Hi! Anyone taking alendronate sodium?

I have heard that people have gotten some bad side effects even after the first dose. I have had it for weeks now but to scare to take it. Big fear do nausea. Stupid, I know! I would like to hear side effects others have had.

[nomoreheels]

Morning Abby. I've been taking this weekly since mid April & pleased to report I've had no side effects that I could relate directly to it. I took a little while considering whether I should take it but my concern was based on the possible problems relating to the oesophagus if not taken as prescribed but weighed the possibility of that against my fear of the increased possibility of fractures to arrive at my decision & been fine. I was also prescribed Adcal-D3 to take daily.

Having said this I am not particularly well controlled at the moment but I'm seeing my Rheumy tomorrow & will no doubt have a review of my meds & will ask if any of the problems I'm having are related to my meds, including AA.

Hope this helps.

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you nomoreheels, I am concerned about fractures. However, I don't seem to be having to many good days. So I don't want to take a medicine that could ruin a good part of my day with stomach issues

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

Perfectly understandable Abby. Do you take a calcium supplement to help? I was put asked to consider both after my last DEXA scan & as I said did seriously consider if I should be taking it but fortunately I've been ok on it - I think!

[allanah]

Hi Abby. If the doctor prescribed it and you are in so much pain wouldn't it be better to have it? Maybe take it before bed, although I know u have problems sleeping, but if you are asleep you may not have any nausea etc? Xx

[nomoreheels in reply to allanah]

Hiya allanah. Sorry but not the best thing to do when taking Bisphosphonates. They have to be taken a specific way which includes staying in an upright position for at least 30 mins but I was advised at least an hour. It can cause real problems if these warnings are not heeded. There are other no no's but not relative to your reply!! Thought it best to clear this up!

[allanah in reply to nomoreheels]

Ok no lying down or sleeping for an hour then Abbey xx

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

Nomoreheels those r all the reasons I don't really want to take it. I take a liquid calcium with d3 and magnesium and I try to get plenty in the foods I eat.

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

I always think my body my choice as quality of life is necessary so always weigh up the pro's & con's with meds & if there are more pro's than con's I try it & if the side effects are too much to put up with I ask for an alternative which I'm less likely to have similar problems with. I am fortunate that I tolerate most meds quite well & no doubt that helps in reaching my decision & little doubt I would be even more careful in considering new meds if I was more sensitive to them. Taking AA was a concern for me as my dad died of oesophageal cancer & some reports regarded this side effect as controversial & in some case trials found inconclusive when trying to make my decision.

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you nomoreheels! I was supposed to take it this morning but I will try it tomorrow morning.

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

As long as you're happy taking it, that's fine. All I would add is as you're already taking a calcium supplement I would think your Rheumy thinks it would be of benefit, though obviously understand why you asked your question.

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

I am going to try it in the morning. If I were to start feeling sick and took something for my stomach or ate something would it make my stomach hurt worse or get sicker or would it just not be effective. I can't call the clinic as they are closed on Fridays. Just asking for your opinion.

Thank you nomoreheels

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

Hiya Abby. You've to wait at least 30 mins before eating or drinking anything other than water. I don't know which one you're taking but it's recommended that both alendronate & risedronate is on 30 mins & ibandronate 60 mins remaining upright. My patient info leaflet says to not take any other medicine, including calcium supplements, vitamins & antacids. My tum has never hurt & I take mine as soon as I've showered with two glasses of water (400ml) & don't have my other meds, food or drink until about 11.30am as I go out & do a little shopping & take my meds when I return home. I then have a coffee & maybe a biscuit. It is most important to fast as an calcium based foods & drink in particular reduce the effects.

Remember to remain upright & don't lie down. It's to stop the medication coming back up from your stomach & causing heartburn.

Hope you have no problems & this helps.

