I can't get on with the medications

[andmetoo]

Hello. I've tried Alendronate and Risedronate, from which I had unpleasant side effects (dizziness from Alendronate and severe upset stomachs from Risedronate). I was offered a 6-monthly Denosumab jab, but I decided that, if I had the same reaction to that, I'd be stuck with it for 6-months. That seems to be all that's available for men. I'm trying to deal with this with exercise and diet alone. Has anybody else had the same problems? Thanks.

[Met00]

I can't take AA or risedronate, and daren't risk zoledronic acid either, as it's still a bisphosphonate. That then rules out denosumab, because you have to go straight onto a bisphosphonate if you stop it! So after a year of steadily worsening IBS on risedronate, plus a number of other side effects, I haven't taken any meds for almost 9 years. I'm fortunate that I'm only just into the osteoporosis range and haven't had a fragility fracture - I'm not sure what I'd do if I was at high risk of fracture. I have been taking a low dose strontium citrate for the past 3 years (a supplement, same strontium as in the prescription strontium ranelate, but different compound), and this has led to significantly improved spine density and strength, while maintaining hip density. I don't want to take it forever though, so have reduced it to just a quarter dose (I was taking half dose) and am focussing on weight training. I have another REMS bone scan next month, so I should have a better idea whether this approach is effective. I also take enough Vitamin D to keep my blood level around 100nmol/litre, plus 200mcg K2-MK7, have recently added in bovine collagen (types I and III) and get plenty of calcium, magnesium and protein in my diet.

[andmetoo in reply to Met00]

Thanks MET00, it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in having problems with and avoiding bisphosphonates. And also that you've not taken meds for 9 years - that is encouraging. I'd not heard of strontium citrate, so that's worth investigating. My spine density was -2.7 (dexa scan) 3 years ago. I suspect that's not too severe as I have, fortunately, never had a spine fracture (sounds horrible), just broken ribs too easily several times. I take vitamin D and make sure I get lots of calcium and protein through diet, plus exercise - with weights and running (well, I've never been any good at running, more, run a bit, walk a bit, etc). Your other vitamins and bovine collagen looking interesting too. Thanks.

[Met00 in reply to andmetoo]

With strontium citrate it isn't known whether it has the same risk of side effects as strontium ranelate (prescription version). The latter is to be avoided by anyone with existing heart disease and can also raise blood pressure. It isn't known whether the strontium itself is the cause, or the ranelate compound.

[andmetoo in reply to Met00]

That's worth knowing, thanks. My blood pressure is OK, but rather at the top end of the OK-range.

[Met00 in reply to andmetoo]

I'd personally hesitate to take it then

[andmetoo in reply to Met00]

Probably best, but thanks anyway, you've given other things to consider too.

[salagoo in reply to andmetoo]

I've been on strontium ranelate for 17 years now....taking strontium citrate at the moment as there's a problem with the manufacture, Aristo, sourcing one of the main ingredients in strontium ranelate. The reason I'm responding here is that I was born with a heart defect and had to have surgery to replace my aortic valve a few years ago due to that, however, both my cardiologist and my rheumatologist are happy with me being on strontium, as am I. Look at the details of the study which gave a heart attack risk for strontium, look at the number of study participants and see the 'absolute' risk as opposed to the 'relative' risk which was quoted in the study, and look at subsequent papers which show that in real life situations the picture is different. I believe strontium ranelate can now only be prescribed by a consultant so difficult for new patients to get which is a bummer. I also take vitamin D and get my levels of D tested by GP, and I take vitamin K2 as MK-7, and I do weight lifting and lots of walking. Take care and all the best.

[andmetoo in reply to salagoo]

Thanks Salagoo, that's really interesting. I'll investigate strontium, but it sounds like citrate is the one to go for.

[salagoo in reply to andmetoo]

Hi andmetoo - the other thing I always consider is the possible risk of the medication I take and the known risk if I don't take a medication. The risk of no treatment for osteoporosis when you've been diagnosed with it can be quite high, risk of fractures and even mortality risk, the latter particularly with hip fractures as we get older. Compression fractures of the spine, I understand, cause a lot of disability too.

I forgot to mention in my previous message that I make sure I get enough calcium from my food as I get bad side effects from calcium supplements.

[andmetoo in reply to salagoo]

Hi salagoo, Thanks, you're right there and it is worth being reminded of those risks as I have been diagnosed with it. I get my calcium from food too - the calcium/vitamin-D tablets I was prescribed caused me digestive issues; they contain calcium-carbonate = chalk, so I guess it's not surprising really.

[Coffeepixie]

I had severe side effects with Alendronate and refused to take another bisphosphonate. I take the calcium and vitamin D prescribed by my GP. I take a multivitamin which contains collagen and vitamin K in the winter months. I'm active and have lots of calcium rich foods. I'm also very careful with my daily life, don't lift anything heavy etc .

[andmetoo in reply to Coffeepixie]

Thanks Coffeepixie, I much appreciate your reply. I take vitamin D and try to get lots of calcium and protein through diet (calcium with vitamin D tablets made me, er, constipated, so I drink lots of milk and eat lots of yoghurt). The multi-vitamins with collagen and vitamin K is very interesting. Thanks.

[Coffeepixie in reply to andmetoo]

I only took half a calcium tablet for the same reasons and now i have yoghurt and more milk to replace it altogether

[binati]

I have kidney stones so cannot have Calcium supplementation. I'm taking Alendronic Acid which has no side effects so far after 3 years. My idea is to start estrogen therapy to keep estradiol level of 35 pg/ml for bone health. Many people on the forum have tried it or are on it currently even in this forum.

Might be a better solution than any bisphosphonate or Alendronate.

[andmetoo in reply to binati]

Thanks binati, very kind of you to reply.