Alendronic acid for oa ?

[Shalz]

Having had a dexa scan, my doctor wants me to take Alendrolic acid, once a week 75 mg.

Having read the leaflet, it says not to take steroids whilst using?

I have at least 4 lung infections every year and prednisolone has to be taken with antibiotics and dies help a lot.

I am concerned that I can’t take prednisone when I get a chest infection if I use the Alendronic acid.

Has anyone else been in this position?

Thank you

Sheila

[Caspiana]

Hi Sheila. I am a lung transplant patient. Many of us transplant patients take alendronic acid. We also take Prednisone. I however refused to take alendronic acid because it known to cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. However I know many people who do take it. They must space out the time between taking AD and steroids.

After some discussion with my surgeon he agreed that I take a calcium supplement along with a vitamin D capsule daily instead of AD. I think you should express your concern with the surgery that offered you this treatment and get a definitive answer re: steroids.

Cas 🙋🐶

[Patk1]

I'd speak to pharmacist at Yr chemist

[Ern007]

I had Alendonic Acid and did not like it, I had to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes so it won't irritate the esophagus.

I asked for something different as I have reflux and I take Adcal.

You need to check with your Doctor whether you can take Prednisone with Alendronic Acid or not.

Read this from NHS.

nhs.uk/medicines/alendronic....

[knitter]

I have taken it for years , as well as my daily oral steroid . Not at the same time , obviously

Alendronic acid Monday morning , steroids later when I have eaten

Steroids weaken the bones …..I will go and read my leaflet

Just read my leaflet , says talk to your doctor if you are taking oral steroids .

Doesn’t say why

I have Calci D as well …..not the same time as either steroid or A acid

I have taken both for years and years . Alendronic acid on empty stomach Monday morning .lots of water at least two full big glasses , standing up , then I usually have a shower …do not bend over to reach towel or soap or clothes, I learn to pick up thing I drop with my feet . I sit upright to dry myself .

Then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, I sit upright , no lying down ….no strong black coffee or juice after.

Tell your dentist you are taking them

For reassurance maybe ask your pharmacist

[Numptybrain]

Hi I take allendronic acid with prednisone and antibiotics, I have osteoporosis. Prednisone prescribed by rheumatologist and antibiotics prescribed by respiratory to prevent me getting infections whilst on high doses of prednisone.

Hope this helps.

Take care

Wendy xx

[grumpygirl]

I would have a good chat with your gp and dentist. I was put on alendronic acid and was on it for ten years before I insisted on a follow up DEXA scan. I discovered that alendronic acid does not work for everyone and it had done nothing for me. So ten years of taking it with my osteoporosis getting worse. I also cannot have dental implants and there is a risk of healing problems after any dental surgery. I am sure it works for most people but make sure you have all the facts before making a decision.

[MoyB]

I have osteoporosis and was originally given Alendronic Acid and AD-Cal. The AA caused major vertigo attacks to become more frequent so was stopped and I was told to just continue with Ad-Cal.

Several years on, following a wrist fracture, I was given Risedronate to try. The Fracture Liaison nurse was unhappy about this as it can make acid reflux worse and I was already being treated for that.

So the nurse discussed with the consultant and they changed my treatment to a 20 minute infusion once a year. I have had one, am due another one in August, and have been told I can continue due to the level of osteoporosis and the fact that I take a regular high dose steroid inhaler, plus occasional oral steroids.

I am now under the Muscular Skeletal team for the osteoporosis.

There are a number of possible options for people who cannot tolerate the AA or other tablets. Don't be fobbed off.

xx Moy

[Karenanne61]

I have osteopenia. I had problems with the Alendronic acid, so take calci D and have a denosumab injection. I take a steroid inhaler. Funnily enough, I spoke to my dentist this week as advised by the nurse who gave the injection. The dentist said it can sometimes hinder the healing process following an extraction, but the dentist monitors you very closely if you really have to have one.

[shazier2000 in reply to Karenanne61]

Hi

If you don’t mind me asking what problems did you have with the alendronic

I have osteoporosis quite bad and had two very severe wedge fractures last yr which lead to me having kyphosis and height loss

It was really painful and hospital doctors told me it was all muscular

5 months latter having a Ct scan in my gallbladder they picked the fractures up which were present on X-ray 5 months prior

The pain u was in as I said was bad but the pain I’m in now is not stop

My abdomen burns hips burn and in my ground that goes down the front of my legs

I’m wondering if it the alendronic acid? I was asked to change a few months back to the zoldronate acid infusion but I won’t have it

If this pain I’m in now is down to the alendronic acid the infusion could be worse and that’s 12 months worth they will be giving me at a time

As for dentist Iv not managed to have my teeth done yet and I’m absolutely terrified that it’s going to affect my jaw

My rheumatologist said not one of her patients ever had problems and it’s rare

Who know maybe she hasn’t got allot of patients with osteoporosis and from what I have read on YouTube it’s more common than she is letting on

How are you finding your meds now

My dexa result was -3.8

[Karenanne61 in reply to shazier2000]

I had some of the know side effects, e.g. muscle pain, digestion problems. I'm due my second denosumab injection in August. I don't think I've had any serious adverse side effects but the side effects can mimic symptoms of other conditions.

[shazier2000]

hi

I’m on alendronic acid like you once a wk

Iv also had to take antibiotics and steroids since being on it

Steroids are not good for our bones as we know but if there necessary we don’t have much choice but to still take them

No one has ever told me I can’t take them now I’m on alendronic acid

Iv only just found out you shouldn’t take with bottle water which Iv been doing for months

Will teach me not to read all the leaflet

But as for the steroids Iv still had them just make sure you leave a good gap inbetween the two or ask your gp

My gp knows all the meds I’m in and has never mention it

[Maninblack]

If you have to take steroids then I’m sure you will be told to stop the alendronic acid and restart once your course is over. It’s more important to take the steroids.