Hi
I had a Spine T-score of -3.7 on the DEXA scale and have been taking Alendronic Acid on and off for a couple of years, but it causes stomach problems which seem to stop when I'm not taking it. I'm thinking of stopping again but am worried my bone density will get worse if I do, does anyone else have the same problems?
Have you asked about infusions?
If AA as tablets causes gastric problems speak to your doctors about having infusions of a bisphosphonate:
nof.org/patients/treatment/...
Interestingly - this article from nof.org mentions that it may not be appropriate to take bisphisphonates if you also take a PPI and you should speak to your doctor about that.
My results were similar. I had a Zalendronic acid infusion which is yearly. That might be an option for you. I didn't get on with biphosphonates.
The infusion comes with it's own side effects though doesn't it?
Yes but it does usually avoid any gastric ones.
To be honest, I had a lot of side effects with the biphosphonates and so was pretty concerned about the infusion, but realised I had no choice. I had very few side effects with the infusion. I had a couple of days of flu like effects and that was it.
That doesn't sound toobad
I guess everyone would react differently, but I was hugely relieved I have to say. I was absolutely dreading it.
A friend of mine has been recommended to have it and I must say she's not looking forward to it. I'll have a think and maybe ring my osteo clinic for a chat, thanks for your help
You need to be comfortable with your decision. Had I known that I would not have had the effects that I did with the bisphosphates I would have had it 6 years ago, but my husband was ill at the time and subsequently died, and so I think I was in a bit of shock the years following, and so it was lost in the system.
I'm so sorry for your loss and can understand the delay in getting the alternative treatment with so much on your mind but better late than never as they say, glad it has worked for you
I have gastric issues so was very concerned about bisophosates . Also am on blood thinners which means ( according to osteo nurse ) that I can’t take certain ones anyway . We had a long discussion. I’m very new to this osteoporosis so was trying to weigh up pros and cons .
Long story short I will be trying teriparatide. Injection daily .just awaiting results of blood test first .
I don’t know if this is an option you can look into .
As I said I’m very new to this and find the help and advice on here from others is invaluable.
Hello I am going to start having the same injection as you I have had my blood test and have my medication in the fridge just waiting for a nurse to come around and see me. I am not sure when I should stop tacking my risedronate weekly tablet !
Hi Sandidee If your infusion is in the fridge could it be a six month vial of Denusomab rather than the annual infusion of zoledronate which happens in a hospital. There have been previous discussions on this forum about potential problems with denusomab. If you cant find these through search or FAQs PM me because I copied them out.
Hi Sandi . Is it teriparatide? Know it has to be kept in fridge . Not got mine yet but it is a daily injection and I believe it’s a parathyroid hormone if I’m not mistaken ❤️
Hi. Yes it is my medication came last week so that is in the fridge and I have a nurse coming to see me next Thursday to talk me through what I have to do ! I am a bit concerned for when I go on holiday as it is a two year journey with Teriparatide eek I am sure that it will be fine I am just overthinking
Well it looks like we will be starting this journey together . Although I don’t have the medication yet . We can compare notes lol. Why are you concerned about going on holiday if you don’t mind me asking 😊
The medication always has to be stored in a fridge I might not always have access to a fridge the medication has to be given the same time every day which means if you are out for the day you will have to take your medication with you I suppose I could use ice packs. I will discuss all of this with the nurse next week. I am probably over thinking
I’m sure it will be fine . If staying in a hotel they should have a fridge that can be accessed by staff for medication . I worked in hospitality for 18 years .we always had this facility plus freezer for ice packs . X
I had stomach problems with AA. Now have yearly infusion of Zoledronate with no problems at all. I also had reservations but glad I went ahead with it.
My infusion resulted in 24 hrs of fever, chills and muscle aches. After that there were no symptoms and I'm good until next infusion in a year. I prefer this to shots monthly or taking pills which might have stomach issues.
DEXA scan results and thanks to this forum. 
Dexa Scan results
DEXA Scan results
DEXA Scan Results
