Alendronic Acid versus Risedronate

[Bayleaf1]

Advise required from you knowledgable people please. My situation is that I was diagnosed with PMR in September and automatically given Alendronic Acid to take. However, after reading the patient information leaflet I faltered and didn’t start taking it. Then spoke to yet another GP who said that I could take Risedronate instead but after looking at the possible side effects I stalled with this as well. I am due to have a DEXA scan in January and my GP was ok about me waiting until the results of this come through before taking either of these two medications. As far as I can see they appear to have the same pros and cons and I am absolutely terrified of taking either. Any information would be gratefully received.

[jinasc]

Stop worrying your Dexa Scan will show whether you need it.

I and others did not and I had GCA and was on high doses, Dexa scans every 2 years and my bones never moved at all. 97% all the time.

Now after 5 years in remission, osteoarthritis appeared. Guess that is what ageing brings along.

[Bayleaf1 in reply to jinasc]

Thank you for helping to put my mind at rest for now. Since being diagnosed I think I’ve gone into “over thinking overdrive”.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bayleaf1]

Easily done 😊

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Wait until you've had DEXA scan - you may be worrying unduly - and meanwhile look at ROS site -

theros.org.uk/

[Bayleaf1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks. I have been looking at that site and gleaning interesting information and also note that you can actually phone someone for information too.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bayleaf1]

Yes, so if you’re concerned please ring them.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Risendronate tends to have fewer gastric effects than AA. Otherwise the adverse effects are likely to be similar as they are both bisphosphonates.

You won't crumble before January, wait for the DEXA scan result - that was what I did after taking 4 tablets and discussing it with a different GP. I have never taken any more, I have never needed them in well over 11 years and regular DEXAs.

On the other hand - the DEXA result may mean they offer you something else.

[Bayleaf1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. You’ve answered my question about the differences of the two drugs as I remember now when I was given the Risedronate I was still waiting for results of a gastroscopy which may have shown a problem with my oesophagus but everything was normal. I suffer from anxiety anyway and find it hard to be logical with worrying.

[piglette]

Personally I would not touch a Bisphosphonate until I had had a Dexascan. My GP is always going on at me to take Alendronic Acid even though my bone density is extremely good. We have a fight every time I talk to him.

[Bayleaf1 in reply to piglette]

It’s good to know that I’m not alone on this one then. Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hello Bayleaf,

Have been on a daily dose of 1200mg of calcium with added vitamin D3 and K1 since the start of my PMR was diagnosed last June. I didn't like the look of the alendronic acid side effects, so opted to take calcium instead. Everybody is different, but so far my bone density is good and apart from a bit of disapproval at the start, nobody has brought up the matter again. Your DEXA scan will hopefully help to resolve any worries you may have.

[Koalajane in reply to Hidden]

I take k2 not k1

[Hidden in reply to Koalajane]

Hello Koalajane,I take k2 as well, k1 was just included in my calcium tablets. 😀 Nice to hear from you.

[Diddy61]

There is another alternative if your scan does show you need any treatment. I could not tolerate Alendronic Acid due to gastric issues. I do have osteopenia due to long term steroid use for pmr so I now have an infusion once a year of zoledronic acid at the hospital. I have this for three years then another scan to see if further treatment is needed. May be worth asking about this if you need to.

[Bayleaf1 in reply to Diddy61]

That’s interesting to know, thanks.

[Exflex]

I started with AA but suffered pains in hands and wrists. GP switched me to Risedronate and the symptoms disappeared. I’m on 2mg Pred and take the bone med intermittently, ie every 2 weeks. (I’ve written this several times now and the old hands must be sick and tired reading my story, but I hope my experience helps you.)

[Bayleaf1 in reply to Exflex]

Thank you. It’s always good to read of other’s experiences. I shall bear that in mind should the scan show that I need to take something else.

[jenerino]

I was given Alendronic Acid and it did not agree with me and I refused Risedronate too. I have had PMR for seven years. What I DO take is vitamin K2 MK7 which has improved my nails and bones. Look into it. My sister has PMR too and has started taking K2 and her rheumy is very pleased with the way she is going.

[Bayleaf1 in reply to jenerino]

I’m taking a calcium supplement Vit K2 and Vit D.

[Tiredofpmr555]

My bone density has suffered while being on steroids for three years but I refused all of the "solutions" offered by my doctors as I don't believe them to be of any long term use. This is a personal decision that everyone must make after carefully reading the data on these drugs.