One good thing

[6538]

Had an online appointment with a clinical pharmacist yesterday, after going through my meds he informed me that he was removing Alendronic acid from my repeat meds, this is used to counteract the effects of prednisolone on bone weakening as it turns out it actually weakens the bones after a period of time this from new research into the drug which was done 3 years ago ,so I have been using it when I shouldn't have, now having to go for a bone scan apparently so appointment did some good.

[Osha]

hello 6538.

I’ve just started taking alendronic. So I’m beginning to wonder if I should continue I guess another long wait for an appt

[PaulineHM in reply to Osha]

Hello,

If you are concerned then chat it through with you prescriber.

Break after a few years of treatment with it are common then review again to see how things are going.

Go well

Pauline

[Oldhippylynn in reply to Osha]

i stopped taking alendronic acid last july as my hair was breaking off and had cracked teeth, just on adcal at the moment, waiting to see my consultant about a different drug for my osteoporosis. hair a little better but not a lot, good luck

[helenlw7]

I’ve had a couple of ‘holidays’ from Alendronic Acid, because of the risk of fractures. I’m not taking it at the moment.

[PaulineHM in reply to helenlw7]

Me too. About to request another Dexa scan to see how my bone health is.

Go well

Pauline

[Alberta56]

I hope your scan is OK.

[SnowyOwl207]

Thanks. That's rather ironic - and worrying! My husband has just been started on the treatment as he's also on Prednisolone, had first one last weekend. Our friend's been taking it for several years. Would like to find the information on the new research that he mentioned. Hope your scan will be okay.

[knitter]

I have been taking it for years , but after last years bone scan the consultant recommended the annual injection instead . But I decided against and continued with alendronic acid . Not taken it for a few weeks though as had flu / stomach bug .

I have to have any major dental work done at the specialist hospital , because of the risk of jaw fracture . At least that treatment free on NHS .

[Oldhippylynn in reply to knitter]

i decided against the anual injection of alendronic acid at least with the weekly tablets i could stop taking it which i did

[PaperQueen]

I was prescribed Alendronic Acid some years ago for Osteoporosis. I was told it is advisable to have a break from it so am taking a break from it at the moment. xx

[Annscottie]

I was prescribed alendronic about 15 years ago. My dentist advised strongly against taking it, (because of what it could do to the jaw bone), and after discussing with my GP I decided not to take it.

[Karenanne61]

I couldn't tolerate alendronic acid so have denosumab injections every six months and take calci D every day. (Have osteopenia)

[Showgem in reply to Karenanne61]

If you don’t have osteoporosis I don’t know why they’ve advised alendronic acid or denosamab. Have you researched it as there are other ways to try to increase your bone strength?

[Oldhippylynn in reply to Karenanne61]

i was offered denosumab injection but turned it down because of the side effects which seem a lot worse than the alendronic acid

[Karenanne61 in reply to Oldhippylynn]

For me the side effects are unnoticeable.

[WalkingFootballerUk]

Hi 6538, my understanding is that long term use of prednisolone can contribute to osteoporosis. I have COPD and have taken prednisolone at varying doses for 20 years, currently 3mg daily. Alongside alendronic acid, once weekly, I take vitamin D and aim to maintain calcium through diet. I’ve had regular bone density scans and they’ve been okay so I assumed the alendronic acid was working.

I would be interested to hear about the new research from 3 years ago as I would like to reduce my medication in general. Also how was your bone scan?

Thanks

[MoosterMoo]

I think I need to make an appointment for a check too. I've been taking Alendronic acid for about 18 months but I'm now only taking 1 mg pred. Last bone scan was 2 years ago