Discontinuing Alendronic Ac

[HamishPMR]

I am now, after 18 months, down to 3mg Prednisolone daily and I am tempted to come off AA which I have been on since my treatment started. If I discontinue, how long should I wait before having a dexa scan, or is one necesary at this low dosage?

[SheffieldJane]

I would want to know the state of my bones, perhaps prior to coming off AA unless you are tolerating side effects. It sounds like you think you are nearly done with Pred too, but this last little bit can be surprisingly tricky.

[HamishPMR in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you lady for your reply. Actually I am not expecting to come off too soon, I am paying cognisance to all the post here on Healthunlocked especially by the likes of yourself. Following the Nice recommendations on taking AA I have had no side effects whatsoever. Perhaps I should just keep taking the AA. As a retired pharmacist I am well used to patients finding side effects especially since the introduction of these patient leaflets given out with all medicines, introduced I suspect to cover the manufacturers from litigation. All the instruction of keeping upright etc does sound severe and hence, I think, a lot of the worries about AA. Sorry I am rambling but thanks again. You do great work and it is helpful.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As Jane says -do you have a previous scan to compare?

I was on AA for almost 4 years with, like you, no issues - but once I got to that point and on single figure doses of Pred, GP & I decided wasn’t necessary to continue. Shouldn’t be on more than 5 years without a break. It does stay in your body for some time after discontinuing anyway - so no rush to worry about a scan at the moment.

My new GP thinks I should perhaps go back on AA - I am susceptible to osteoporosis for other reasons - so we agreed not until DEXA scan shows really necessary - had one last week. But I know what my answer is likely to be!

[HeronNS]

As it is very likely natural means can improve bone density just as well as bisphosphonates, and in the same time scale, I'd suggest you discontinue the AA like yesterday! But that's just me....

hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2...

[piglette]

Have you had a Dexascan when you were diagnosed? My hospital in UK said I could not have another one for three years.

[HamishPMR in reply to piglette]

I have never had a dexa scan.

[piglette in reply to HamishPMR]

It is probably worth having one as you may never have needed Alendronic Acid in the first place.