Please try to get a DEXA scan before starting on the alendronate. But asap since the biggest % bone loss from Pred occurs in the first few months from what I've read. I am taking Alendronate due to Pred. with no side effects that I know of to date. But I have osteoporosis.
When diagnosed please and also what mg pred started on?
I do know people who have been offered and tried different steroid sparing agents, some with success and some who ended up not so good and they were stopped.
As always it is a personal decision, but without that Dexa Scan - just say NO.............you need to know if you need any type of medication and before you make that decision you need to, have your Calcium levels checked and then go to the National Osteoporosis website and read about them all. Then choose.
Whilst you are asking for tests, also get them to do a Vit D test. You need to know whether your levels are correct as Vit D Deficiency causes aches and pains just like PMR and you won't know the difference unless you have that checked.
Come back and tell us the answer to the first question please.
There are quite a few threads about it. Scroll to the top of the page and look at the top right corner where you will see a box with Related Posts. All about leflunomide.
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