Osteoporosis and medication side effects

[Frances123]

Evening lovelies. I have had lone paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation for 11 years and well controlled with Flecainide. Have been on apixaban for over 2 years now as well. Last week I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I have started on and also-3 which is Vit D and calcium. My GP is now taking guidance on prescribing a Bisphosphonate as potential side affects are gastrointestinal disturbances and/ or acid reflux along with Atrial Fibrillation. I have also had acid reflux for 10 years so a double whammy.

A Bisphosphonate is one of the best medications for osteoporosis but am worried about the potential side effects. As far as I can see it only causes new AF and can’t find anything to do with established or long term AF. Unless they are meaning AF per se.

Has anyone been diagnosed with osteoporosis, treated with a Bisphosphonate and if so did you have side effects and how did you cope.

Many thanks folks and now back to The Michael McIntyre show. xxx

[CaroleF]

Not sure how helpful this will be, but ..... I took a biphosphonate (Alendronic acid) for osteopoeania several years ago for the required length of time (5 years?) and did not experience any of the known side effects. I think the important thing is probably to make sure that you follow the instructions for taking it. (ie remain in an upright position for at least 30 mins after taking it and before eating or drinking anything other than water - if I remember correctly), but then I have never suffered from acid reflux. This was quite some time before the diagnosis of PAF and I hadn't previously been aware of any link between the biphosphonate and AF. I think there's a gap of at least 5 years between my taking a biphosphonate and developing PAF so I'm not inclined to think the two are linked in my case.

You might find the National Osteoporosis Society a useful source of information as a newly diagnosed person. They (like the AF Association) publish lots of helpful information and they have a wonderful, free, helpline. I can't speak highly enough of them. The nurses on the helpline are very well informed (better than your average GP) and may well be able to answer any questions you may have about medication/AF/osteoporosis issues.

See here: nos.org.uk/

Their free helpline 0808 800 0035 (weekdays 9am- 5pm)

[Frances123 in reply to CaroleF]

Thanks Carole. I have been on their site but saw there was a bit of a row going on on the forum and decided to leave well alone. At the time the phone line was closed but I will call them tomorrow. I have been reading their literature. Will let you know how I get on. xxx

[CaroleF in reply to Frances123]

Sorry to hear their Forum put you off a bit. I haven't looked at that for years. I know the phone line is occasionally closed for training purposes, but do contact them as soon as you can. I can't speak highly enough of the nurses there - so well-informed and supportive. However, the questions I had were not as complex as yours so I hope they can help you. Do come back to let us know how you get on.

I see now that you have had several more helpful replies since I first posted - always lots of helpful people here too

[Mike11]

My wife has just had to come off Alendronic acid because it was bringing her out in a bad rash, so she's looking at a course of injections that is available as an alternative. That might be better for you as well

[Frances123 in reply to Mike11]

Thanks Mike. Alendronic was the one my GP was looking but when he saw potential side effects decided he needed to take guidance. I have been looking at the intravenous ones too and they do reduce side effects. I believe there are 3. 1 isn’t suitable due to age and condition, another has the potential for AF and is listed in its known side effects and don’t know about 3rd.

Hopefully one will be found that won’t cause a problem. Don’t mind mild intestinal side effects as I can up my acid tablets but no way do I want my PAF disturbed.

I know I am being cautious and pleased GP is as well. Reading statistics it’s only so many in a couple of 1000 it affected on trials but was enough to be written up as a side effect. xxx

[Bee-Honest in reply to Mike11]

My friend has Oesteoporosis, she couldn't take the oral medication it upset her gut, so had the infusions (injections, three over a three year period), then read an article that being on this type of medication for more than a few years does more harm than good. She phoned the Oestroporosis Society, a group she has always praised and has joined on a lifelong membership, however they could not deny this was correct. Worth checking out how long this treatment should be taken.

[Mike11 in reply to Bee-Honest]

Yes there is a time-limit on all these things. My wife's cousin took one that was far more regular injections for two years which is the most her consultant would allow, but it did restore about two-thirds of the bone loss.

[Frances123 in reply to Bee-Honest]

Thank you. I will be calling them tomorrow. x

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Hi! At the time I was diagnosed with AF I was on bisphosphonates. At the time, back in 2002, I was also working and prescribing them to my patients on a daily basis, with no idea that they are pro-arrhythmic drugs. I am convinced that it was my NSAID use (ADVIL PM), the Bonita, and the poor sleep and stress that created a perfect storm to set up the conditions for my AF. Personally, I would never take them again with AF.

The other issue is that for the entire time that I was on bisphosphonates my bone density did not improve. It wasn't until 3 years ago when I learned that dairy products actually leach calcium from bones that suddenly now my bone density is near normal.

