Alendronic acid

[Walkingdogs]

Hi all, Is there anyone who has had good Dexa scan results when taking Alendronic acid. If so, how long did you take it for, and how long have you been off it.

[kcoman]

Yes I did after 3 years went from 2.5 to 1.9 went off the meds for 5 years and went to 3.7 so back on it

[Tibb in reply to kcoman]

Thankyou, that is encouraging.

There are so many negative posts here about prescribed medication that I'm afraid to take it.

[kcoman in reply to Tibb]

I havnt had any side effects that I know of but I have had several broken bones and prefer to take the meds. There are worse meds out there which people have to take with little choice if they want to be well x

[Walkingdogs in reply to kcoman]

Thank you 🙂

[Toplady]

Hi! I’ve been taking Alendronic Acid for four years now and I had a Dexa scan last May and my scores definitely improved! I can’t remember the exact numbers but I went from ‘very’ osteoporotic to nearly out of osteoporosis, my rheumatologist (and me!) was very pleased! I’m still on it as I have had 2 spontaneous fractures in the last 5 years but I am very hopeful for the future and I’m lucky as I haven’t had any side effects from the medication.

Best of luck!

Lynley x

[Walkingdogs in reply to Toplady]

Thanks for the reply. Did you have fractures while you were on Alendronic acid, or was it just before you started taking it.

[Toplady in reply to Walkingdogs]

I had 3 separate fractures before I started on the AA, then I’ve had one (rib) since starting it. Fingers crossed for no more eh! 🤞

[Tibb in reply to Toplady]

Thankyou Toplady, from very osteoporotic to nearly not osteoporotic is fantastic!!! 📈 I would be very happy with results like that!!

May I ask your age and if you plan to stay on Alendronic Acid?

I am 61 and recently diagnosed with osteoporosis after my first ever fracture 4 months ago.

My GP prescribed Adcal, but the lady who did my dexa scan said I needed more than that.

My GP then prescribed Alendronic Acid but cautioned me that I could get necrosis in my jaw 😩.

I came on this site for reassurance about the A Acid, but have been scared to start it by the many horror stories.

You and Kcoman have been more encouraging ... and I'm thinking that perhaps the people who do well on A Acid are not on this site, or just don't post.

I feel that I'm too young to not treat the osteoporosis.

Would love to hear more positive stories about A Acid ‼️

[Walkingdogs in reply to Tibb]

Hi Tibb, I too would like to hear more positive stories abou AA. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 8 years ago and I refused AA as I was told about necrosis. I’m 73 now and last year got 2 fractures in my spine. I’ve been on it now for 6months and I’m doing as much as I can diet wise in the hope I won’t need to take it for years. Good luck.

[Toplady in reply to Tibb]

Hi! I was 47 when first diagnosed so have now been on AA for 4 years now, I also take a Vit C & Calcium supplement. I also heard and read the horror stories about taking it but my scores were so low and I had had a spontaneous fracture of my Sacrum so it was important to try and increase my bone density quickly so medication was the way to go.

I think you’re right, you don’t tend to hear the 'good' stories about AA on forums like this, I think people are scared by the side effects and use forums to find out more.

I’m like you, I thought 'I’m too young to for this' so was keen to try it. I’ve been lucky that I haven’t had any side effects so fingers crossed that continues and the improvement carries on too.

💕

[Walkingdogs in reply to Toplady]

That was young to be diagnosed with it. I’m glad the AA worked for you, and hopefully you won’t have anymore fractures. Last year my scores were very low so I had no option but to give the meds a try. Onwards and upwards. 🙂 🤞

[Tibb in reply to Toplady]

Thank you very much; it's so helpful to hear your story, encouraging too.

[Savbing]

I agree that AA gets negative press. I too have no/ few side effects. In view of the awful OP my mother had, I am keen to do all I can. I do all the lifestyle stuff as well. I only have OP in my neck of femurs. My spine is ok. I wonder if this is the fact that I horse ride and do a lot of yoga.

[Walkingdogs in reply to Savbing]

I think a good diet and lifestyle really helps when you take AA. It’s no good just relying on the meds.

[Louisepenygraig]

I've recently started Alendronic acid and was rather reluctant after reading all the negative posts about it but I've had no side effects yet (after just 5 weeks). My mum too was badly affected by osteoporosis and was in a lot of pain after some of her vertebrae crumbled. I really don't want to go down that road if I can help It.

[Walkingdogs in reply to Louisepenygraig]

I was very reluctant to take AA as well, but in the end I couldn’t see any alternative. My T scores were so bad I don’t think supplements alone would help, and I already have a good diet and lifestyle. I’ve been on it over 6 months and haven’t had any really bad side affects. Hope it continues.

[DarcyMcginty]

I was on AA for 5 years and my scores went from -3.2 to -2.8 spine and -2.9 to -2.6 hip. I went on a AA holiday last July. I had another DEXA scan last month and my scores both -went down -0.1. I saw my GP who has put me back on AA. Apparently if AA is working and you have no side effects it is important to stay on it if you have proven osteoporosis which I do!

[Walkingdogs in reply to DarcyMcginty]

Thanks Darcy, do you take anything else to strengthen your bones?

[DarcyMcginty in reply to Walkingdogs]

I take 2 Calceos tablets daily (Calcium & Vit D). Otherwise I keep active, go to the gym once or twice a week, do Pilates and achieve 10000 steps quite regularly 😊

[DarcyMcginty in reply to Walkingdogs]

I take Aledronic Acid once a week as well. Otherwise lots of weight bearing ex and some resistance work on the gym.