Dizziness with Alendronic Acid

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis last year and have been prescribed Alendronic Acid 70mg by GP. I have taken it for a few weeks and then stopped 3 times as I feel it is causing dizziness, feeling a bit giddy and slight blurred vision. Has anyone else experienced this with AA?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Now you have posted you will see a lod of Related Posts - maybe something to read there while waiting.

They are all listed common adverse effects with AA

nhs.uk/medicines/alendronic....

How long does it last? You are only taking it once a week so maybe choose a day that is more convenient to take it very easy until it has worn off - not lying down of course.

But if those symptoms persist you need to speak to the doctor. Risendronate is an alternative that people often tolerate better. But there are other options and it is important that you take the tablets EVERY week or they don't work properly and it is a waste of time taking them.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your reply.

[Lopera]

I have just started taking Binosto, the soluble version of AA and have not had any dizziness or other side effect. If these side effects persist, I would go back to my GP. I think GPs can only prescribe bisphosphonates and I'm not knowledgeable enough to know if there is another one they can prescribe which you could try.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lopera]

Had you tried the tablets before?

[Lopera in reply to PMRpro]

No, I have ulcerative colitis, difficulty swallowing and acid reflux. I felt that the tablets would sit in my gullet so I requested the soluble version.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lopera]

Quite right - just wondered. Are you OK with the soluble ones? They are still a problem with reflux if it flares up soon after taking it.

[Lopera in reply to PMRpro]

Yes it was fine. I hope it continues that way 🤞

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lopera]

Hope so too.

[Lopera in reply to PMRpro]

Just a quick follow up. If it did bring on reflux problems, would it only be on the day I took it?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lopera]

Difficult to say - no, I think it might be, but it might get worse over time.

[Lopera in reply to PMRpro]

Was OK Sunday when I took the Binosto but had a little bit of reflux since then.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lopera]

Not sure what a GI consultant would say - I assume you have one?

[Lopera in reply to PMRpro]

Yes

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As PMRpro has said they are listed as side effects of AA, but they are also listed as side effects of Pred..so could be a double whammy. Worth discussing with GP though … there are others to try.

Have you looked at ROS site - their helpline is very good- may have suggestions for you

theros.org.uk

[Lopera in reply to DorsetLady]

Trouble is, I can only have something the GP can prescribe. There's a 12 month wait for an appointment at the Osteoporosis clinic.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lopera]

Do you have a rheumatologist?

[Lopera in reply to PMRpro]

No, when my GP prescribed the pred he checked with the nhs rheumatologist, who said I didn't have PMR and to come off pred so I've only seen one privately about my osteoporosis. He didn't question the PMR after seeing my borderline esr but advised me to reduce 1mg per month.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lopera]

And you do HAVE osteoporosis?

[Lopera in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, 6 spinal compression fractures.

[Lopera in reply to Lopera]

Bizarrely, I have just this minute received a text inviting me to Heartburn Health, a research programme for heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux supported by the NHS and Cancer Research UK!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lopera]

In that case I am VERY surprised they are making you wait that long. tangocharlie had similar problems and is on something FAR more effective than oral AA.

[Lopera in reply to PMRpro]

I don’t know what I can do.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lopera]

I would hope your GP would push a bit harder. Have you spoken to the ROS? Maybe they have some advice.

[Lopera in reply to PMRpro]

I did get in touch with the ROS but Ive lost track now, I can’t even remember what I was asking. I think I need to revisit and push a bit harder myself.

[Hidden in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your reply

[Oh-my]

I initially had headaches and slight dizziness for the first few weeks. I talked to my pharmacist who told me it was fine and my body would adjust to the new drug. It did stop and I can’t be sure how much of it was anxiety (I get very anxious when starting a new medication) or just getting used to it. But talking to the pharmacist did help.

[Hidden in reply to Oh-my]

Thanks for your reply.