I want to come off Alendronic acid. I remember
PROpmr suggesting Magnesium. Which one? There is Mag Phos and Mag citrate. Will either do and what is the difference? I will also take Vit D, as I understand that is good too. I’ve just had a bone density done which is within normal limits. Have had PMR for 4 years and on AA all that time . Now down to 4 mg Pred.
Magnesium is not a substitute for alendronic acid - is that what you mean? Magnesium is usually discussed for muscle cramps.
I have no idea what sort of magnesium salt is best - I just buy what is available and it seems to work!
I didn’t really mean a substitute but something to prevent osteoporosis, and to take instead of AA as I have learnt on this forum that AA has nasty long term side effects. I do take Mag phos when I get night cramps but not as a daily dose. What do you recommend I take now I have decided to stop AA. I tried to find the
previous series of postings when this was raised but don’t know how to retrieve it. I think it suggested Vit D and magnesium but I may be wrong.
It is vit D and calcium you want. Everyone with PMR / GCA taking pred should really be prescribed it. I have Accrete-D3, but there are several others that people take too.
Please just make sure you are having enough magnesium too as well as loads of greens for vitamin K
Thanks, will do.
I have been taking Adcal for 4 years and have only just noticed that it contains Vit 4, as well as the calcium! So that seems to already cover it so thanks for good advice.
You do need some magnesium but it is calcium and vit D you use for bone protection at the stage before you get to bisphosphonates. For 7 years I used just calcium and vit D with occasional magnesium when I had muscle cramps and have never taken vit K2 and my bone density was almost unchanged despite pred.
Thanks. I’ll carry on with the Mag for cramp then.
Hello, Ive been reading all the post re AA. I've been taking calcium instead of AA.
Wasn't aware of the vit D. Is Vit D a daily dose as well?
Yes. You should also get your blood vit D level checked to see if your level is good. If it is, you just need a maintenance dose. If it is low - you need a high dose boost first.
And even if you were to decide to take AA - you still need the calcium and vit D supplements as otherwise the AA won't work effectively.
You can be prescribed Ad Cal(calcium) + Vit D in the tablet. 2 per day.
You ought to be able to obtain Calcium and vit D on prescription. Vit K2 also assists absorption of Calcium.
If I remember correctly the Magnesium we take is Magnesium phosphate.
Glad you got a good Dexa, glad you’re done With AA, glad you’re down to 4 mgs Pred. Things are looking rosy 🌹.
I do get Calcium and Vit D on prescription. I love your optimistic ending- i’ll Try and adopt it!
Hello. Glad your scan was normal! Nothing is a substitute for AA that artificially disrupts the bone manufacturing/destruction process. No one nutrient does the trick; it’s a holistic approach which can be as involved as you want to get. I recommend a book Your Bones by Lara Pizzorno published by Prakticos Books. You can search this topic on this forum too as it comes up a lot. I take magnesium oxide by the way.
If you are interested in getting more information on improving your bone health the suggested book is good .
You may also appreciate reading some of the posts and going to the links from forum member Heron , who has worked successfully on improving her bone health and scan figures.
my rhymi wants me to go on AA, but after reading some of the side effects, and the NHS website I have indicates you cannot take magnesium with it, but I need it for cramps. l am waiting for a dexa scan, but today my doctor rang to say your AA prescription is ready to pick up, but I am not going to take it till I get the results, my OH also agrees with me.
DId you have many side effects?
It is perfectly OK to take AA and magnesium - you must just take the AA at least half and hour before taking the magnesium or the magnesium interferes with the uptake of AA. But you are supposed to take AA 45-60 mins before ANY other substance.
NICE says: "Oral magnesium decreases the absorption of alendronic acid. Manufacturer advises alendronic acid should be taken at least 30 minutes before magnesium (all salts)"
Thank you, is it best then to wait two hours before taking pred as well. I need more hours in my day to fit every thing in.
You only take AA once a week at the most, some forms are monthly I believe, and it is to be taken on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.
You have the entire rest of the day to take magnesium if you need it and 45mins is fine to wait to take your pred that morning.
Once many thanks for your help.
I take Ibandronic acid once a month first thing in the morning, one hour before breakfast and Pred.
Can I ask... if your bone density scan is within normal limits, why are you taking AA?
I don't know what the result is yet, as I have not had my scan till July.that is why I won't take it till I find out the result
Sorry - I thought I was replying to the original poster - this forum is tricky!
No I think I mistook it to be that you were replying to my message, sorry
My GP insisted on prescribing AA even though I have not had a dexa scan. She said that it is recommended, good practice to anyone on long term pred as a precaution against the potential bone loss caused by the preds. When I requested a dexa scan she said that regardless of the results AA is still the standard practice so even if my bone health was excellent AA would still be prescribed. My request for dexa scan was denied.
I suppose it deoends what you call good practice. Good practice changes with time - and using it as a preventative is not recommended. She is wrong I fear.
It’s gd to have that confirmed again. I shall certainly try and stay off AA and resist being put back on. My GP agreed to me ‘having a break’. She also failed to offer a dexa scan until I asked for one after 4 years. It is ok which is why I want to stop AA for good. Do you feel you can be assertive with your GP? Difficult I know, but good luck.
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