How long should I take Alendronate: Ive been on... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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How long should I take Alendronate

Paperroses profile image
10 Replies

Ive been on prednisone almost 3 years and am currently at 4mg. How long do I need to take Alendronate? I understand that its not good long term.

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Paperroses profile image
Paperroses
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10 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Shouldn’t be taken for longer than 5 years without a break…I stopped after 4 years after discussing with GP down to about 2mg at the time (GCA).

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Some advice is 3 years and take a drug holiday. Have you had a dexascan at any point?

Paperroses profile image
Paperroses in reply toPMRpro

I had a scan a few months ago. No change for worse. One scan went from osteoporosis to osteopenia.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toPaperroses

You'd hope it wouldn't be worse! But if you are that low - maybe you need it a bit longer.

Rugger profile image
Rugger

I took Risedronate sodium for 5 years before stopping a few months ago. I have osteoporosis, but need a tooth extraction, so I decided enough is enough!

Exflex profile image
Exflex in reply toRugger

I think it takes longer than a few months to normalise, possibly 2 years. PMRPro is better to advise, I’m only quoting from memory.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toRugger

Not sure the risk ever goes down significantly - the stuff is in your bones for ever. At present the follow-up says 15 years - because that is how long they have subjects for ...

Rugger profile image
Rugger in reply toPMRpro

Yes, I was aware that stopping it now wouldn't make any difference to the dental outcome, but it gave me a good excuse after 5 years! My dentist says I'm considered 'low risk' for osteonecrosis as I took an oral bisphosphonate - the hospital agree, as they're saying he should do the extraction. I'm just the patient stuck in the middle of their ding dong, waiting to have a troublesome tooth removed since Christmas.....

Exflex profile image
Exflex in reply toPMRpro

I consulted Dr Google and it said the human skeleton is replaced every 10 years. From an uneducated stand point I would imagine it involves an exponential function.

Exflex profile image
Exflex

I’m on Risedronate 35mg and a month ago I asked my GP the same question as I was on 4.5mg (now 4mg). She deferred to her contact in Rheumatology and the answer came back to keep taking it until I’m off steroids.

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