Osteoporosis

[Lejazzhot]

Hi. Recently diagnosed with PMR.

After reviewing my bone density test my rheumatologist has prescribed fosamax (in addition to calcium). Like all drugs, it has side effects. Havent read anything in your posts. Do any of you take it? Anything to share?

[Hidden]

Hi i take fultium d3 for osteoporosis,no side effects.Im sure someone here will be able to advise you re the fosamax.xx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Do you know your t-scores from the dexascan?

[HeronNS]

Be careful. Doctors tend to prescribe medications when your situation means tweaks to your nutrition and appropriate exercise may work just as well, with no side effects. As PMRpro suggests, knowing your t-score would be helpful.

[Maisie1958]

Hello, I think fosamax is called alendronic acid in the uk and if you put that in the search area at the top (on my phone anyway) it should bring up lots of relevant posts hopefully.

I was given it routinely by my GP when starting on prednisolone, never had a dexascan, took it for a few weeks but it gave me actual joint pains especially in wrists/knees/ankles so just stopped it-don’t do as I did! I wasn’t keen on the potential side effects if I didn’t really need it. I do take calcium/vitD/K2. I have friends that have taken it with no problems but they did have osteoporosis and bone density improvesd. I think you will get plenty of more helpful advice. A lot depends on how poor your bone density actually is and if you can improve it by more natural means. All the best.

[Marijo1951]

I took alendronic acid for 2 weeks and it gave me appalling pain and burning sensations so I stopped. I was supposed to go for an intravenous infusion, but then I started to read about it and was so appalled by what I learned about the possible side effects that I cancelled the appointment. I was then prescribed an alternative oral version risedronate sodium but, although I didn't have the unpleasant side effects, I just felt uneasy taking it so stopped after the first week. I'm trying to improve my bones by diet and lifestyle changes, including doing exercises to improve my balance, since it's better to avoid falls altogether if possible. I've just bought myself a weight-bearing vest to wear while walking - intend to take the first 'weighted' walk tomorrow. I have an appointment with my rheumy at the end of February and just hope she doesn't mention bisphosphonates. Last time I saw her she evidently forgot to bring up the subject and I certainly won't jog her memory.

[Lejazzhot]

Thank you all. Like with everything else, im learning, i have to read up, check my scores and compare. All this as you know better than me takes time. Full time job.