Do biphosphonates make lymphodema worse?

[MsDEL]

Hi, I have secondary le in my leg. I also have osteoporosis and need biphosphonate treatment and my consultant has recommended this by infusion. I have read that biphosphonates can cause oedema, and am therefore very nervous. Is there anyone who has similar experience please?

[Lynora]

Hi MsDel - there is an excellent article written by Vaughan Keeley -

lymphnet.org/membersOnly/dl...

This is worth discussing with your lymphoedema clinical team - if they monitor you well, it should not be a problem - but if you stop taking the biphos, then this will exacerbate the osteoporosis. I have clients who take it, and it doesn't seem to affect their lymphoedema.

[MsDEL in reply to Lynora]

Hi Lynora,

Thanks for your quick reply. This is re-assuring. I'll make sure I discuss it with my GP.

Many thanks

[lovesradio]

I have been taking alendronic acid for 4 years and have had no increase in my left arm swelling.

[MsDEL in reply to lovesradio]

Thanks for the reassurance.