Alendronic acid tablets

[AnniesRyder5]

Although I was diagnosed with PMR over a year ago I was not prescribed alendronic acid tablets until a month ago due to an oversight at the surgery

However I have not responded well to these tablets at all with even worse reflux and mouth ulcers over the following 24 hours. I take 40mg of esomeprazole a day and have a diagnosis of Barrett’s oesophagus.

When I passed this information onto my GP she told me to stop taking the alendronic acid but I am concerned because I have broken my wrists 3 times and a scan a couple of years ago reveals osteoporosis in 1 hip

The GP has referred me to the bone clinic but apparently it will be a couple of months at least until I get an appointment

So dear fellow sufferers - have you any advice regarding the calcium supplements?

I should add that I do take Adcal D3 daily. Maybe this is enough?

[Koalajane]

It may be enough. My husband was prescribed AA but was not good at taking it then gave up. He did take d3/calcium tablets and also upped his calcium intake and his bone density has gone from having osteoporosis to now having normal bone density.

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to Koalajane]

Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"However I have not responded well to these tablets at all with even worse reflux and mouth ulcers over the following 24 hours. I take 40mg of esomeprazole a day and have a diagnosis of Barrett’s oesophagus."

Barrett's oesophagus is a direct contraindication for the use of oral bisphosphinates - maybe it wasn't an oversight but someone registered the fact?

AA isn't a calcium supplement but it does require calcium supplements to be taken with it. The basic bone protection is the calcium/vit D supplement and that is all I have ever taken and it has maintained my bone density over a period of 11 years. I do take a lot more vit D though - 4000 IU per day and that maintains my blood level in the lower half of the normal range, I need at least that.

What was your t-score in the hip? If it was osteoporosis why were you not put on something then?

There are alternatives to AA which are administered as infusions or as injections, the frequency depends on the substance chosen. For the moment, just keep taking the pills, possibly add vit K2, and do what weight bearing exercise you can manage.

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you again

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you again, and what time of day do you take your vit d? In the mornings I’m currently taking 10mg of pred plus 20 mg Esomeprazole (twice a day) and 20mg statin, so I’m rattling really!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to AnniesRyder5]

I take mine in the evening with dinner - it is better taken with some food and of the 5 tablet stations I have that is the one with food

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks again. I very much appreciate your advice😷😊

[Rugger]

Have you had your blood level of vitamin D checked? Some of us have needed megadoses of vitamin D for a few weeks to top up the level, before continuing with the daily dose. I take a calcium and vit D supplement, as prescribed, with additional vitamin D only. My total daily vitamin D intake is 1600 IU. I have plenty of calcium from diet and the tablet and some vitamin K2 from a supplement I buy.

I have osteoporosis for which I take sodium risedronate . My latest DEXA scan showed my spine had improved from osteoporosis to osteopaenia, but my hip stayed as it was, so no deterioration!

Best wishes.

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to Rugger]

Thank you for this - very helpful 😊