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

Well I have it out for the morning when ever I wake I will time it shower get dressed finish waiting till 30 -40 mins I take alendronate it's so silly for me to be so scared it's almost 4 am and that's all I'm thinking about. I'm going to do it I know it's important but I'm not pleased about it! Ty so much nomoreheels you have really helped me!xx

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

No probs Abby. It can help when starting a new med asking of experience from someone who takes it & often fears can be allayed. I can be apt to over think some things including meds, what I can't figure out is why I will take forever to decide over something that costs a few pounds yet can make quick decisions about a new car or house!

Hope your anxiety is unfounded but do let me know how you get on. x

Reading your last reply again, just to be clear - if you wish to you can take it on rising, so as soon as you wake & then whilst you're showering & dressing it's working it's way to your tum thus cutting down the time before you can eat, drink or lie down if you prefer. I only take it this way because we live in an upside down house so shower downstairs but all my meds are in a drawer upstairs & it just saves me going upstairs to take it then going back downstairs to shower. It just saves me going up & down stairs! The 30 mins or an hour relates to no food or drink & remaining upright (either sitting or standing). x

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

Well I took the pill 9 minutes ago I'm just trying to dring a lot of water. I keep all my meds next to my bed in a pill case the Embrel i in a small fridge in my room. This way I seem to not for get. No problem with me spending money on things I want. Taking new meds scare me to death!

Yay! I took it I hope I can drink a good amount of water.....

Thank you again!!!

[harvestingkarma in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi

I have been taking alendronic acid and now sodium risedronate for absolutely years, when I remember with the calcium horse pills!! Huge things. Take them on an empty tum, then take a walk. They are acidic so stay upright, but I cannot sit still as I need to lie down so much so I find taking the tab before going to the shop kills the boredom factor and keeps me upright. I have been told half hour one hour, who knows.

harvestingkarma or Cat

[nomoreheels in reply to harvestingkarma]

Unfortunately since I wrote my reply I've had to give give up alendronate & then risedronate, over 18 months ago now, both for the same reason. I'm not a quick quitter with meds, I'll persevere & give them a good go but these two just beat me. I've been told I should go on to infusion but not yet ok'd. I've continued to take daily AdCal-D3 1500mg/400iu.

Pleased you've been ok on them, they must suit you!

Nb I see you've responded to a few older posts than this Cat. Some of the original posters are no longer active on the site so may not respond. I didn't want to you to think you were being ignored, best to check when the post was written, the more recent ones will be more relevant too, you've given some helpful advice.

[Hidden in reply to allanah]

Ty Allanah, that medicine has to be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning with only water. You can't lay down for 30-45 minutes. Then you an eat. If I could take it at night I would not be so bothered. I don't do well with taking meds with no food in my tummy.

[Tinwoman2]

Hi Abby, I've taken it for almost 20 years now. I have found that 45 minutes sitting up is best for me. If I try & do it for an hour, my stomach rebels and it feels like I'm getting an ulcer so I eat immediately after the 45 minutes and everything is good.

I went from having the bones of an 80 yr old to now a 65 yr old in those 20 years. Do all you can to take care of your bones by eating good & exercising & taking meds.

Christine

[nomoreheels in reply to Tinwoman2]

Hiya Christine. How are you? I've noticed you've not been around for a while & do hope all is well with you. Funny this, you answered my first question about the same drug & did make the decision to take it with help from you so thank you. But if you've read the responses you'll know that!

[Tinwoman2 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi! Yes, mostly I just read everything daily & only reply when I think that I can help by my experiences.

I was just at a new Dr yesterday since my other one retired in April. He says that I have RA not JRA anymore and that I'm sero-positive. I never would have asked him if not for this site, so thanks to NRAS!

I miss the fun blogs but can't ever think of a subject to start one.

Blessings & a sunny day to you.

[Hidden in reply to Tinwoman2]

You did help me. I just needed to hear from others and it gave me courage to at least try it once. I don't think I will have any moe issues with this one. Hahaha I hope I'm not presented with another new medication I will wear you all out lol!!

[nomoreheels in reply to Tinwoman2]

Pleased to hear all is well. Now get that thinking head so we can all join in!

