Pred and Alendronic Acid

[Mintymow]

I have just been diagnosed with Osteoporosis. I am on 9mg Pred for PMR, reducing 1mg every two weeks. Have now been prescribed Alendronic Acid. Have just checked with pharmacist who says ok but have as much time as possible between the doses. Anyone else taking these two together and how are you managing it. Side effects? Thanks.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Mintymow, I haven't had any experience with Alendronic Acid as luckily my bone density barely changed throughout my 5-6 years on Pred in spite of never being prescribed the recommended calcium plus Vit D either, due to a misunderstanding between my GP and rheumy. I did, however, have plenty of dietary calcium each day by way of 'live' yoghurt, milk and cheese. I also consumed about three portions of oily fish a week - excellent for our bones - and I walked daily as far as my pain allowed - one of the best weight-bearing exercises for our bones.

Many people take AA without any problems but you do need to be aware that there is a very small risk of necrosis of the jaw bone, also the femur, when on long term treatment, hence it was recommended a few years ago that patients on this drug should have a break from it after five years. If you know that you need dental surgery any time soon, then it would be a good idea to go ahead with this before starting AA - some dentists prefer to refer patients on AA to hospital for extractions, for instance.

Hopefully, someone on AA will see your post and join in with their personal experience of being on this drug.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Mintymow,

Have now stopped AA as on very low dose of Pred, and was taking it for four years.

You need to take in early morning with full glass of water, and then not take any other tablets or food for at least half an hour. Unfortunately, you can't go back to bed either, because you shouldn't lie down afterwards - can cause gastric problems. I didn't find that a problem, I just sat and read or used iPad or had a shower etc. I didn't find it caused any gastric problems, but sometimes felt a bit lethargic that day - took mine on a Sunday. My late husband always used to call it my 'standee upee tablet'.

It does get a bad press sometimes, but if you need it, you need it! Better than a broken hip!