Affect of Alendronic acid if needing dental work?

[moconnolly]

This aspect bothers me as well as the implications of taking Alendronic acid. At age 81 after taking AA for about 18 months, I stopped it after I was prescribed HRT patches for another problem . Whilst HRT protects bones to a certain extent , I believe it doesn't increase bone density as does AA. Anyone had experience of this, especially having dental treatment i.e. extractions?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

AA also doesn't necessarily INCREASE bone density - it maintains it at the level it is at if you are lucky.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society seems to think they have a similar effect on bone fracture risk.

theros.org.uk/information-a....

They have an excellent helpline if you are in the UK - they will discuss all the options with you.

Please could you complete your profile - if nothing else, it is very helpful for us to know what country you are in!

[Jantayl]

On GP advice I have been taking AA for over 6 years since diagnosis for PMR. I recently had a bone density scan as I was apprehensive at continuing with it. Scan results seemed fine but rheumatologist advised to continue with AA. My other health issues are UTI’s. Not sure if this helps you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Jantayl]

6years without a break from it? And what do you mean by scan results seemed fine?

This advice from nhs -

How long will I take it for?

You'll usually take alendronic acid long term, for at least 3 to 5 years. Your doctor will then review your ongoing need for it.

If you're having long-term treatment with steroids, you'll usually take alendronic acid until your steroid treatment stops. Your doctor will then review whether you need to carry on.

For other health problems, such as arthritis and diabetes, your doctor will usually assess your risk of broken bones every 3 to 5 years. This may include tests to check the strength (density) of your bones.

Depending on the results, you'll either keep taking alendronic acid, take a break from it or stop taking it completely.

[Jantayl in reply to DorsetLady]

I continue to take prednisolone - although now down to 3.5. I requested the bone density scan following what I read on this forum. The pharmacist attached to my surgery said I could take AA for 10 years before a break. ‘Femur T score -0.7 and is deemed as normal according to WHO criteria’.

My real concern and worry at the moment is the UTI which I have had for 6 months despite continuing antibiotics and hospitalisation for intravenous!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jantayl]

Well I'm afraid the pharmacist isn't correct - the most recent recommendations are for a drug holiday after at most 3 to 5 years. And if my femoral t-score was -0.7 - they would have to hold me down to make me take AA!!

Are the UTIs proven infections - one assumes so if you have been hospitalised. How concerning.

[Jantayl in reply to PMRpro]

diagnosed with MS although no real symptoms - bladder retention so self catheterised since 2019- together with low immune system due to steroids is reason given for UTI’s. 2023 has been the worst with the UTI starting in October and still there. Yes continue to take samples to GP. I know what to look for. I had 3 weeks respite after hospital for 3 days. Just completed 7 daily intravenous antibiotic on advice from microbiologist. Hoping I get past this weekend befor the infection returns. Have appt for cystoscopy but need to be infection free. My life just seems to be controlled by this and I am unable to plan anything!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jantayl]

Oh yes - I remember now. What an absolute pain in every meaning of the expression!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Jantayl]

Agree with PMRpro on pharmacist and scores…

[Rose54]

Hi

I took Alendronic acid five years was advised by Osteoporosis team at the Hospital after Dexie scan was normal.

3 years on am considering Prola due to lots of damage to spine after a fall befor Xmas.

Was discussing this with Dentist last week

He said he is not allowed to do major dental work if on Prola i would have to have it done at Hospital.

However rules have changed re Alendronic acid and Dentist are able to do more treatment

Hope this helps