Alendronate (Fosamax),: Hi there . Dr has recently... - PMRGCAuk

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Alendronate (Fosamax),

Looby60 profile image
14 Replies

Hi there .

Dr has recently prescribed this for me but I need advice .

Has anyone else had any knowledge of it at all.

Side effects sound pretty awful and as I have a digestion problem anyway I am rather reluctant to take it .

Would welcome any comments re this

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Looby60 profile image
Looby60
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14 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

There are related posts - see right of screen if on PC, Laptop or iPad. Scroll down on iPhone. Or use search option.

Next post refers to Alendronic Acid as well.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

What are your digestive problems? That is an important factor.

Looby60 profile image
Looby60 in reply to PMRpro

Some years ago I was rushed int hospital vomiting blood . It was thought to be caused by acid so have been on medication since . Dr upped my lansoprasol to 30mg when I was put on steroids . I still get bouts of heartburn and indigestion. Plus I am on aspirin which I beleive also can cause stomach issues I think .

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Looby60

Then you shouldn't be put on AA/Fosamax. There are alternatives - other oral ones that are better but still not ideal and infusions/injections that bypass gastric issues.

Looby60 profile image
Looby60 in reply to PMRpro

Thank you.

That’s definitely made up

My mind .

Discussion with Dr was all done by E Consult . Discouraged strongly by medical centre to try even for a phone appointment.

I had to email to clarify after e consult as when I picked up Prescription it conflicted with what dr told me On consultation.

Raise pred to 10 for one month then only give me one box of 5mg and 4 boxes of 1mg .

Doesn’t give me much confidence in dr I must admit .

I appreciate with COVID everything is different . I get more advice here than anywhere thank you so much .

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

Have you had a DXA scan to make sure you need this bone med? PPIs as well as pred can cause bone thinning. If not too far advanced this can be counteracted through the right supplements and exercise. If you absolutely do need osteoporosis med you should not be given an oral bisphosphanate. I believe your kidney function should be monitored while on OP meds.

Looby60 profile image
Looby60 in reply to HeronNS

Hi there.

Nothing has been suggested or even discussed re a bone scan.

Given the fact that your lucky if you can even get to speak to dr by phone let alone an appointment.its very difficult to question and voice my concerns.

I will be pushing next week for, at the very least a phone appointment.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to Looby60

They are serious medications and personally I think it negligent for a doctor not to make sure you have a DXA scan before prescribing one. You may have risk factors but you also have contraindications. You must know if you really them before taking them. In the meantime, for starters, have alook at this:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1

I've been offered it for boneproblems like u it looks awful any tablet that u have to sit up straight for half an HR after taking and once a week and could cause jaw problems and teeth loss then I'm not taking it's a bone builder appantly why are u being offered it for stomach problems I think u need to speak to somebody else I wouldn't take it

Looby60 profile image
Looby60 in reply to Itsmeagain1

The stomach problem have had for years . It’s the PMR that’s new hence them wanting me to go on this awful stuff to protect bones I guess .

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1

Oh bless u I have been offered it for osteoporosis as I have fractured my back 3 times so far but no I won't take it chat to your doctor why do we get offered meds that scare us with their awful side effects not acceptable good luck I hope u get a doctor that can offer u something else mine won't

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Itsmeagain1

It is all very well saying "I want something else" - but ALL bisphosphonate-type drugs have similar potential adverse effects. They are POTENTIAL, they may not happen. But all medications may have downsides - including many available OTC such as paracetamol.

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to PMRpro

Oh believe me I know side effects bain of all of our lives it will be a personal choice as to take or not my own opinion is ask what else is available I won't take it but that's my choice I hope whatever the lady decides on taking it helps her

kulina profile image
kulina in reply to PMRpro

I agree, basically all drugs have some horrible side effects. Yes, POTENTIAL and SMALL PERCENTAGE of users will get the horrendous bisphosphonate drug side effects but no one knows who will fall into those categories. It's a very difficult decision to make.

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