Osteoporosis and Alendronate (Fosamax)

[hiandri]

My wife is 69, really fit and healthy but her bone density is not great and her specialist has diagnosed her with osteoporosis. She wants to start her treatment by taking an Alendronate tablet once a week, my wife is hoping to avoid the Zoledronate intravenous infusion yearly as she feels she has little control with this treatment. We would appreciate any comments regarding possible side effects of both treatments; stopping the treatments if you need to and any other advice you can offer.

[Macelott2]

Hi

Did not get on well with alendronate horrible stuff,my husband and I have zolendronate infusion yearly with no problems,

He has Parkinson's and osteoporosis, I have R A and osteoporosis. Usually given for 3yrs then have a break for a year.

Perhaps your wife should give it a try it is so easy. We have had no side effects but everyone is different. Good luck.

[hiandri in reply to Macelott2]

Thanks Macelott2, seems like the side effects vary considerably from person to person, appreciate the response. John

[nomoreheels]

I'm borderline osteopenia/osteoporosis & am prescribed daily AdCal-D3 & I include dairy in my diet. I've tried 2 oral biphosphonates, alendronic acid (alendronate) & risedronic acid (risedronate). Unfortunately I didn't tolerate either one (they exacerbated migraines which I'd not had regularly since the change, I had one each weekend I took either tablet) so my GP recommended I try zolendronic acid (zoledronate) infusions but my Rheumy considered I'd have the same symptoms but enhanced so boycotted it. I have biennial DEXA scans & fortunately was due one not long after my Rheumy said no to infusions. My results have been on a downward turn, my FRAX risks have lowered, which as I've not been taking bisphosphonates for 3 years I can only presume is down to the AdCal-D3 & diet.

I don't know if my experience helps but it may be worth thinking about or at least your wife discussing her options with her Rheumy.

[hiandri in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi nomoreheels, thanks for your reply, appreciated. My wife already gets migraines regularly so it will be interesting to see what happens as she has decided to give the pills a try first, if it does not work for her she will try the infusion. Regards John.

[nomoreheels in reply to hiandri]

You're welcome John. I think it's wise to try tablets first given she has a history of migraines though of course I do hope they don't increase. Should they though it may be worth asking her Rheumy about her options, is it really necessary to take them, are infusions the answer, is her bone density low enough to warrant them or would trying calcium/Vitamin D supplementation &/or diet including dairy be an option. If you're thinking of reading up on options please be aware there are, like anything, reliable sources sciencedrivennutrition.com/... out there but also those that have skewed info.

I wish your wife the best & hope she doesn't respond negatively to the tablets, like most things unfortunately the only way is to try & see.

[oldtimer]

I was fine on aledronate for the three years I took it. Slight problem with increased indigestion only.

[hiandri in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks oldtimer, sounds encouraging. John

[Kai--]

Supplemental thoughts about Osteoporosis, for you & your beloved, hiandri, 💃🏻🕺 (and your wife too 😄 ), from Dr. Michael Klaper: doctorklaper.com/answers/an...

Wishing you & your wife, the very best. 🥝 🥝 . . . 🙏 🍀 🌺 🌞

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