5 Years on Alendronic Acid

[scrambledegg]

Just had my annual PMR blood check etc. with my GP. I've had no problems with AA but I brought up the subject of reviewing taking it after 5 years and asked for a dexa scan as I'm not sure I even need to be on it. I had a dexa scan when first diagnosed and it was fine. He said I should stay on it until I get down to 5mg prednisolone and there's no point having a scan. I've tried several times to get below 10mg per day including a double DSNS to reduce by 1mg over 2 months and even that didn't work. Unless things improve rapidly I'm going to be years before I get down to 5mg per day. So I've decided to take AA every 2 weeks instead of once a week. Any thoughts? Anyone with a similar dilemma?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I think the paperwork that comes with medication does actually say it should be reviewed at the 5 year point. Dig yours out and have a look - if it does then show it to him.

Both PMRpro and I answered a question yesterday about this - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Hidden in reply to DorsetLady]

Hello,

I took this for a while. as I understand it they now say ideally taken for no more than 2 years as they recently discovered it can cause micro fractures not visible on XRay, making your bones more brittle. you are entitled to and should have a 3 yearly dexascan.

search on line for NICE guidelines for Bisphosphonates and hopefully you'll get the most up to date info

hope that helps...

best of luck Trutta

[jinasc]

Ask for another bone protection - visit the Royal National Osteoporosis Site and read up on the different options.

[scrambledegg in reply to jinasc]

Thanks. Just looked at that site. Feel better about continuing to take it now

[jinasc in reply to scrambledegg]

Oh, I thought you would have chosen another one. The FDA recommend taking AA only for 5 years.

I would push for the Dexa Scan.

[scrambledegg in reply to jinasc]

Ok. Thanks.