[Hidden in reply to Tinwoman2]

Thank you Christine! If I were to feel sick or pain and ate something would I feel better? I realize the medicine won't be effective if I were to eat to soon. I just don't want to feel sicker. Yes I am a chicken when it comes to new medicine especially with strict rules on how to take it.

[Tinwoman2 in reply to Hidden]

Glad you did Ok with your 1st dose Abby. The reason I can't wait an hour is because I had an ulcer in the past (almost 30 years ago) and it will act up the longer I go before eating a little something after I take the alendronate.

Have a great day

[Hidden in reply to Tinwoman2]

I've had a stomach ulcer I know it isn't pleasant. I was chicken to wait any longer than 45 minutes. I don't want any more stomach issues. Thank you!!

[artyone]

Oh bless you. I am the same phobic about being sick. It is such a stress and on top of that when I tried even streriod injections in both knees ,I ended up in hospital made me so poorly. So I am going it alone no meds at all. I'm lucky I don't get pain, I fill with fluid though. I feel for you . For me pain is easier to cope with than being sick, as you say silly . I hope all goes well for you. Keep us posted best wishes carol .

[Hidden]

O artyone you do sound like me lol! Yes I choose pain over being sick any day!! I can't imagine steroid injections in my means. I've only had them in my shoulders which wasn't so bad. Thank you! I'm feeling better with all the support. If I feel sick before 30 minutes if I eat I wonder if I will feel better or sicker. Only if I get nausea bad

[Hidden]

O artyone you do sound like me lol! Yes I choose pain over being sick any day!! I can't imagine steroid injections in my means. I've only had them in my shoulders which wasn't so bad. Thank you! I'm feeling better with all the support. If I feel sick before 30 minutes if I eat I wonder if I will feel better or sicker. Only if I get nausea bad

[Poshcards]

Hi, the reason for taking AA once a week is because it helps our bones to absorb the Calcichew D3 supplement. At least that's how my doctor explained it to me. Hope this helps you make up your mind.

[Hidden]

Yes it does help. I'm going to do it. I'm going to go to sleep now so I will wake up to my alarm. Fear makes me hyper lol. I have made a big deal out of this. I just can't help it. But I'm motivated to try it. I thank you for your support and from so many. What kind people you all are!! Xx

[allanah]

How did it go??

[Hidden in reply to allanah]

Proud to say perfect!

[allanah in reply to Hidden]

Woohoo ! Well done you x

[Hidden]

I just want to thank all of you for your support on taking my first pill of alendronate. I took it did some things for 45 minutes with no problem. Then ate a bit. I never would have taken the pill if it hadn't been for you! So.....I am happy and my doc won't be mad at me. Smiles to all of you!!!

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

Yay! No more worrying now then!

[Hidden]

Nope! All good thank you!

[hazelcopd]

I have been taking Fosavance since about 2005 because of Prednisalone I have Polymyalga Rheumatica presentation of Rheumatoid Disease. Fosavance is Vitamin D and incorporates calcium as well. I have had no bad side effects at all and my bones are normal because of it. Stop worrying ! x

Hazel

[Hidden]

Ty! I have been taking it. However, I can't leave the bathroom for days. I don't want that side effect to last. I will still try it on Friday but if it happens that bad again I don't think I want to keep taking it. I am so happy for you!! Your bones are normal. That it a great thing!!

[siskin]

If you have real problems with the tablets causing nausea you can have an infusion once a year. Involves going to your rheumatology day procedure unit for about an hour. The actual infusion takes about 1/2hr. Drug is called Aclasta. I have had 3 infusions over last 3 years. No adverse affects.

Hope this may be useful.

[Hidden]

Ty! I will talk to my doctor about it. I was told t

Yesterday to stop it not only because it was effecting both up and lower stomach, but my muscles all over my body work hurting. They're not sure if it's from the medication for fibromyalgia flareup which ever it is it's been very painful.