Hello ladies, May I please ask how many of you are taking the Alendronic Acid and if so for how long, and has anyone experienced any nasty side affects. My rheumatologist thinks I've started, but I haven't. Was on the lower dose of Pred (15 mg) back in Dec last year, and for the past 2 weeks been on 40 mg for only suspected GCA. After his 'phone call to me this morning will see what he is now recommending I do re the Pred and tapering.
Many thank
Anne
Hi Anne,
I took AA for 4 years with no issues at all, but it doesn’t suit all ...and we advise not taking it unless it is absolutely necessary. Have you had a DEXA scan to check bone strength? Or do you know?
Trouble is, not sure how long you would have to wait in current circumstances.
If you remember I had to cancel due to the virus...hospital recommended I suspend it until later. I was paying for it as would have waited too long on NHS and doc wouldn't send me for one anyway, just keeps saying take the AA. So no idea what bone health is like, although blood test for calcium came back okay. I've taken my steroids for the day after b/fast early and so far no croaky voice...still tend to think in my case it's the calcium that could be doing it. Will take it shortly and see what happens....wanted to leave it for a couple of hours to see. Rheumy calling me this morning.
Sorry yes had forgotten that! Let us know what Rheumy says.
Can't keep up with everyone's messages, I get confused as to who says what. Still waiting for his call and just messaged his secretary to remind him....you know what men are like for remembering stuff. Although £100 for a few minutes on the 'phone you'd think would be enough to prompt him ha ha
Hi Anne, calcium shouldn't be taken at the same time as pred....
"The calcium carbonate in Adcal D3 tablets may reduce the absorption of many other medicines from the gut, which could make the other medicines less effective. Adcal D3 (calcium) should preferably not be taken in the two hours before and after taking any other medicine, but for some medicines a longer separation is recommended."
netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/d...
We usually say pred in the morning calcium lunch and tea time.
I take Pred at 7:30 am and Calcium at 10:00 am...then another Cacium at 7:00pm
Perfect. .... I must have misread an earlier post re voice and it just struck me.
No call as yet from rheumy...hope he hasn't forgotten. If so I will just have to continue with the 40 mg until I hear from him. Usually, it's recommended to stay on 40 mg if GCA is suspected for 4 weeks, then start to taper. (even without test) so won't be too bad I guess, at least I'm being protected.
Yes. The eyesight is your main priority and 3 more days until Monday won't hurt.
Secretary has just informed me he's still in clinic, not according to the hospital...never mind!! Thanks for messages Poop
He might have a special friend. 😉
Well it's not me that's for sure lol
Hi I’ve been on it for 2 months no ill effects at all. No bone test and none likely so just doing what I’m told .
Take care. Stay well x
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