Steroids

Any idea how long you carry on taking alendronic acid and calcium tablets after you've stopped taking steroids?

Thànks.

[Hidden]

As your doc recommends if you were prescribed them because your Dexa scan shows you have osteoporosis. I only know of being prescribed alendronic acid and calcium tablets for this reason.

[dall05]

Alendronic Acid was prescribed to me when I started steroids as a way of preventing osteoporosis from occuring. Steroids make your body lose calcium and Alendronic Acid helps your body retain calcium. The one counteracts the other. I hate taking Alendronic Acid as you have to drink a whole glass of water first thing in the morning and remain standing for half an hour without eating as you probably know. It would be great to be able to stop taking it just so I could have my breakfast first on a Monday Morning. Never mind at least my bones are good!

[libby7827 in reply to dall05]

Hi, you can have a yearly intravenous dose of zolendronic acid at the hospital and a once a month Vit D 3 capsule instead. I do! The other way, the way you take the medication, is an absolute pain, I know!

[dall05 in reply to libby7827]

Thats interesting, I'll have a chat with my GP on friday and see what she thinks. Thanks for that Libby

[Hidden in reply to dall05]

Its the swallowing of the thing I hate - its like a horse pill and I am terrified its going to get stuck in my throat. So bad that i won't take it if i am alone!! I do sit after I have taken it (but I do sit up very straight), but the worst thing is having to wait half an hour for my morning cuppa!!

[cofdrop-UK]

Think this is one for you GP Marie. If you don't have oesteoporosis or oesteopenia and are on them because you are taking steroids I am really not sure if you can stop them straight away or have to take them for some time afterwards. Defo one for the doc.

Love C xxx

[libby7827]

If you have osteoporosis then you will continue to take them for the rest of your life. I now have a yearly intravenous infusion of zolendronic acid instead of the weekly alendronic. I also have a large dose monthly Vit D3. If you were just on your steroids for a short time then I doubt the other medications would have been prescribed,

[Hidden]

Thanks all.

My Dexa scan showed my bones were in good strong condition. I take the AA and Adcal because of the steroids. I'll check with my GP - hopefully I'll be able to come off them - I'm the same re taking them.

Marie x

[sgbr in reply to Hidden]

my doc put me on both of those as a precaution so I wont get osteoporosis in the future so I think I just have to keep on taking them. I do agree about the alendronic acid tablets I hate drinking water but you can sit also you dont have to stand for the hour. Steroids have also messed with my immune system waiting to see the hospital to get it sorted out.

Sue x

[cazlewick]

I agree with everyone re: the taking of the alendronic acid and like some sit upright for the half hour after taking, I also drink water during that time as I was told that if it got stuck could burn my throat and I am worried that it will get stuck. Was told by my consultant that I would have to take these along with the Adcal for the rest of my days due to the amount of steroids I have to take, didnt know there was something else I could have, will discuss this with my GP/Consultant. Thanks for all the replies you have helped me as well as MarieWF.

Caz x