Alendronate- side effect (diarrhea)

[Kjdsg]

I started alendronate 3 weeks ago and 3 days. In week 3 I am experiencing diarrhea, sometimes uncontrollable unless I take Imodium. I’ve taken this 4 years ago for 4 weeksand experienced no side effects. I wonder long I should wait to get use to it. Trying to avoid prolia. Has anyone experienced diarrhea using alendronate? And I noticed the inactive ingredients are different across generic brands. Has anyone changed generic brands fir better results, no side effects? I’ve not heard of Risedronate. How is this drug different? Thx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Risendronate is just a different substance so it has different side effects. It is still a bisphosphonate.

Diarrhoea is a listed adverse effect of AA - if you have it and it started after starting AA, I would start by not taking the next tablet and see if it improves - at least that provides some evidence. I am always sceptical about coincidences.

[Kjdsg in reply to PMRpro]

Looking forward to not taking the next dosage …. Thank you

[Reeceregan]

Don’t be too frightened of Prolia, if you do go down that path. I’ve been on it since 2018, having my 8th shot next week. Still waiting for the side effects ..🤣 I should add it has improved my t- scores considerably, and they were quite bad. Good luck whichever way you go.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Reeceregan]

Are they leaving you on it indefinitely then? Have they discussed it?

[Kjdsg in reply to PMRpro]

Off and healing stomach … before moving forward

[Reeceregan in reply to PMRpro]

It’s on my list of questions for my next appointment. He originally mentioned 5 years then onto something else, but after I had my follow up dexa scan 12 months ago he mentioned it can be taken forever.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Reeceregan]

Conveniently ...

[Kjdsg in reply to Reeceregan]

I appreciate hearing that you’re good. The doctor took me off and said to take Prilosec and it helped so much. Don’t know why i didn’t think of that.

[HeronNS in reply to Kjdsg]

You are wise to avoid Prolia unless absolutely necessary. It's not really a question of you can take it forever, but you must continue to take it once you've started.