Alendronic Acid

[Gunflash]

Quick question to the experts please.

At what dosage can I stop taking Alendronic acid? Currently taking 7.5mg Pred.

No side effects currently after being on this dosage for 2 weeks. Thanks.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I don't think it necessarily related to the dose of Pred you are on, but the length of time and dose you've been on.

It is perceived to be a long term medication, so as long as the risk is there, in theory (i.e. all the time you're on steroids)-but should be reviewed at the 5 year mark.

I stopped after 4 years (but did start at 80mg Pred) when I was on about 3-4mg can't remember exactly.

Discuss with doctor, but I imagine he'd want you to be on longer than the few months you have been... probably 2 years minimum (just a guess).

[Gunflash in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks Dorset Lady. Very helpful.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There has been a study that suggested that pred was still affecting bone metabolism at a dose as low as 3mg. But as DL says, the length of time you should take AA isn't necessarily related to the pred - many experts now say that the claims of the manufacturers are wrong - they sold AA as a totally safe drug that would prevent hip fractures in everyone. In fact, the longer you take it the greater the likelihood of a couple of bone-related adverse effects, namely avascular necrosis of the jaw and the development of a porous bone structure which increases the risk of femoral fracture. The latter is a relatively new finding and has resulted in the recommendation that use of AA should be reviewed after an absolute maximum of 5 years.

[Charlie1boy]

Hi,

Of course, everyone is different, but my GP allowed me to stop taking AA when I got down to 7 mg.

From reading what Dorset Lady and PMRpro have said, it seems there aren't any specific rules. Also, to be honest, I wasn't happy taking it!

Good luck

Paddy

[Tahiri in reply to Charlie1boy]

My Rheumatologist advised me that it would make little difference if I stopped taking AA at 7mg Prednisolone. I was miserable with the recurring bouts of heartburn, so I was relieved to have permission to stop taking it. I started at 40 mg Pred last October for GCA .

[pollyg263]

i was advised by my dentist to go back to my gp and ask for a differant med than alondronic, as its not good for your jaw line and dentistry.work she was really strong on that note

[AmberAliona]

I had to stop taking Alendronic Acid because it reacted badly with my Barrett’s Oesophagus ( severe acid reflux) The Gastroenterologist said I should never have been prescribed it.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to AmberAliona]

I read the first line of your post and was about to say exactly what your gastro said!!

[AmberAliona]

Thank you.

[Maisiek]

Prod Dasgupta has said I could stop taking AA when I got down to 5 mg Pred .