Alendronic acid

[Goox]

Hi, I'm currently reducing to 4mg pred but have to have dental work done so I can go on alendronic acid, as my dexa scan showed osteoporosis in my spine. Anyone got any feedback on alendronic acid please?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You get plenty of replies - for and against, it’s a bit of a “marmite” subject - and there are plenty of related posts now you have asked the question.

Might be worth looking at the ROS site - very helpful-

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

I took AA for 4 years with no problem whatsoever - but make sure you follow instructions on drinking plenty of water and staying upright [you don't have to stand up, just not lie down]

Sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis- did you have DEXA scan when diagnosed with PMR and prescribed Pred?

[Goox in reply to DorsetLady]

Yep, thanks for yr help, I will have a look at that site.

[Obscureclouds]

I have difficulty swallowing pills at the best of time so said I wasn’t prepared to take AA. I was given a Zoledronic Acid infusion instead. They give it annually for 3 years so saves the faff of having to take a pill once a week.

[Goox in reply to Obscureclouds]

Useful info, thanks!

[Lopera]

Hi Goox, just taken mine and have another 20 mins to go before a cup of tea! I have been taking Binosto, the soluble version of AA since December and have had no side effects. I asked for the soluble version because I often have difficulty swallowing tablets and I get acid reflux from time to time.

[Goox in reply to Lopera]

Thanks, didn't know there was a soluble version👍

[Dancingqueen77 in reply to Goox]

I’ve been taking Binosto for 2 yrs. No problems at all but not many know about it. Maybe have to request it.

[Indigo2417]

I’ve been taking Alendronic acid since 2021 after having a DEXA scan. I’d already got compression fractures in the spine due to osteoporosis. Haven’t had a problem taking the pills, although I’ve found some manufacturers make bigger ones than others. I make sure I have a big mug of water with it and stay upright afterwards. Have recently had the root of a tooth removed and had no problems. Dentist was cautious due to AA and gave advice about keeping wound clean etc after the removal, but everything went ok. I have asked my GP about getting another DEXA scan done as it was recommended that I have another after 5 years. Due to the waiting list, I will probably get one next year. Hope you get on ok.

[Goox in reply to Indigo2417]

Thanks, all dentists are very cautious about this. Mine referred me to the hospital for a tooth removing because I was on pred & hadn't even started the AA! Good idea to get a repeat DEXA, if I ever get onto AA I will do the same!

[Indigo2417 in reply to Goox]

I was with a different dentist when I was put on AA. My GP told me to check with the dentist before starting AA. The dentist took an X Ray of my teeth to check everything ok and was fairly relaxed about me starting AA. Regarding the DEXA scan, I was referred for an NHS one, but I had the first one done privately as there was a long waiting list. I did eventually get called for the NHS one, but they didn’t do it because I’d had the private one done. The report recommended another after 5 yrs provided I didn’t have another fracture in the meantime. I checked with the surgery to see if I’d get called back for a second one automatically, but apparently not so I asked my GP to refer me again. Don’t know if that’s normal practice. I assumed that once I’d been called for one, I’d be in the system for a repeat. Worth bearing in mind so that you don’t miss being followed up.

[Estellemac]

Have a look on the ROS website

theros.org.uk Worth joining

Dr Vandervelde did an excellent talk on this to our support group explaining the very low chance of jaw necrosis in tooth surgery. A lot of Dentist won’t offer treatment but then others will it’s a personal choice and they should recommend someone who will or refer you to a hospital that can. Depends on what your having done how in-depth the treatment is or what’s actually involved.

[AgedCrone]

Only problem was it was very inconvenient having to stay upright & not eat anything for 30 minutes after taking it.

I had no side effects at all, & after 2.5 years a Dexa scan showed improved readings.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to AgedCrone]

very inconvenient?

It’s only once a week and 30 minutes.. 🤣😂

[AgedCrone in reply to DorsetLady]

Oh I like my cup of tea as soon as I’m out of bed……but I was emphasising that not everyone has horrible side effects which is the usual response to Biophosphonates . As long as you take it correctly there isn’t usually a problem.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to AgedCrone]

I also like a cuppa first thing, and I took it for 4 years with no problems ..

My 30 mins was passed by having a shower followed by a catch up with emails or crossers puzzle 😊..