Hi all,
I am a 64 year old female who has just started on prednisone for Polymyalgia rheumatica. I also have osteoporosis and have just started Actonel (Risedronate). I have to take the prednisone and it can weaken bones. After reading all the side effects of Actonel and seeing there are law suits launched in US for side effects from this drug I am really wondering if I should continue taking it. Has anyone had any success with non-medication therapy? I have been using a weight vest when I walk for the last couple of years and maybe this has helped my hip bones but it has done nothing for my vertebrae. I am also taking calcium, vitamin D and magnesium.
This page has a PDF download for PR.
arthritisresearchuk.org/art...
Sometimes we need to take drugs which have nasty side effects. I'm taking Pred for Rheumatoid Vasculitis, and Anastrazole for breast cancer, which both cause Osteoporosis. Which is why my doctors have put me on Adcal D3. The chances of acquiring Osteoporosis at our age (I'm 64 too) is quite high. I was at risk anyway due to having Rheumatoid Arthritis, and both my mum and gran had Osteoporosis. Last DEXA scan I had I was at the Osteopenia level - hence the Adcal D3. I think after 2 years on Anastrazole and over one year on steroids, I probably have Osteoprososis and will need more drugs for this.
I haven't got PR, and haven't heard of any non medications therapy for it. I hope you can find some resolution to this problem when you talk to your consultant.
There are lots of alternatives to Actonel as this PDF from the National Osteoporosis Society shows.
nos.org.uk/health-professio...
If you haven't already visited the website, the address is: nos.org.uk/
Best wishes xx
thanks a bunch, the website looks helpful