zoledronic acid and constipation

[Radars]

does anyone know whats the best thing for constipation after having zoledronic acid infusion, I am eating a lot of Fibre but it's not doing any good.

[Met00]

Sorry to hear you have constipation. Have you been told it's definitely a side effect of the zoledronic acid? Are you taking a calcium carbonate supplement, as that's well-known for causing constipation. It's the most common calcium supplement, but it's possible to buy it in calcium citrate form, which is more easily digested. I would suggest having a break from that if you are taking it and see if that solves the problem. Then have a chat to your doctor or a pharmacist.

[Radars in reply to Met00]

thanks, I've been reading up on side effects and constipation is common with it,no I'm not taking a calcium supplement.

[Met00 in reply to Radars]

I do know that you have to drink a lot more if you increase your fibre intake, so it might be worth trying that. But I also suggest you speak to a doctor or pharmacist. I'm surprised at this side effect as I thought it was meant to bypass the digestive system

[wellness1]

Sorry you're experiencing constipation. I think you recently asked about magnesium glycinate? If you take magnesium citrate, that can help. Prunes can help and are good for bones in the bargain.

Good recommendations from Met00 and I agree about speaking to someone if it doesn't resolve quickly. Don't be uncomfortable.

[MyStar86]

I don’t think it’s a common side effect as I get it the other way from the infusion so I think they just list everything but I wouldn’t say it’s a common side effect as it speeds up my system but everyone is different that’s why they list both as a side effect like nearly all drugs do.

Have you ever tried milk of magnesia that’s always been a miracle for me when I need it after surgeries etc.

[Raleigh59]

prunes or prune juice or colace at drug store there is also suppository to soften it - I can’t remember what it’s called but over the counter. Yes also hot drinks, cooked eggplant Parmasan

[fraid]

Dulcolax. Senakot milder and takes longer, buy either over the counter.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I take Fybogel - I’ve found their new tablets quite good - and I read somewhere about eating kiwi fruit which seems to work for me but we’re all different and but to be honest I’d ring your GP and ask for something because there must be all sorts of laxatives out there and you don’t want to take something that is going to make you feel worse. Good luck with it, constipation can make you feel awful.

[Bluebell999]

I have been prescribed lactulose or movicol, depending who is doing the prescribing. I think they are pretty much the same.

I do know paracetamol and or any opiods can cause constipation as a side effect, as well as some other meds, which I take. Have you looked at the leaflets of everything you are taking for guidance?

I had my zolendronic infusion shortly before you and although there are days when I don't go, I then take lactulose or movicol. Usually one dose works and both are quite gentle. Dont't take both though, one or the other.

Prunes are also very good, especially the tinned ones with the juice!

My constipation is not zolendronic related as I have put up with it for many years even before taking the infusions, which I have had three now. It has not got worse because of it.

Unless it is causing you pain, are very uncomfortable or you are straining, then missing the odd day or two could be just your own normal.

[Radars in reply to Bluebell999]

thanks, I have put a request in for something to my surgery, a long time ago I was prescribed laxido,but I don't know if you are prescribed something different for a side effect of certain treatments.

[Bluebell999 in reply to Radars]

If Laxido suits you then I would stick with it.

I cannot take Senakot or Fybogel, both make me very bloated and uncomfortable. I gained a couple of inches around my middle and had terrible wind! They were not that effective for me either. Sometimes it is trial and error to see what suits you. What suits one person may cause unwelcome side effects in another. We are all different.

If you are worried about a particular type or brand of laxative affecting the medication you are taking, then a phone call to the pharmacy will put your mind at rest. They are more knowledgeable about meds and their side effects or whether they are suitable for you than your GP.

Hope you get some relief soon.

[MyStar86]

I just had a think Radars and I think your constipation could be more related to the course of antibiotics that you had recently as that wipes out all your good gut bacteria and can more than often leave people with changed bowels and constipation being the main culprit after antibiotics.

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

mystery,it could be I have put in a request for something to my surgery.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

hope you hear back from them soon but it should resolve itself how long have you been constipated?

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

about a week or so

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

did you managed to get some help from the doctors or anything that people suggested?

