I was prescribed Alendronic Acid a year ago along with the vitamin D supplement.
i have been taking the Vit D but could not bring myself to take the Acid. I have had two operations on my Jaw in the past and the some of the teeth I have left are a bit iffy . Has anyone got any advice on improving bone density without taking this medication?
First off I commend you for not risking the AA with your pre-existing jaw problems. Have a look at my story. My situation is different from yours but you may find some ideas to help you.
As Heron says, AA and jaw problems isn't a good mix.
Do you have poor bone density? Did you have a dexascan that suggested you NEEDED AA? Or was it a "just in case" handout?
Yes I dont know the figures, but I had a scan a year ago and the doctor said I had osteoporosis. I will have to ask them for all the details.
Of course we all have to make our own choices so I'm certainly not ''advising'' you in any way. I'd just say that I have osteoporosis and have decided to avoid bisphosphonates in all forms, just because I couldn't accept the associated risks which seem to me to outweigh the risks of osteoporosis. I did take allendronic acid a couple of times but it burned my oesophagus badly. At that point I was offered an annual infusion, but when I started to read up on the subject, I definitely decided against that. I was persuaded to try another oral form, risedronate sodium, and did take it once without the dire effects of the AA, but then felt so uneasy about it, I decided to refuse bisphosphonates altogether. I'm usually fairly amenable to doing what the doctor advises - for example I've been taking methotrexate since December 2017, despite some dire warnings - but I find bisphosphonates too scary.
That is my gut feeling too, but I guess I have to weigh it up with the consequences of not taking it. Thanks for your information.
When I had a fall 3 weeks ago, I gashed my left leg but also landed heavily on my left arm. I can't help feeling that, if my osteoporosis was as bad as I've been warned, one of the bones would have fractured, but that didn't happen.
Hi
I have been taken AA for about 18 months with no side affects to date, as my dexa scan showed osteoporosis in lower spine. I was not happy about taking it initially but I’m half way through the three years that I have to take it , according to my GP.
I guess we are all different and have to make our own informed choices .
So gather as much info as you can from this site , particularly from HeronNs xxx
Good luck to you.
Carole x
Thank you for that information. I think I will do some more research and then have to make a decision.
My reply in this discussion is also relevant - as is the whole thread really:
Alendronic acid query
Alendronic acid tablets
Osteoporosis/alendronic acid 
Nervous about taking Alendronic acid
Stopping Alendronic Acid 
