side effects Alendronic acid

[Olliechops]

I have had really bad neck pain for about 3 months, it is a lot worse in the night. My rheum consultant thinks it is osteoarthritis, but I haven’t had an X-ray or anything to confirm this. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in August and started Alendronic acid in September. I was wondering if the neck pain could be a side effect because thinking about it, the symptoms started a couple of weeks after taking it. Could be just coincidence but just wondered if anyone has had any joint pain side effects? Joint pain is also mentioned in the leaflet as a side effect.

[Gilliancheche]

I started Alendronic acid earlier this year. I am borderline for osteoporosis. Within a couple of weeks I had lots of neck pain and my ribcage too. Then hips joined in. I called my consultant and said I thought it was the Alendronic. She agreed for me to stop and the pain did gradually subside. Not instantly. I am still awaiting an appointment to discuss what to do next. Not 100% certain it was the Alendronic but would be interested to hear other experiences and what is the alternative?

[Olliechops in reply to Gilliancheche]

Thank you for your reply. I've done an online consult with GP so I'm waiting to see what they say.

[Hidden]

I was given alendronic acid in 2019 after a dexa scan showed I had osteoporosis. I really struggled with it so was switched to an annual infusion of zolendronic acid. I will be getting another dexa scan in the Spring to see if more treatment is needed.

[Doodlereggie]

It was so strange to read your post,as I can relate to this completely.I had an alendronic infusion at Barnet Hospital 3 years ago and 3 days after I could not lift my head off pillow as neck pain was terrible,never had before.Did not improve,ended up on diclofenac and had a steroid injection in spine eventually to relieve pain which it did.One year later had second infusion as told pain not due to infusion,and had same reaction,but not so severe,after exactly 3 days !So,refused to have third infusion last year,and have now 6 monthly injection at g.p. of Prolia with no side effects at all.So if your reaction continues request injection instead.Takes a second twice a year and no tablets to take.Worth a try .Let me know how you get on x

[Olliechops in reply to Doodlereggie]

Thank you for your reply. Thats very interesting. I didn't know if I was clutching at straws but then realised it had only started after I started taking them. I just put it down to the rheumatism or arthritis. Thank you for your advice. I'm just waiting to hear back from the GP.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Doodlereggie]

Are you aware that if you want to stop Prolia for any reason you absolutely must take a relay drug to prevent rebound fractures? That is likely to be a bisphosphonate

[Olliechops in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I wouldn't stop the alendronic until I have spoken to a health professional.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Olliechops]

You can stop alendronic without any problems - I did because of the side effects I was having.

You mustn’t stop Prolia though without a relay drug to stop rebound fractures and that is likely to be some sort of bisphosphonate. If you haven’t seen the Bone Health part of Healthunlocked it’s worth having a look.

[AgedCrone]

Try giving the Royal Osteoporosis society a call.

I have just come off AA after two years…..& called them for advice re a replacement. They have a team of specially trained nurses & I found their information very helpful.

[medway-lady]

I dont know but Alendronic acid is powerful stuff. It’s banned for people with CKD so I’ve been told it’s an infusion but so far no need as my bones are good. My mum had Oestoporosis and it’s a nasty disease so I hope you can get something that works to reduce your risk of fractures etc.

[AgedCrone in reply to medway-lady]

It’s usually a tablet or liquid taken once a week ML….on an empty stomach then you have to stay upright with no food or drink for 30 minutes……dying for a cup of tea.

I was blaming something else ,& then when I looked at the side effects….

constipation.

diarrhoea.

feeling dizzy (or signs of vertigo)

headaches, muscle or joint pain.

swollen joints, hands or legs.

indigestion, bloating or wind.

itching or a mild rash.

feeling sleepy or tired.

There are more too….so I decided enough was enough..my Rheumy is now looking at Prolia…but I hear that can have nasty side effects…& once you have had the injection,,,,…you have to sit it out. So I won’t remind him.

The Royal OP Society has some very useful literature.

[medway-lady in reply to AgedCrone]

I’m lucky so far as my bones. are all good. I had a dexa last year but do tak Ad cal every day . M broken leg and ankle healed in 8 weeks so not too worried now.

[AgedCrone in reply to medway-lady]

My bone density plummeted “just like that”when I was about75. it seems pretty stable now & I have managed to stay upright so no new breaks.I take AdCalD too…I have taken to keeping it in a jar on the kitchen work top…I’m an ‘out of sight, out of mind kind of girl’ ….& I always see it there so it gets swallowed!

[medway-lady in reply to AgedCrone]

I can’t take the tablet stuff it gave me tummy trouble but the chewy one is fine so the Nephrologist told GP only prescibe this as a branded one.

[AgedCrone in reply to medway-lady]

Yes I take the white chewy one…I decant a week’s supply every Sunday morning!

[AgedCrone in reply to AgedCrone]

Forgot to say..I buy my AdcalD because my GP,is on a mission to save money & without asking gave me Sunvit horrible gritty tablets. They already changed my Statin to save money….I’d rather buy what suits me than save them money to buy more soopa doopa cars they drive.

[Biofreak]

I can't help but say that me neck pain can also be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis so I wouldn't necessarily put it down to the alendronic acid. Having said that if you don't feel happy with it wait and see what your doc says. I've been taking alendronic acid for many years without issues with prescribed breaks and am currently on a break . Push for further investigation into the cause of your neck pain because if your neck pain is caused by something else other than the alendronic acid you wouldn't want to miss it.