Zoledronic Acid for osteopenia

[Janicep]

Study done in New Zealand and published in New England Journal nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/N...

[scats]

Thanks for that.

I had one ZA infusion just over a year ago. I refused the second one because I had a lot of pain in the bones around my hip replacement, bone pain is one of the recognised side effects. I also had a bad taste and feel in my mouth for most of a year which I suspected may be linked to it.

Both symptems have since cleared.

I have a lot of dental work and the mention of ZA sent my dentist into panic.

Seems from this it should still be working, don't tell my dentist!

[Janicep in reply to scats]

I had been on the oral equivalent and was offered the infusion in early August this year. I said yes as my bone health is low in my hip area. I am lucky that I have had no side effects to my knowledge. I will be very interested in another Dexa Scan maybe in 2years and interesting that they recommended the infusion to be at 18months apart

[Pongo13 in reply to scats]

Just joined a new dental practice and was told if I need an extraction in the future it will have to be undertaken in hospital. For how long, I Asked? And then, having read on here AA stays with you for years, even after you've stopped taking it (and no one knows how long) I already guessed the answer - from now on.... Best safe than sorry I suppose.

[scats in reply to Pongo13]

Pros...hospitals don't charge.

Cons... two visits needed, one for assessing situation, one for treatment. Much longer journey and waiting.

Had extraction with no problems at all.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

But the figures are worth noting - this is in older patients with osteopenia and OTHER RISK FACTORS. There are a lot of things to be done to reduce the risk of fracture which have no side effects - removing hazards and avoiding risky situations (DON'T stand on chairs!!!), keeping vit D and hydration levels up, providing appropriate exercises to improve balance.

[scats in reply to PMRpro]

I did think they were rather accident prone!

[Primarose in reply to scats]

I'll second that scats, maybe they were hand picked.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Primarose]

Wouldn't be the first time!!!

[HeronNS in reply to scats]

The biggest risk for fracture is falling, and anyone can break a bone no matter what their DXA scan says.