Problems with Alendronic Acid

[Stkeyna]

Hi, Just looking for some advice as regards taking alendronic acid or risedronate acid. The story so far:

I have had GCA for 11 years. I went along to a talk, some years ago, by a highly regards Surrey rheumy who stated you should never be on AA for longer than 5 years without having a 6 months break. I, at that point, had been on it for over 7 years!! I consequently took a 6 month break but was then put back on to AA. Recently, after 10 years of taking AA, I started getting stomach problems and a persistent cough. At this point I had an endoscopy which showed I had esophagitis possibly caused by the AA and acid reflux. My highly respected rheumy then decided I should move over to risedronate acid as apparently, it was easier to tolerate.

On top of this I had kidney stones difficulties two years ago and was told to stop taking my Ad-cal as it might have led to the kidney stones due to the calcium content. So I have only been taking vitamin D tablets since then. I am on 11 mgs of pred. at the moment and struggle to get much lower.

Any thoughts most welcome!

[DarcyMcginty]

I was on Aledronic Acid for 5 years then given a ‘drug holiday’. When I visited one of my GP’s she asked me about f I would be happy going back on it (I had completed 6 months and off AA). Apparently the surgery had had a teaching session from one of our local rheumatologists who said break in treatment was not necessary and definitely not at all in patients at high risk of fracture- me!

I have been back on it for 6 months and at no time since I first started taking AA in 2013 have I had any side effects 😊

[Stkeyna in reply to DarcyMcginty]

Thanks for that. and interesting to hear what your rheumy said. Pleased you haven't had any side effects. Long may that run for you.

[Beeblebev in reply to DarcyMcginty]

Good to hear a positive message about AA as I've been on it for just over a year and still

worry so much about taking it with all the negativity I read about it. Thank you

[Sunseaandsand]

Hi Stkeyna,

If you have been able to tolerate this without other side effects it's possible to have yearly infusion.

This of course will by pass the problems you are currently having.

You really need to discuss this option with your Doctor.

You don't say if you have already or fractures.

[Stkeyna in reply to Sunseaandsand]

Thanks for that and will discuss with my doctor. No fractures as yet just thumb arthritis appears to be setting in. Both thumbs at the same time - one must have been jealous of the other!!

[millyimp1322]

Hello Stkeyna,

I too Amon Risedronate and have been on them just over 2 years.I have had no problems with them. I take 1 tablet a week and I sit upright for an hour just to make sure it has gone down.I also have acid reflux but no problem arises from the Risedronate.I take other tablets for a heart problem and bread cancer along with a couple of other things.But again there has been no problems with them clashing with each other. I hope this helps you.

[Stkeyna in reply to millyimp1322]

Thank you for helpful post. It's more the time factor for me after 11 years of it! I have been told various things with one doctor recently saying you should never be on AA or RA for longer than five years. Commenting that it should have done its work by then and you don't need any more. Anyway delighted you are doing so well we no side effects!

[Sunseaandsand in reply to millyimp1322]

It's great to hear that there are people who don't suffer the side effects that the medications bring with them. Iam sorry to hear of your problems but very pleased to hear that you are doing well on your treatments.

I wish You all the best.