Calcium supplements

[margiebell4]

Can anyone advise me about the dose of calcium supplements I should take (if any). I was diagnosed 9 weeks ago and am on 14mg prednisolone. My DEXA scan was normal and my GP said I don't need vitamin D and calcium supplements, but I would rather take these now than Alendronic acid further down the line.

[piglette]

Did you have a vit D blood test? Even if it is normal it is recommended you have vit D and calcium to counteract the pred. Your GP should know that. If it is low then you should take extra. Ask your pharmacist for advice for a good supplement.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

margiebe, it is usual for GPs to prescribe a calcium plus Vit D supplement alongside steroids even if a DEXA scan shows no sign of bone thinning. If you click on the following link it will take you to the BSR Guidelines for the Management of PMR which recommend "Calcium and vitamin D supplementation when starting steroid therapy". Hopefully if you take a copy to your GP he will then agree to prescribe the necessary supplement.

rheumatology.org.uk/include...

[jinasc]

Be careful, you could end up with hypercalcemia.

I took the Calcium and Vit D supplement although my Dexa Scan showed bones at 96% after about a year I ended up with pseudo-gout caused by calcium crystals.

The Calichew was then stopped, I had Dexa scans every 2 years. 5 year down the line I was in remission from GCA. My last Dexa scan bones still at 97%.

I would ask for a Vit D level check with your next blood test, this is a different kettle of fish altogether.

[Caro12line in reply to jinasc]

Thanks for your post. I have GCA and was put on Adcal D and Alendronic Acid with the Pred. My Dexa scan (a year earlier, routine as my mum has Osteoporosis and I am post menopausal ) showed I was low normal. Latest blood shows calcium high normal so I have stopped the Adcal but told to continue with Alendronic Acid. Does that sound right?

[jinasc]

Meant to add, yes as Celtic says it is usual to be prescribed Calichew.

But I would discuss this with the GP as we are all slightly different and they maybe thinking 'too much calcium'.

By the way AA is not the only bisphosphonate there are alternatives.

[PamOakes]

Hi Margiebell4

I personally feel happier taking 2 adcal tablets each day to protect my bones from the long term effects of steroids. I was given alendronic acid to take 1x per week but couldn't tolerate the side effects from them so stopped taking them. Perhaps if your doctor is keeping a regular check on your bone density then he could advise you as & when you'd need them but I personally feel that most post menopausal women benefit from a vitamin d & calcium supplement & the steroids don't help matters.

I am sure there are more knowledgable people on here than me that can probably advise you better than I can but personally I'd rather take the supplement now for protection.

Pam

[margiebell4]

Thanks for all your replies. I think it will be cheaper for me to buy them over the counter, but I'm just not sure of the dose.