Alendronic Acid

Hi all, just wanted to pick your brains again.

Has anyone ever used Alendronic Acid whilst on long term prednisolone? What effects has it had and will it help prevent me breaking (even more) bones so easily?

[angievere]

I've been on Alendronic Acid for about 12 yrs (or thereabouts) because I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis, probably the result of long term steroid use (I'm 52). I have had lots of steroid courses since being on Alendronic, but not long term (most was about 5 weeks).

I have had no side effects and the last scan 2 years ago showed a slight improvement in bone denisity. However I have always been very careful how I take it - the tablet should be taken first thing in the morning, before having any food/drink, and swallowed with a glass of water. You then have to keep upright (so no lying back down in bed!) and not eat or drink anything for an hour. This is very important. I understand if you dont stay upright then the tablet can sit in the oesophegus and cause irritation.

Good luck with it - by the way, it takes a long time to affect the bone density, so take it regularly! A bit of a nuisance I know, but worth it if it helps to prevents bone fractures!

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i have had this for couple years now as well as caclichew last bone scan showed a def improvement. although i take it on empty stomach and stay upright after i eat after 1/2 hr not an hr have never had problems.

[angievere]

Hi again. I just read my Bonviva (Alendronic Acid) leaflet and it says to wait an hour before eating or drinking anything (except water) after taking tablet. I started off on the daily tablet (years ago) and boy that was a pain having to do that every morning. Then I went onto the weekly tablet. Now I am on the monthly tablet (ie I take it just once a month),but I still hate having to wait an hour for my cup of tea...

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I'm on Aclasta which is a once yearly infusion because I cannot swallow tablets, maybe that would be a better option for you xxxxx

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I'm on this stuff but calcichew should in my oppinion be done under the trade descriptions act LOL in my oppinion it does not taste tutti fruiti!