zoledronate risk factors ?

[lindyloo2018]

Hi , risedronate has only worked on my spine and not my hips for the last 2 years. hips at 16% risk, t_score -3.6.

albeit I have not been taking enough vit D over the last 2 years. I have upped my vit D now, my calcium intake is fine.

Zoledronate has been mentioned but I am wary of the risk of zoldronate maybe causing irregular heartbeat/atrial fibrillation which is mentioned on the patient leaflet.

is anyone taking zoledronate and is it working ok for you ?

many thanks

[Fruitandnutcase]

Hi lindyloo, you are on the NRAS site - I’m wondering if you meant to post this on Bone Health or Bone Health and Osteoporosis UK as t is now known. I think you might get a better response there.

[lindyloo2018 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

many thanks will do

[Barbs52]

hi Lindyloo

I have Sjogrens, under active thyroid, blood pressure and osteoporosis and I’ve had zolderonic acid infusions yearly for the last six years. I can’t give you any advice but to keep my bones a little stronger I’m happy with the treatment. I haven’t noticed any side effects other than the few days following the infusion I felt washed out and a bit of a headache which apparently is common. I would recommend you chat to your doctor or nurse about your concerns. Best wishes 🌺

[lindyloo2018 in reply to Barbs52]

thank you, did you know about the possible effects it can have on heart rythms?

[Barbs52 in reply to lindyloo2018]

I did look at all possible side effects but decided that the risk of possible fractures was greater rightly or wrongly plus I trust my consultant very much. However I agree it is a personal decision for everyone to make with discussion with your consultant. I also went to my dentist and had a complete X-ray to ensure I didn’t have any holes in my teeth that is very important and one of the questions the nurse will ask before your infusion. Best of luck as it’s not easy navigating our autoimmune illnesses and medication but thank goodness we get a choice 🌺

[Mmrr]

I had an infusion of zolendrolic acid after a spontaneous fracture of my neck of femur due to long term steroid use. I had no side effects at all from it.

[lindyloo2018 in reply to Mmrr]

many thanks, did you only have 1 dose? did you not continue with it for 3 years ?

[grumpygirl]

Hi LindyLoo. This is a bit of a hobbyhorse of mine as I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the same time as I was diagnosed with RA. I was told that in fact RA sufferers often have osteoporosis and as it is symptomless many sufferers are unaware until they start getting bone fractures. I had a DEXA scan and was put on Risedronate. After 10 years it bothered me that no one had monitored the efficacy of the medication so I asked for a follow up scan. Long story short the risedronate had not worked at all so I had effectively been without treatment for ten years. I have now been offered Zolendronic and like you am wondering what to do. I have recently been refused a dental implant as risedronate and zolendronic can cause jaw problems with healing although I was told it was rare. Still, they wouldn't do the implant. While I am deciding I spoke to a menopause clinic and have gone on HRT. They expressed sorrow that neither my Rheumy nor my GP knowing that I had RA and osteoporosis had discussed this earlier in my fifties as HRT can have bone health benefits. I would be interested to know what you decide. Just as an afterthought ladies if you have RA and are going through or have gone through the menopause it might be an idea to request a DEXA scan. It is quick and painless and may save you a lot of problems down the line.

[lindyloo2018]

yes I quite agree with you, in fact I think they should dexa scan all RA patients on positive diagnosis of RA without waiting for us to break bones. I had the same problem with menopause, no hrt offered as it was out of favour 10 years ago. my dexa scan after 2 years of risedronate is better in the spine but worse in the hips. I am getting my dexa redone every 2 years. you have to chase it yourself because neither my gp nor RA cons chased it. have your dexa results got worse over the last 10 years rather than better or just not changed ? I was not taking enough vit D but was taking enough calcium. have you been taking extra vit D and calcium over the last 10 years ? the zoledronate I am not sure on, but HRT/SERMS may be a possibility, everything comes with risk, it's just which is the lesser risk...who knows.. zoledronate is good it does what it says on the tin, but I'm not sure about the risk factors as zoledronate is more concentrated form than risedronate..