Aledronic Acid

[Golf123]

I have been on a weekly 70 mg Aledronic Acid for just over 3 years. Due to - 4 of the spine, I need to continue with this medication. However, I am getting terrible shoulder pain and headaches. Has anyone experienced the same and if so, have you any remedies to ease these symptoms?

[Met00]

Has your spine stayed at -4 despite the medication? What are your hip scores? Have you had any fractures? I ask, because a spine score alone isn't the best way of assessing fracture risk, which should be calculated using the FRAX fracture risk calculator.

[Golf123 in reply to Met00]

In September '19,I had a very heavy fall, having caught my foot on a large branch. I broke my wrist and left hip. My dexa scan showed osteopenia in my right hip 2.3 and ,,,-4 in the spine. They did however, record my height incorrectly. I'm 178 cm and they had me as 173 cm

[Met00 in reply to Golf123]

That's a huge difference between your spine and hip scores. Do you have arthritis in your hip, which could make your bone density appear better than it is? Or any curvature of the spine, which could make it appear worse than it is? I would definitely query the discrepancy, as osteoporosis is systemic., meaning bone loss should be similar throughout the body. Have you not had a further DEXA scan to check what difference the medication has made?

[Golf123 in reply to Met00]

I appreciate your comments. I had a total hip replacement on my left hip due to the fall. However , I don't have arthritis in the right hip of curvature of the spine. I do however recall, that I had vague lower back pain in my 20's. I'm now 68 and otherwise in good health. No mention of another Dexa scan which I think, I won't be offered, until I've been on AA for 5 years.

[Golf123 in reply to Golf123]

It has just clicked. I do have spinal stenosis which I understand is a form of osteoarthritis. I'm not troubled by this at the moment, but think this may have some relevance to my dexa score of -4.

[Met00 in reply to Golf123]

I don't know whether spinal stenosis would affect your DEXA results. If it's caused, or resulted from scoliosis, then the latter makes it difficult to get an accurate spine result.

[MaggieSylvie in reply to Golf123]

Because of spinal fractures, you might have lost height. I have!

[Golf123 in reply to MaggieSylvie]

Good morning. When I received my basic DEXA results, my husband measured my height and I definitely hadn't lost any height. Over the 3 years since, my height has remained the same. I can also compare my height when with friends. I have to conclude, the findings were incorrect on my scan.

[Chillyone]

I was told told I would need a scan at 3 and 5 years.I did mention my 3 year scan to my doctors who referred me.

[ROSModerator Partner]

Hi Golf123, It's great to see the discussion and support so far. If you would like to get more information about the side effects associated with alendronic acid do have a look at our fact sheet strwebprdmedia.blob.core.wi... We work with experts in the field to provide up to date, evidence- based information. This can be useful to add to the support from others on this forum. If you want to discuss your own situation, contact our specialist nurses on 0808 800 0035 (UK).