I've just started taking Alendronic acid tablets however experiencing nausea with them

[Lauriescott1]

I've just started taking Akendronic acid tablets as part of my medication for Wengers Vasculitis diagnosed last May but have felt nauseous after taking them

Has anyone else experienced this and does it get any better after a while

[PMRpro]

First of all - are you taking them absolutely as they say? To the letter? Because if you don't it can cause problems. If so - keep your GP informed as many people do have gastric problems with AA - and if it gets worse go straight to your doctor.

I was put on alendronic acid as part of the package that seems to come in the UK when you are put onto prednisolone - I live in Italy now and it isn't done here unless you are shown to need them. You get calcium/vit D supplements but that is all. I hated them and on discussion with the GP I stopped since the more recent findings do suggest they should be kept for when they are needed - you should not take them for more than 5 years at a time, for example. If you don't need them on the basis of a dexascan then I personally see no reason why you should take something that is now being perceived to not be as innocent as the original very clever marketing suggested. I had a dexascan after 3 months on pred that showed my bone density to be fine. I had another after 3 years on pred, mostly above 10mg/day, and my dexa is identical to the one at the beginning. I know several older ladies who have NOT taken AA because of the problem they had whose bone density is fine after up to 5 years.The risk does depend on your dose of pred, that is true, and if you are permanently on a high dose the risk is much higher of course.

However - another point is your vit D and calcium levels: were they checked and found to be normal before you started taking AA? Unless both are right the AA simply won't work and it is a waste of time taking it. It says it quite clearly in the data sheet from the manufacturers but most doctors ignore it. Since the vast majority of people in the UK are vit D deficient - it seems a bit daft NOT to check really.

[Lauriescott1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your reply which has been very informative - I've only just started them to be fair & it may be a case of getting used to them & whilst taking them as prescribed I think I made the mistake of taking it with my other tablets rather than waiting 30 mins or so.

I've recently had a skeletal survey & await results at next Consultation shortly - Not sure about Vit D but do take Calceos to supplement my calcium levels.

I think I have only been referred for the bone survey & put on AA as it had been noted by my Consultant somewhere in their medical journeys that we should be on it if taking high steroid doses & Azathioprine Tablets.

[PatriciaAnn]

Hi Laurie

Alendronic acid doesn't suit everyone and there are alternatives. Sometimes it takes a little while for these things to settle down, especially in the early days. If you feel OK now I'd try again next week and see if you get the same reaction. If so speak to your doctor.

Did you follow the instructions exactly? Take first thing on the morning of your choice with a large glass of water 200 mil (I think) - only water not juice or tea etc. Nothing else to eat or drink for at least half an hour. No other drugs for at least half an hour. Stay upright (sitting, standing, walking) for at least half an hour.

[Lauriescott1 in reply to PatriciaAnn]

Thanks for information - Only took first dose this morning but made the mistake of taking with my other tablets rather than waiting 30 mins of so before eating/ drinking anything else - Maybe next weeks tablet will be better

[PMRpro in reply to Lauriescott1]

No - you MUST take it on an empty stomach, and as PatriciaAnn has said, you must take it with a large glass of tap water (not bottled water, if there are too many minerals in it that can cause problems) and you must drink it all whilst upright and then you must remain upright for half an hour.

It was decided most of the gastric problems that were reported were due to patients not taking it exactly like that - but then, if the doctors and the pharmacists don't explain it in detail and emphasise that, most patients wouldn't know how important it is.

It isn't often I say READ THE PACK INSERT to find out the side-effects - but in this case you really do need to. If you have any of the side-effects/problems mentioned ask your doctor immediately before taking another, especially heartburn or any pain.

I think this is an excellent explanation of what to bear in mind:

netdoctor.co.uk/seniors-hea...

which mentions not taking other medicines at the same time.

I'm assuming you have never had gastric problems in the past?

[Lauriescott1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks - Whilst I did take with water & before any food or other drinks I mistakenly took my other tablets at the same time

Early days on this so hopefully next time will be better - No previous gastric problems in fact was in good health until diagnosed with this Vasculitis last Easter

[Sarahjh2004]

I agree with the posts above. when I was introduced to it the pharmacist took ages explaining.I think it is really important as it can also harm your throat etc.

[anthony01]

My sister was on this and it caused a great deal of pain, through out the bones i.e legs etc. and must have being allergic to it and some how poisoned her system? so all I am saying be aware of this? It might just work for you with no problems - hope it does and over time you will feel a little less sick?

[Doghouse]

I used to take mine before I got up in the morning 1 hour taking my omeprazole another 30 mins on top before eating my breakfast and taking my morning tablets and I still suffered with sickness. I mentioned this to my rheumy consultant and now I have 1 infusion once a year which takes 15 mins and no side effects . My bone density was low not caused by the prednisolone as I had only been on them 5 weeks before I had a dexa scan.