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

just waiting for pharmacy to you for delivery don't know what gp is sending, got a gp phone call on the 15th was hoping for face to face but no ,hate phone appointments he is a foreigner hard to understand as I wear hearing aids from damage when I was in the army.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

at least you have an appointment very soon so hopefully they can help but I do agree it’s not the same over the telephone. It seems impossible to get gp appointments these days unless you wait 6 weeks which by then is useless. Well hopefully the medication will help just be careful with laxatives as they can cause terrible cramping, bloating and pain etc I never got on with anything except milk of magnesia.

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

gp has prescribed senna tablets never had them thought I would get laxido that I have had a while ago.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

I think you can buy laxido in the pharmacy, you can also buy movicol if you prefer those type of laxatives. Senna is a stimulant laxative that does cause cramping and gas as it stimulates the intestines to contract…..I find the osmotic ones better that draw water to the bowel as they are less painful but hopefully senna will be ok just make sure you drink lots of water/fluids whilst taking them. Let me know how you get on and take care

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

thanks, I think I will buy laxido, as senna depletes magnesium, you would think the gp would prescribe laxido as I had no problem with them. he must have looked at my notes.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

You like to think so but a lot of them don’t now as I’ve been prescribed medication that I’m allergic too so I’m not surprised unfortunately.

I just doubled checked and you can definitely buy the laxido mypharmacy.co.uk/product/la...

Maybe because you have only had short term constipation they went for the senna as it’s a much milder laxative and laxido says it’s good for longterm constipation but I’m not doctor and not about to defend them.

Hope you can get some from the pharmacy tomorrow, fingers crossed 🤞 good luck

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

hope you managed to get some laxido from the pharmacy and good luck for your gp call tomorrow I hope they can help you.

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

I think you were right about antibiotics because I seem to be recovering and I was also taking a probiotic 2 hours after taking the antibiotic.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

Thats really good to hear and not using the laxative is a much safer option if the body can recover itself even if it’s horrible waiting for things to go back to normal fingers crossed for you that things keep improving. Antibiotics tend to have that effect unfortunately, I once had to be on antibiotics for 6 months and it totally ruined my gastric system so I do understand.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

how did it go with the Gp? I hope your symptoms are still slowly improving. Take Care and keep up the fluids

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

I have to take a urine sample to the surgery tomorrow and pick up a blood form, I am going to york races on Wednesday I hope a couple of glasses of red wine won't bring back my uti, got to get out while I can.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

At least the doctors are making some effort to check things. Plus I’m glad to hear you are getting out and hopefully you can enjoy yourself on Wednesday. Just make sure you drink plenty of water during and after having a few drinks as alcohol can make your constipation issues worse if you don’t drink enough fluids to counteract the dehydration alcohol causes…..the extra non alcohol fluids should hopefully stop any UTI’s as well. I hope you have a lovely time on Wednesday and try not to worry about after just enjoy the moment as life is far too short.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

I hope it all went well at the races and you haven’t been left with any UTI issues since and could just enjoy the day.

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

yeah all well I had a few glasses of red wine, no problem with uti as of yet.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

brilliant that’s good to hear 🎉. Have you heard back from the doctors regarding the tests they asked you to do? Hope the constipation has naturally resolved too.

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

I have a face to face with gp on Monday just had another blood test to check kidneys so find out then.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

good luck for Monday! I hope it all goes well and you get the all clear 🤞. Take care

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

I just wanted to check in to see how you got on following your face to face gp appointment. I hope things have been improving for you and you have been able to enjoy some of the sunshine ☀️.

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

thanks yeah my kidneys are ok and she checked my prostate and said nothing untoward, I am going to the races tomorrow so ok.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

I’m glad to hear all is well!! I hope you enjoy the weekend and things keep improving for you

[Radars in reply to MyStar86]

thanks, hope you are ok.

[MyStar86 in reply to Radars]

Thank you! I’m ok just recovering from my surgery waiting for my follow up which can’t come soon enough so I can see the new gastro and pain management teams. However I’m keeping positive good things come to those who wait. Now you enjoy the long weekend and good luck at the races just make sure you keep hydrated not just the wine

[Ludovic4]

Movicol is very gentle and far less bloating than fibrogel, good luck.

[jimister]

I don't get constipation but I have been getting a lot of abdominal pain, cramping after eating which I never had before the zoledronic acid infusion.