Weight bearing exercise and calcium from no dairy sources are a great way to have healthy bones.

[Frances123 in reply to SRMGrandma]

Thanks for that. An added problem is that a few weeks ago I was put on hormone therapy for 5 years but this can affect the bones, hence having the DEXA scan. I am just worried if I can’t take bisophonates for the osteoporosis will the hormone therapy make it even worse? I already eat a healthy diet but going to look more carefully at foods that can help, along with exercise. I will be contacting the osteoporosis society too. xxx

[SRMGrandma Volunteer in reply to Frances123]

If the hormone therapy is estrogen therapy, that is typically good for bones. But weight bearing exercise is super important. Don't be surprised if the osteoporosis society pushes the drugs over other options....

[Frances123 in reply to SRMGrandma]

Thanks SRMgrandma. That is good to know. Yes the hormone is estrogen therapy. I was diagnosed late August with breast cancer that is estrogen +. The drug though is suppose to affect bone density so am worried it will make osteoporosis worse if I can’t take one of the drugs due to AF and Acid side effects. Would be interested to know how estrogen therapy is good for bones. Can you tell me please to point me in the direction to find out. Breast cancer all looks good though and caught early. Just don’t want the little bugger coming back! I start radiotherapy today. xxx

[SRMGrandma Volunteer in reply to Frances123]

Sorry about the breast Ca diagnosis So if you are estrogen receptor +, then it is not estrogen they are giving you, rather an estrogen antagonist. Are you taking Tamoxifen or a similar drug that falls into the category of aromatase inhibitor? Interestingly enough Tamoxifen does help to preserve bone density in post menopausal women, though as mentioned before, the calcium rich diet, weight bearing exercise, and supplementing with Vit D is a good idea. You may or may not find this article from the N.I.H. helpful ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/146...

[Frances123 in reply to SRMGrandma]

Thank you. No chemo or tamoxifen as small lump caught early and no node involvement so just radiotherapy. Taking Anastrozole aromatase inhibitor. Just home from 1st session of radiotherapy. 1 down 14 more to go. xxx

[Beta44]

I started Alendronic acid for Osteoporosis when I was suffering from PAF. It made no difference. I subsequently had successful ablation so no longer have AF, but am still on the Biphosphonates with no problems.

Peter

[Frances123 in reply to Beta44]

Thank you for that Peter and that is encouraging. Did you get any problems with Acid Reflux or heartburn etc? I’ve suffered with acid reflux for 10 years. I guess I am just plain greedy, lol. xxx

[Beta44]

I am careful to follow the instructions, staying upright, taking with a full glass of water etc. I asked for, and got, the weekly single dose which makes it much easier. My stomach does feel a bit sore but that seems to resolve when I have breakfast an hour or so after taking. I am now three years in and only have two to go so am hopefully going to be able to stay the course. I had another DEXA scan which showed that things were slightly better so worth persevering.

Peter

[Sportfix]

Your posting is very interesting to me cos before I had Afib I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my spine. Hadn’t noticed any symptoms & I am/was very sporty & lithe. It was found on a voluntary test for osteoporosis. Anyway, I took the tablets you mention & after a while I had loads of problems digestion wise. In the end I had an endoscopy & a colonoscopy too. All came back normal except they cpuld see I had gastritis & a slight hiatus hernia. Stopped the tablets and it all cleared up. About 6 months/a year afterwards I suddenly had Afib. Have had 2 ablations, the last 4 weeks ago was a3D mapping one which seems to have gone very well. Hope all goes well for you. Loads of luck.

[GrannyE]

I think it very important to take magnesium esp if you are taking calcium. You don’t want the calcium/magnesium to get out of balance. There is a wealth of information about it on the web.

[Babyr1996]

I’m having the same worries I was diagnosed osteoporosis in 2013 and I’m 57 had hysterectomy in 1999 been on anti epileptic drugs for 19 years I was on hrt for 5 years. My DXA in December last year showed got worse nearly in the bottom end of the scale and only now was I seen by rheumatologist who now decides I need to have infusion Zoledronic Acid which side affect my AF charming say I. I was allergic to Alendronic Acid so only been on calcium 2x daily then a year ago my Vitamin D levels were almost non existent and am now on acute dose of vitamin D as a permanent thing as my body cannot retain it. I see rheumatology nurse on 13th May. I do wonder about the infusion re allergy as it is same family as Alendronic acid so I’m worried about side affect of AF and having allergic reaction to it. But I have to do something for my bones else I’m going to be in a wheelchair and that’s not an option sorry not for me!! Even though tomorrow is my one year anniversary of a successful ablation.

The decision is very hard to make like yourself you want to help your bones but don’t want the AF back!!

I wish you loads of good wishes and hope you get sorted soon m

Hazel