How long should I take Alendronate

[Paperroses]

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.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk 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 Ambassador]

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

[Paperroses in reply to PMRpro]

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

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Paperroses]

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

[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 in reply to Rugger]

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 Ambassador in reply to Rugger]

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 in reply to PMRpro]

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 in reply to PMRpro]

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]

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.