AFib and recently diagnosed osteoporosis

[Clyde12]

I have just started taking Fosamax for osteoporosis. I was diagnosed with AFib and hypertension last year and everything has been very settled with no obvious AFib until last week when I started Fosamax. After about 36 hrs I had AFib which lasted longer than any episode I’ve had so far. Just wanted to know if any other Afibbers out there are taking Fosamax for osteoporosis. Thank you.

[Hidden]

Clyde, I have no experience of Fosamax, but when I was first diagnosed with AF 5 years ago, my cardiologist said that there may have been a connection with Alendronic Acid and AF. I had been taking Alendronic Acid for 5 years before being told that I didn’t actually have Osteopenia!

Not sure if that helps you but there may be a connection......

[10gingercats in reply to Hidden]

Interesting Flapjack.I was prescribe first one and then the other of the drugs you mentioned solely on the basis of having broken my hip and it was not due to osteoporosis.I stuck out until i saw my own GP who said 'better not to go down that path with Afib'.So I didn't!

[Clyde12 in reply to Hidden]

Fosamax is alendronic acid.....I’ve got osteoporosis because of a drug (letrozole) I’ve had to take for the past 4 yrs for aggressive Breast cancer! I just wondered if I should be requesting an alternative to Fosamax as it appears to be linked to AFib. Maybe all the drugs for osteoporosis are!

[Hidden in reply to Clyde12]

Just read your profile......admire your positive attitude and smiley face, clearly working for you!! I would check with your own medical team because other factors may apply and we are not medically trained so it’s important that you speak to your doctors.....best wishes..

[irene75359 in reply to Clyde12]

I love your smiley face too! I have learned something today. My late mother had breast cancer and took letrozole and her osteoporosis was really quite severe. However the letrozole was very effective in controlling the breast cancer (she never had any surgery or consultation) and she eventually died at 97 of something entirely unrelated.

I do hope that you get something that is more suited that doesn't exacerbate your AFib; best wishes.

[Beta44]

Oddly enough I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about the time I was successfully ablated for AF four years ago. I have been taking Alendronic Acid ever since. I’ve always thought that the AF, or much more likely the medication for it, may have contributed to the development of osteoporosis. My A F has never returned so the Alendronic Acid doesn’t seem to be doing any harm.

Peter

[Clyde12 in reply to Beta44]

Do you have any particular side effects from alendronic acid? My hands and feet are stiff and sore first thing in the morning but I know that’s from the anti cancer tablet. My back has ached for over 2 yrs (dexascan 2 yrs ago showed osteoporosis but they didn’t tell me til last week.!! ) the aches just about go when I’m moving about. .....apart from twisting movements.

Thanks to everyone who has replied.

[Beta44 in reply to Clyde12]

Not really. I take a once weekly tablet of Alendronic Acid and am aware of a sore stomach for an hour or two, but that usually disappears once I have eaten.