Newly diagnosed - meds query

[7secondsofsanity]

I was recently diagnosed (am in late 50’s) with osteoporosis in lower back… have been advised to take Residronate (Actonel) tablets but nervous to take because of long-term implications re stopping the medication, as well as impact on chronic reflux disease. Does anyone have any advice re their experience with this medication, or might know of alternative meds or treatments that are available?

[RalphyDog]

Hi 7secondsofsanity. I too was diagnosed osteoporosis in November of last year and because of gastrointestinal issues I cannot take AA orally. I was advised by a rheumatologist to take Zolendronic acid by yearly infusions. I am awaiting my in May with the rheumatologist to start the procedure.

[Sunnygirl69]

I'm a few years younger than you & my consultant endocrinologist started me on HRT. Oestrogen hugely beneficial for bones.

[TandemTime]

My Rheumatologist suggested Binesto once week as found it is tollerated much better however I am being moved to the annual infusion just taking that while I wait....its fizzy drink available on nhs but is a bit more expensive for them...

[Lunasgran in reply to TandemTime]

I have to have an annual review of the medication I take, the main objective being to get me to stop taking Binosto and go onto the basic tablets which I am unable to swallow! I can only swallow very small tablets, I buy soluble paracetamol but have to cut up other tablets like Naproxen! My next review is next week, when I will have used my last Binosto tablet! I hope I can persuade the pharmacist to let me stay on them, perhaps I’ll ask for HRT instead!

[TandemTime in reply to Lunasgran]

I think it's crazy to make you take the tablet form if it does not agree with you. I can't quite understand it but with the tablets I had no warning and had to run to the loo after 20 minutes. Not great at all !

However I tolerate the Binesto without much of an issue. The tablets charging through that quick can't really help with absorption...the cost difference to the NHS is hardly anything.

Good luck with the review...

[t1gernidster]

I would read everything you can on any form of ‘medication’. I opted out of that and my GP prescribed HRT which has helped very much along with the necessary supplements.

[TandemTime in reply to t1gernidster]

What age are you, I am 64 so presume too late for HRT?

[t1gernidster in reply to TandemTime]

I am 75. I restarted HRT 4 years ago so not too late at all.

[TandemTime in reply to t1gernidster]

Interesting would you mind letting me know which type you take?

[t1gernidster in reply to TandemTime]

FemSeven Conti 50 micrograms transdermal patches

[Sunnygirl69 in reply to TandemTime]

Apparently no, latest research appears to say never too late to start.

[Greenllama in reply to t1gernidster]

What were the necessary supplements please and how much were recommended to you please?

[t1gernidster in reply to Greenllama]

I make sure I have enough calcium in my diet and I supplement with 3mg boron, nnagnesium 280mg, Vitamin K2/7 180mg and vitamin D3 3000iu.

[Verauk]

7secondsofsanity I started Actonel 8 minths ago. I did have any side effects, even reflux. I take it with two 300 ml of water glass and after 30 min, I take my usual breakfast. But I plan to stop it in 3 months. I did not tell my Doc about my decision. I will take the risk. I have reinforce my gym exercices and eating more protein( I use to have a plant base diet and not much protein ).

[Sharikas]

I was on risedronate for 2 years and it did nothing for me, I had no side effects with it, but no improvement in bone density. I took myself off it and my doctor wanted to put me on prolia, but I refused. Instead I've added more protein and different vitamins and weight training. This has helped immensely.

[Cappuccinobaby]

My advice would be to get hyperparathyroidismRuled out as a cause. Get your doctor to test ypur calcium levels and if they are higher than 2.5mmol/l it needs testing again along with vit d magnesium and parathyroid hormones...

[dcdream]

I was disagnosed at age 58 with osteoporosis. Am currently 71. Never took the meds, never fractured, didn't have any underlying factors for my diagnosis. Seems like my bones just aren't as dense as others. I have lost only 3/4 of an inch from my original height, less than friends my age who don't have osteoporosis. this is a very personal journey you are on and what works for others, may not be what works for you. I suggest anyone with said diagnosis read everything they get their hands on, take is seriously, see whatever specialists you need to, find out why you have it, etc. then make a decision you are comfortable with that meets your needs and not what you read on line. That said, I met with an endocronoligst, my GP, spine surgeon, nutritionist, balance and posture/body mechanics therapist and two gynecologists. Each one had a different approach, not all recommended meds. I eat a well balanced diet, take vit. d & k, practice yoga and pilates for those with osteoporosis twice per week, walk daily about 2 miles or so, lift weights 2 x per weeks for 20 minutes each session . I walk up and down stairs at least 8 times per day. I took an excellent therapy class on body mechanics, balance and posture. I do everything I can to avoid developing a hump on my spine. I'm currently fit and still not taking meds, however, I do hope for better meds to hopefully be developed and would take them if they had less side effects than the current ones. too many people I know with osteoporosis are on them for life and when one drug fails, you have to take another. Its a chronic illness so that's why you have to decide what's right for you.

[worthytobeloved]

Thank you for your post. The replies you've received have really helped me. I was on Risedronate for a few years, and in that time I broke bones when I fell! I've had a year's holiday from it, and haven't broken bones when I've fallen! The doctor has put me on it again, but I won't take it. The scary thing is that I think if you're on it and have to have a tooth extracted, it could lead to necrosis of the jaw. It sounds as though the best thing is to eat healthily and take the supplements recommended by people who have replied to you. And 'thank you' to all who replied to this post! Good luck!