Any others taking Accrete D3 (vitamin D/calcium supplement) for osteoporosis

Gp prescribed Accrete alongside AA. Told me to start Accrete 2 weeks after starting AA, so I was not taking both at the same time - incase I had side effects. I had hives after taking AA and was told to stop taking AA for 2 wks but not told whether I should start taking the Accrete. Went and asked the pharmacist today about it.

Does anyone else take them with their medication please?

[AnnieW55]

I was prescribed AA and accrete (calcium and vit d3 combo). I stopped taking AA due to side effects and belatedly reading up about it (longish story). After doing some research and reading around the forum I stopped taking the accrete and now get my calcium totally through diet and buy vit d3 tablets.

I was prescribed 2xaccrete a day. As each tablet has 600mg of calcium I was getting the recommended dose, or much higher depending on whose guidelines you use, before taking into account my dietary calcium! Plus, as I understand it, 600mg in one go is more than the body can use.

[Hidden in reply to AnnieW55]

Hello AnnieW55, prior to you starting Accrete did yr gp do blood tests for your VitD level? some peeps' gps, on here, did or just prescribe them without? Would you tell what side effects you had taking AA? as I am hearing so many complaints about AA, I am wondering if I want to take them because even you stop taking them AA and its effects stays in your body for along time.

[AnnieW55 in reply to Hidden]

My story, I’ll be as brief as I can as it’s not straightforward.

A consultant I work for advised a dexa scan due to my age, 63 then, and exercise history - lots of different things and was at that time training for a full marathon. Result of the scan was osteopaenia -1.9 spine and -2 left hip. We were both surprised but not worried - agreement was to manage through diet. 6 weeks later at 24.5 miles Into my marathon I got a stress fracture to my right hip! Taken to hospital, operated on and discharged with amongst other meds, accrete and AA. So yes, bloods were done but with an eye on surgery rather than anything else. I’ve had subsequent tests, courtesy of my consultant and vit d is ok. My GP hadn’t really had any input to it all, apart from a visit to them to get a certificate due to being off work and a chat. At the time I saw her I also said I wasn’t taking the AA as I was getting some blurred vision, discomfort and I also felt my sight was actually deteriorating. Stopping the AA stopped the symptoms but I think some damage has been done, I feel I need stronger glasses. Both GP and consultant were ok with me “doing my own thing”.

I would ask for the vit d test if you haven’t had one, although if you’re in the UK it’s almost a given that you’ll be at least a bit low.

Have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis?

Meant to add earlier, if taking calcium and vit d look at taking vit k2. Look up Vitamin k2 and the calcium paradox.

[Hidden in reply to AnnieW55]

Hello AnnieW55, is the consultant you work for an orthopaedic surgeon? I am very impressed with the treatment you received. I have osteoporosis and osteopenia. The radiologist, who did the bone scan, said I should mention to my gp about having a vit d blood test but gp just gave me the prescription for accrete without my having a blood test. So my before and after levels can't be compared unless I have the test done privately. I understand with AA some side effects can affect your eyes . As I already have an eye condition I rang the ROS to ask about it. I was told that you get Uveitis (inflammation of the inner part of the eye (that causes impaired vision)) and I have already had two flare-ups of Uveitis in the past. When I first took AA I had hives/rash and gp told me not to take it for two weeks and then re-start and if I got hives/rash to make another appointment. I am now very wary of taking AA if it can cause inflammation in the eye. I have an appointment with the eye hospital next month and will ask them about it. I am based in the UK - are you in the States?. Sorry this reply has been so long-winded.

[AnnieW55 in reply to Hidden]

No worries - I can’t do “edited highlights😀”.

I’m in the UK. “My” Consultant, who I work for, is a diabetes/endocrine specialist with an interest in diet, as do I, hence our conversation which ended up with my having a dexa. Yes, my case is one that showed the NHS at its best. It really swung into action when I needed it, from paramedics on the marathon course (which was in a different place to where I live) on a Sunday, to the ambulance, crew, A&E staff and being operated on first thing Monday morning. I’m now under the care of an orthopaedic surgeon in my home area.

I’m no expert but I would agree with you to wait until you see the eye specialist. In the meantime, look to your diet to see where improvements can be made and do weight bearing exercise if possible. There is a post by HeronNS that explains her journey and is very useful. If you use the search box you may find a lot of answers to your questions. The search box is at the top of the right hand side of the Posts page.