Alendronic Acid

[Thelmarina]

Do you know if it’s ok just to stop taking alendronic acid or should that be tapered too? I’ve been on it for a couple of years and the latest advice seems to be that two years is enough. My GP and rheum is may not agree!

[Hidden]

I am sure they will huff and puff! I only took 4 doses across a year so dont know the protocol for stopping i am sure answers will come shortly.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I just stopped mine - with no adverse affect. With GP’s approval!

[-xtine]

My Rheumatologist suggested that I stop taking Alendronic Acid when I reach 4 mg Pred (I'm just there now) He did not say do it gradually.

[Soraya_PMR]

I don’t know of any reason that you should taper. In fact, the drug that has been absorbed into your bones could be with you for 10 years anyway!

Out of interest, what are your Tscores?

[Thelmarina in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Thanks for that Soraya, I’ll find out x

[pmrgcavictim]

I just stopped mine with GP's ok, and the chest pains that were worse than my Heart Attack went with them. Goodbye AA. Trevor.

[Thelmarina]

Thanks!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You can just stop AA - it is Prolia injections that must not be stopped suddenly.

[Thelmarina in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks lovely E 😘

[JGBH in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro

I had been on Prolia injections for 3/4 years when I stopped prior to having invasive dental treatment over a long period of time and I have never gone back to the injections having read how dangerous they can be.

So, what risks have I taken in stopping Prolia suddenly? Was advised by the osteoporosis so-called specialist to stop it before the prolonged dental work.

Am quite worried now. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Apologies for butting into Thelmarina’s post.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to JGBH]

It has been found that there is a high risk of rebound loss of bone density in the period immediately after stopping Prolia. It probably doesn't happen to everyone but has been found quite a bit. If you haven't developed any signs of fractures you may be OK but a dexascan might be a good idea.

[JGBH in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for replying.

I have not noticed any fracture... but no dexa scan for a while. How often should one have such a scan?

I am not on any therapy for osteoporosis now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to JGBH]

They used to say every 2 years - but there is a shortage of machines so heaven knows what it is now. I was thinking more to assess how you are post-Prolia really given the most recent findings.

[JGBH in reply to PMRpro]

That’s quite a problem. I will try and request a scan because I stopped prolia suddenly.

What do you know about Prolia? I have read some worrying information about it. Of course I was not told any of this before I went on it. How long should one stay on it?

Thanks if you feel able to reply.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to JGBH]

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/287...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/291...

are a selection of papers referring to the problem. Do they help?

[JGBH in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for links. Will read and hope to find an answer.

[GerriMc]

I just stopped taking Redisonate (I think that’s a form of AA). I was having trouble with my teeth feeling loose. Both Rheumy and Dentist said it was unlikely to be a result of the AA but it’s listed as a side effect. Soon after I stopped taking it, the problem went away. I didn’t bother telling anyone! 🙄