay, but now I'm taking Pradaxa that is probably negating its effects. I agree with another post that one has to weigh the benefits vs. risks. I think at the moment the risk of stroke is the worse of the two evils. I'm going to talk to my doc about this. Anyone know if all blood thinners affect bones, or is it just Pradaxa?

[fannywiens in reply to Jomama]

I don't think this info is correct. Warfarin blocks vitamin K (needed for bone density) and this can lead long term to osteoporosis, the NOAS such as pradaxa don't, which is why I am on apixaban.

[Jomama]

I just read this on the National Institute of Health here in the US and it makes me feel a bit better (just posting the conclusion for expedience):

Conclusions

These findings suggest for the first time that dabigatran has a better bone safety profile than warfarin, as warfarin treatment affects bone by reducing trabecular size and structure, increasing turnover and reducing mineralization. These differences could potentially result in a lower incidence of fractures in dabigatran treated patients.

[CaroleF]

I have osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis condition) as well as paroxysmal AF and take the anti-coagulant apixaban. Alendronic acid for osteoporosis is only prescribed for a limited time (5 years I think) and I stopped taking that well before the AF diagnosis.

However I do still take a high dosage calcium and Vit D supplement called Calceos which is available without (as well as with) a GP prescription. As far as I am aware Calceos is not contra-indicated with apixaban but I don't know about pradaxa. Your pharmacist would be able to advise.

If you are concerned about the possible side effects of Pradaxa then I would discuss your concerns with your GP and if you have had a fracture as a result of a simple fall I would definitely ask for a DEXA scan too. However, I doubt you would be referred for a scan unless there was a good reason for thinking you might have osteoporosis.

As others have said, I certainly would not stop taking an anti-coagulant as the risk of a serious stroke far outweighs the possible risk of it affecting bone density - to me anyway.

[YannyD]

Thanks for answering everyone. Xx