No Alendronic Acid!

[artisam]

So this month's prescription for Alendronic Acid hadn't been done very -unusual for our very efficient pharmacy. Pharmacist explained to me that there is a national shortage and there just isn't any to be had -he has emailed the surgery to request the alternative ibandronate, but they haven't got back to him. He says there may be a problem because it is expensive and surgery may be unwilling to prescribe it! Can they do that?rang the surgery, but of course all the doctors had finished for the night and I will have to wait till Monday. Meanwhile I have no medication - thank goodness it wasn't the pred!

Anyone else having this problem?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Oh dear, what a shame, never mind

I know there is a bit of a problem with supply - not the only thing. It won't matter - it isn't essential and you don't have to taper off it.

[Mamamia21]

I've been prescribed monthly Ibandronic acid instead...

[artisam in reply to Mamamia21]

I'll look into that - need to talk to my GP which is the next problem...🙄

[Kafkaontheshore]

Hi. Yes I had the same problem. Was asking doctor for an alternative and then my pharmacy accessed some. I think you need to get your prescription and ring round different pharmacies. If unavailable ask GP for an alternative. Good luck 😳

[artisam in reply to Kafkaontheshore]

Thank you. I have a busy Monday it seems!

[Koalajane]

I would be quite happy to have a break from it!

[artisam in reply to Koalajane]

I've had no issues with taking it at all - been lucky I guess. I initially refused to take it when I was diagnosed with PMR because of all the nasty side effect I'd read about...then the inevitable happened and I got osteoporosis! There's no winning is there?🙄

[Bluemoonbrummie]

I’ve been prescribed Risedronate sodium 35mg as an alternative - and am wondering if this is the cause of the headache I’ve had the day after taking it.

[artisam in reply to Bluemoonbrummie]

Every time something changes it starts a cycle of ' what's that new niggle all about?' doesn't it? Hope you find the source, headaches are debilitating, especially in this heat.

[Exflex]

Risedronate 35mg is an alternative. I’ll repeat briefly what I said earlier to someone else: Problems with AA causing hand pain shortly (about a month) after starting the medication. My doc switched me to Risedronate and hand pain vanished.

PS What dose of Prednisolone are you currently taking? I’m on 2.5mg, starting a taper to 2mg next week, and even though I’ve been told by a Rheumatologist via my GP to stay on it until I’m off Pred, I’m wondering if I could reduce the frequency to once a fortnight. I know a lot on here are really anti Bisphosphonates but I’ve had a few accidental falls but no broken bones.

[artisam in reply to Exflex]

Not had any problems with AA luckily. Thanks for the suggested alternative, I'm making a list to discuss with GP when (if) I can get hold of one!🙄

[Exflex in reply to artisam]

I added a PS.: what dose of Pred are you on?

[artisam in reply to Exflex]

Tapering from 2mg. Not going well!

[artisam in reply to Exflex]

Do you have osteoporosis or do you take the meds as precautionary?

[Exflex in reply to artisam]

No but I’ve not had a Dexa scan in 2 years, but think I should ask for one. So yes just as precautionary and following the Dr’s advice.

[artisam in reply to Exflex]

I would definitely ask for one, you may not need the AA at all. Hope all stays well with you, thank you for your responses.

[Koalajane]

I think the problem is that a lot of doctors push for us to have it without doing a bone density test to see if it is actually needed!

[artisam in reply to Koalajane]

Yep. That was my experience. I wonder if they've ever worked out the cost efficiency of doing scans against a life time of drug prescribing...🤔

[HeronNS in reply to artisam]

Not to mention the fact that taking AA indefinitely is a bad idea. No more than three years is probably safe, before there becomes an increasing risk of bones becoming brittle because normal "bone remodelling" has been curtailed. No one should take a bone med without definite proof it is needed, never as a preventative - there are other ways of preventing bone thinning (appropriate exercise, a few judicious supplements, nutrition. In some cases testing for "secondary causes of osteoporosis" is a good idea, because pred is not only risk factor).

[artisam in reply to HeronNS]

When I was diagnosed the nurse was sure it would be reversible with correct diet and exercise as well as the medication. Hopefully at my next dexa scan I will have good news. Long term anything reaps problems I think. Does all osteoporosis medication have the same effect?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to artisam]

I think so - or similar problems. Some are brilliant at building bone but when stopped there is rebound loss of bone density so another drug is required ongoing.

[artisam in reply to PMRpro]

Crikey, it's never ending!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to artisam]

Nothing is ever simple!!!

[artisam in reply to PMRpro]

Sigh!🙄

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to artisam]

Indeed!

[Brears]

Was told by Lloyd’s pharmacy there won’t be anymore and to contact the doctor for alternative.So far no response

[artisam in reply to Brears]

I feel your frustration. Even the pharmacist can't get a response from ours. I have at least gathered names of some alternatives now, so hopefully something will be available. Good luck. 🤞

[Allum]

I have Osteoporosis and cannot take Alendronic Acid, or anything similar, so was put on 6 monthly injections of Demosumab, 3 years ago. No problems, even within the last year since having diagnosis of PMR and being on Prednisone. Now down to 3.5 mg and thanks to this chat forum, I am very slowly reducing with no problems!

[artisam in reply to Allum]

That's great news for you. I hope you continue to be well. Another avenue for me to discuss, thank you.

[Kroll]

I was prescribed Risedronate as a alternative also , but not àctually taken it yet

[artisam in reply to Kroll]

I think that's on my list - GP won't know what's hit her! It bothers me that I have to find something else as I've had no problems with AA and I could be beset with a whole new set of side effects to tackle. Nothing to be done though, let's see what happens. Hope you get on all right with your - onward we go!🙄