methotrexate and calcium citrate / magnesium rather than alendronic

[ABwn]

Hi

Has anyone had experience of taking Calcium citrate + Vit D3 (in one tablet) and magnesium when taking methotrexate? Having read some rather disturbing side effects from taking Alendronic acid I would rather take the calcium and magnesium. Any help would really be appreciated.

Astrid

[oldtimer]

You might like to look at the National Osteoporosis Society site. That gives you clear information about treatments. Be careful that you balance the known side effects of treatments against the considerable risks of osteoporosis.

The listed side effects of alendronic acid are scarey but most people (me included) take them for around five years with no problems except indigestion.

[ABwn in reply to oldtimer]

What about brittle bones and the effect on the bones in your jaw? I read so much about the side effects - possibly too much. Thank you for the help.

[oldtimer in reply to ABwn]

Those adverse effects are scary, and it is so difficult to know if you personally are going to be one of the few people affected before you start medication. There is a good up-to-date summary here:

drugwatch.com/fosamax/side-...

and a useful flow chart for decision making here:

bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h37...

If you do not have serious osteoporosis already then personally I would go for an adequate intake of both Vit D and calcium with a good mixed diet to get other micronutrients and lots of weight bearing exercise. Buying (and using) a pair of good supportive walking boots for walking on rough ground may be the best investment. And possible using a stick if you feel uncertain at all.

I took alendronate myself for five years some time ago, but as my bone density is excellent despite long term steroid use, I'm continuing with my good diet and using my walking boots - they have been invaluable in the recent snow!

[ABwn in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you for this. I do have a very good pair of walking boots and like you have found them so useful in snow. As I was prescribed the medication without having had a test I am going for the diet, vitamins and lots of walking and weight bearing exercise. I have rheumatoid arthritis and it was my consultant for that condition that decided to give me the AA tablets. I haven't had a chance to view the links you sent but am going to do that this evening. Many thanks for all your help and I'll let you know how it goes.