Can I stop taking Ibandronic Acid?

[Mamamia21]

I have been on Ibandronic Acid for 2 years after 3 years of Alendronic Acid, making it a total of 5 years this year.

The last time I spoke to my doctor she said that the Osteoporosis specialist said that as I was young, I am still only 56, that I could stay on Ibandronic Acid for 10 years. My last DEXA scan, which was now a couple of years ago, showed improvement in my bones. The more I read the more I am sure I should now have a break. So my question is can I just stop or do you need to reduce? I take 150mg once a month so it does not seem to be easy to reduce...

I am in transition with doctors, due to a move to York in April so unfortunately this is not as easy as having another conversation with the doctor at the moment, although I will as soon as I find one. I am worried that when I find another doctor, if I have to wait for another DEXA scan it may be at least another year and I am uncomfortable staying on this drug if it is now doing more harm than good.

Can I stop taking it and then talk to the doctor? Your advice would be apreciated.

[SheffieldJane]

It is recommended that you don’t take it for more than 5 years. Consult your doctor, who should know this, about the best way to come off it.

[Mamamia21 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks for your reply SheffieldJane, I can't currently ask as I am in transition and it may be a while before I find another doctor. I will try to find one as soon as possible though. You are confirming what I thought so thank you!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Mamamia21]

In that case then look at the ROS site and/or speak to their helpline - although they may well advise you to contact your doctor -

Although this seems to their advice -

After about five years on ibandronate tablets – or around three years if you’re having injections – you should have a formal treatment review. Ask your doctor when this should happen if you’re unsure. At this review, your doctor will check if you still need a drug treatment, and that ibandronate is still the right treatment for you.

theros.org.uk

[Mamamia21 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DorsetLady... will try and see what they say. Hopefully I will have a doctor sorted by the end of April so one more month is not going to hurt.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't see how age makes any difference at all to the needing a drug holiday from bisphosphonates, bone turnover won't be that much different. You don't need to taper - just stop.

I'd contact the ROS helpline and see what they say. And if it were me - I'd stop but that is just my opinion.

[Mamamia21 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes that is what I thought when the doctor said that to me. But you know what it is like when you are sitting there being told something you know is not right and you stay quiet... I wish I hadn't... I will contact the ROS helpline, thanks PMRpro 😊

[HeronNS in reply to Mamamia21]

PMRpro said what I would have. The medication you've taken stays in your bones, not like some bone meds which require followup treatment to avoid rebound bone thinning. That is not an issue, whatever good the bone meds have done for you won't vanish, but it's important to allow the bones to recover their ability to do some "remodelling". The meds will have prevented old bone from being removed, which is why initially there is an improvement in bone density, but now it is time to allow some of that old bone to be taken away by specialised cells (osteoclasts) while other cells (osteoblasts) carry on with the rebuilding part. You can help them along, if you aren't already, by consuming calcium and magnesium rich food (leafy greens anyone?), and taking Vitamin D and Vitamin K2 supplements.

[Mamamia21 in reply to HeronNS]

Thanks for the explanation HeronNS, it is good to know why it is important for a break from them. Yes currently taking Vit D and K2... part of the reason I personally think my bone density improved last time.

[HeronNS in reply to Mamamia21]

Excellent!

[pigeonCl-HU in reply to HeronNS]

Spot on!

[Starsearcher]

Can you afford to have a private REMS scan and get the opinion of another specialist? You are young - there so much info out there about supplements, exercise etc etc. Personally I am glad I didn't start on Alendronic Acid in the first place after reading about the history of that drug and what it does to you. I don't know your personal history but I would think about all the alternatives to taking a drug which basically alters your bone chemistry - a very complicated thing which the arrogance of the medical profession believe they can manipulate without doing any harm!

osteoscanuk.com/

[Mamamia21 in reply to Starsearcher]

It is something I will do once I am settled in York. I had a DEXA scan after 3 months on steroids and already had Osteoporosis, it took me 3 years to agree to start taking it as my bone density was getting worse. It improved on my last scan but do think I need a break from it now. Will certainly be investigating more... thanks for your reply Starsearcher!

[Starsearcher in reply to Mamamia21]

I had a REMS scan in York last June. Nick the consultant said I did not need alendronic acid and not to let myself get frail (I'm 68) he said 90 odd % of DEXA scans could be inaccurate. I'm now doing strength training and enjoying it. Also take vit D with K, algae calcium and magnesium. I actually think it's criminal what the medical profession is doing to women. 'Save Our Bones' website is an interesting read. Good luck!

[Starsearcher]

Also I invested in a Marodyne low vibration device