Alendronic acid

[Poppylop]

Hi, I've just been reading the leaflet that has come with my alendronic acid, it says some people can't take it, one of these reasons is if you have digestive problems, I have IBS and UC, do the doctors not actually look at your notes before prescribing meds, I already have bad indigestion from the steroids, I don't think I will be taking it

[Hidden]

I have sat there and watched the Dr delete a warning about drug interactions when prescribing a new drug. I always do my research then like you have. The pharmacist are great and do follow up for some of the heavyweight drugs.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I doubt it - but your pharmacist should ask if it’s a new prescription.

So long as you are taking Adcal (VitD and Calcium) supplement you should be alright - unless you have osteoporosis - have you been offered or requested a DEXA scan?

[Poppylop in reply to DorsetLady]

No not yet, I hadn't got my rheumatologist appointment until 19th, so I'm assuming they will then

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Poppylop]

Not necessarily, so if they mention taking AA ask for a DEXA scan to see if it’s required.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, there does seem to be a hysteria in many docs where taking Pred trumps all contraindications for AA. After a quick flick through I didn’t see in your previous posts whether you’d had a DEXA scan or not. I refused to consider taking it until I’d had one especially because of my medical history. It turned out that while I had some osteopaenia an assessment tool called FRAX that they use as well, said I didn’t need it and supplementation should be sufficient, though I would say that that is also simplistic. Others on here have been found to have had normal bone density and not needed it and some have improved their bone density even while on Pred. I recommend a book that is worth reading even if you decide to take AA - Your Bones, how you can prevent osteoporosis & have strong bones for life by Lara Pizzorno.

[Yellowbluebell]

I looked at the side effects and with the info on the forum decided not to take AA. Its a personal choice. I requested a dexa scan some weeks ago and was refused because "pred doesnt cause damage to bones" so i continue to refuse to take it unless someone can come up with proof i need it.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Yellowbluebell]

because "pred doesnt cause damage to bones" - that’s a new view! Usually we’re given the opposite advice.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to DorsetLady]

He said that and then pushed AA because of the "effects of pred"!! At which point i added his name to my "do not see unless dying" list!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Yellowbluebell]

But you do need to be 100% sure you are dying ‘cos he won’t know! 🤦🏻‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to DorsetLady]

🤣🤣🤣

[Yellowbluebell in reply to DorsetLady]

There is that!! I will ask a receptionist, they know everything at our practice!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Your bones won't crumble in the next few months so not starting it until you have had a dexascan isn't a problem. But my mantra is "No dexascan - not AA".

But I don't think there is much problem with using alendronic acid in patients with ulcerative colitis judging by the medical literature. More concern seems to be about various medications causing effects that are then confused with various GI disorders and resulting in many investigations being carried out unnecessarily.