New drug

[Barbaracole]

I am about to come off Risedronate part of Alecdronic acid family only been on it a month : have had Polymyalga rheumatic a for a year got me down from 15 mg to 7 mg ——- bone density scan said I had Ostepina and - minus 2 something so needed this new drug to help bones and osteoporosis : my problem is I hear such alarming reports on this drug and am feeling rather have osteoporosis than throat cancer . Am I a wimp ?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Are you a wimp? No, not necessarily- you have you do what you feel happy with.

I took AA for 4 years with no problem whatsoever, but I know it doesn’t suit everyone - and if you take the drug correctly it’s not a given you’ll get throat cancer - a possibility- but then lots of things are a possibility.

If you had a DEXA scan recently then you should have had an information leaflet giving advice on osteoporosis and you can also look at this -

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

Are you still on VitD/Calcium supplement. Also look for bone strengthening exercises

[Barbaracole in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you very much for your quick response ! I don’t think my doctor will be very happy with me !

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Barbaracole]

Your doctor may not be happy with you.. but at the end of day it’s your body, your choice.

If PMR teaches you anything - it’s YOU have look out and do what’s best for YOU.

Get as much advice as you can - but you decide.

Good luck.

[Barbaracole in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you very much great help !

[Marijo1951]

I took Allendronic Acid twice with terrible effects on my gullet. I was prescribed Risedronate Sodium as an alternative and took it once without nasty effects. However on reading of the possible side effects of all bisphosphonates, I decided I didn't want to put any more in my body and told my rheumy I would take responsibility for my own decision. She, of course,wasn't happy as I have osteoporosis, which isn't helped by the pred, but she respected my decision. I accept that I may eventually live to regret it. However I did have a fall on 30th August which gave me a nasty flesh wound in my leg, but no fracture even in my left arm which took my weight when I fell.

[Barbaracole in reply to Marijo1951]

That is interesting Thankyou for this —— I feel I am on enough meds : for Bp : thyroxine: steroids; co codomol for pain : cal Ci d : now this and sitting bolt upright quite alarming —— Thankyou and glad your fall was not a breakage .

[Nannie-C]

You don’t mention what drug they are suggesting so can’t comment on it but if you are in U K I would recommend you speak to the specialist nurses at

theros.org.uk , they will give you great advice

[Barbaracole]

It is called Risedronate sodium part of Alendronic acid family !