Advice about meds for osteoporisis

[Linny3]

I have developed 3 stress fractures in a little over a years time. Like many here I am very afraid of the bones meds that are offered. I told myself I would consider one of the drugs if I have another fracture . I was just diagnosed yesterday with another stress fracture in my foot. I know all the dangers and have read about the many bad experiences with these drugs.

I would like to hear from people who are taking a bone drug and are doing better than expected on them. I need a little positive reinforcement.

Thanks a lot

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi

I took AA for the best part of 4 years. Stopped 3 years ago.

Didn’t have any problem taking them - not sure if any long term affects will present themselves, but to date - nothing has appeared.

[Linny3 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for the reply, did it help with your bones? Did you have any fractures?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Linny3]

Never had any problems

[Hidden]

I took AA from the beginning without much problem other than the inconvenience of how we need to take them.

However, following breast cancer l was placed on Zolendronic Acid after Chemo as part of a new adjuvant therapy to try to prevent spread into my bones.

I have completed the course now One Infusion every Six Months for Three Years & have had no issues whatsoever ever.

Kind Regards

MrsN

[jinasc]

After hearing and reading others experience with AA I would try and avoid that one, unless it was the only option which it is not. One of them you only take about twice a year, if I remember correctly.

National Osteoporosis website has all the information you need, theros.org.uk/

It lists all the alternative to AA and you can then choose which road you take, it is a personal decision as always as all of us a different, wonderful human beings.

[Jshapz in reply to jinasc]

I asked my Gp for an alternative but she said no and that I had to try it first

[jinasc in reply to Jshapz]

Have you had a Dexa Scan and got the results...............you need to know if you need any at all and not 'just in case'.

I had a Dexa scans after six months and then either yearly or two yearly all the time I was on pred and high doses because I had GCA. Bones never moved.

If you do need it then yes, but there are yearly injections.

[Jshapz in reply to jinasc]

I have had 2 dexa scans in last 3 years and the osteoporosis has worsened but I’m so nervous about taking the meds

[Hidden in reply to Jshapz]

Some people are fine on them. My sister has been on alendronic acid for a while with no side effects. But you do need to see the dentist and have any work done before you start them. Do you know your t score by any chance?

[Jshapz in reply to Hidden]

Lumbar spine - L1 is -3.6. L2 3.8. L3 3.9. L4 3.8. Left hip total -2.2

[Hidden in reply to Jshapz]

Are L2 to4 negative numbers too?

[Jshapz in reply to Hidden]

Yeah they are all minus

[Hidden in reply to Jshapz]

OK. You do need to be even more proactive. Have you been on the Bone Health forum? There might be some people there who have been on AA or similar. HeronNS has been able to reverse less negative scores (hope that makes sense).

[Jshapz in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Yes makes sense. I’ll take a

Look on there x

[Hidden in reply to Jshapz]

Let us know. Its a 'scary' thing to decide. 🌻

[jinasc in reply to Jshapz]

Don't be nervous, if you need it, you need it.

However go to the website, I put in the previous answer and look at them all, perhaps if you want to you could ask for the yearly one and then it won't be on your mind every week.

[Jshapz in reply to jinasc]

Thank you. I will do. I did ask if there were other options and was told no unless AA couldn’t be tolerated. I have an X-ray in a couple of weeks which I had to insist on to check my lower back and hips as they are painful and I’ll discuss further the treatment then

[Pongo13]

Broke pelvis skiing and 3 yrs later hip - with almost immediate pmr, but a long wait for diagnosis. Dexa scans and fact that neither accident was that impactful, led me to conclude I take AA. So far so good but of course it’s what it does long term - we don’t know. By then I expect I’ll be away with the fairies anyway.

[Thelmarina]

A friend of mine has taken them for years with no ill effects and they have prevented Osteoporosis which is horrible. I’m on them at the moment and am fine. It does sound as if you are vulnerable to fractures and it shouldn’t be a problem to try them out. You can always stop them when you want to and we need extra protection while on Pred.

[Linny3 in reply to Thelmarina]

What are you taking?

[Thelmarina]

Ibandronic acid. I take it once a month. My friend takes Alendronic acid once a week.

[9lives]

Hi Linny3

I have had PMR for three years, I hade a dexa scan 18 months ago and showed osteoporosis in lower back so have Been on AA ever since without problems xx good luck xx

[Linny3]

thank you for the reply. Glad it worked for you

[Flrchrs]

Hi.

I’ve been on AA for about two years with no problems. Started after Bone scan - 2.5 lower back. Had no problems apart from no being able to have a cuppa first thing have to wait half hour