Alendronic Acid

[Purple4710]

I have been taking the above for 5 years and until a visit to my Dentist to have a loose tooth removed, I wasn't aware taking it can cause dental problems and hair loss.How long should it be taken for?

Christine

[helenlw7]

I think I took it for about 2 years before it was stopped. I was back on it for a few more years but now I’m off it completely.

[julie1908]

Goo morning, i have recently been prescribed this medication but was told before I take it I must have dental check up but i have not been able to find a nhs dentist so I have not started it yet. Can you please tell me if you found a difference since taking it and what the benefits are. X

[Purple4710 in reply to julie1908]

Hello Julie

I cant say I have noticed a difference when taking it.

My Rheumatologist put me on it to help my bones but I havent had a DEXA Scan for a few years.

I have moved location and still waiting to be seen by a New Rheumatologist.

My Sister who is also my carer is following it up for me with a telephone consultation next week

I wasn't told that It wasn't long term medication.

Christine xx

[julie1908 in reply to Purple4710]

I know the pharmacist who prescribed it said I would only need to be on for 3 years x

[AgedCrone in reply to julie1908]

Try looking at the My Dentist chain of Dentists on line….they seem to have NHS treatment available in quite a few if their franchises,

[AgedCrone]

There should be a note on your prescription of the date you need to stop Alendronic Acid. Have a look…& if there is no date - call your GP pharmacist and ask what instructions they have regarding that drug.

If they have nothing- either ask them to check or call , whoever prescribed it for you , and ask how long they wish you to stay on it.

In general five years is the maximum time.

[Purple4710 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you. The note on my prescription says I started it in 2019.My Sister who is my carer has a telephone consultation with my Surgery next Thursday.

I will keep you updated x

[AgedCrone in reply to Purple4710]

The reason for the 5 years came about a while back, when a larger number than usual. of ladies of a certain age, presented with a fractured femur. Orthopaedic surgeons carried out research & it turned out they had all been long term users of AA. So now unless there are extenuating circumstances it is prescribed for 5 years. As I said….it was written on my scrip “until 2025/Prescribed by Dr X” But I decided to stop after 2.5 yrs.My Dexa scans were looking better…& I was going to be prescribed another drug.

I have just seen you are male. The info above is for women….it could be different for men.

[Purple4710 in reply to AgedCrone]

I am female and again I wasn't aware that long term on Alendronic Acid wasn't good.I had a DEXA Scan a few years ago, however with moving area I am waiting to hear from my Surgery via Online Consultation and hope to get things resolved.

xx

[Fruitandnutcase]

When I was prescribed it I was told I would be on it for five years. I have also heard that three years is enough. My friend who has infusions has had one a year for three years and is now having a break.

If you haven’t already discovered this site it’s worth having a look. It explains all about drugs et and there is a helpline you can call theros.org.uk

There is also a site on HealthUnlocked called Bone Health and Osteoporisis U.K. it would be worth looking at. I think five years might be long enough to be taking AA.

[Purple4710 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thanks for your reply. My Sister who is also my Carer is following this up with My Surgery and has a telephone consultation booked for a week tomorrowX

[AgedCrone in reply to Purple4710]

You should check your Bio it says you are a WIDOWER.

[Purple4710 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks for spotting my Bio, I have changed to say Widow xx