Alendronic acid - advice please

[greyh]

Hello - very grateful for some advice please . I'm 61, active and fit but with hip pain, hence Xray, then bone scan - result osteopaenia -'moderate risk'. Been prescribed Adacol D3 tablets -calcium etc, sure they'll be fine. Also prescribed Alendronic acid 70mg and after reading the side effects listed, have been panicking! I get IBS, have a very sensitive stomach, eat a very healthy but bland diet. Strongly suspect AA will give me trouble - can anyone recommend something to offset the potential side effects? Many thanks

[Nadine99]

My husband has Omeprazole prescribed

[greyh in reply to Nadine99]

Many thanks, I'll investigate Does he find it effective at offsetting the stomach problems?

[PMRpro]

What is your t-score? And why do you need AA in the first place? I had been on corticosteroids for over 7 years at my last dexascan, the bone density was barely changed from where I started out - I have not taken AA, just the calcium and vit D supplements.

If you go over to the PMRGCAuk forum you will find a lot of discussion about the use of AA related to bone density. But if you DO want to use a bisphosphonate - there are versions as infusions.

[greyh in reply to PMRpro]

Appreciated - it seems I've just got the start of osteopenia according to the doctor -1.6 spine and both femurs. We're all different and react differently which is why I truly appreciate the replies and advice.

[PMRpro in reply to greyh]

That is the reading I have now - still not taking AA.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

is the account by a lady whose t-score was -2.1 (osteopenia) but was told it was osteoporosis. She has never taken AA and improved her score from -2.1 to -1.6 (no action required) by diet, supplements and exercise.

[Hidden]

You could pop over to the Bone Health Community which is especially for Osteopenia/osteoporosis. Many members of that group would be horrified that you have been offered Alendronic Acid even though you are Osteopenic. They will have lots of advice for you to maybe help you avoid taking Alendronic Acid.

healthunlocked.com/bonehealth

[greyh in reply to Hidden]

Thank you much, will do exactly that, panic stricken at the moment.

[LynneH-19]

Hi Greyh. Welcome to the Forum. I assume you haven’t broken any bones. I ask because living in the UK, I wasn’t allowed a DEXA scan until after I had broken bones.

The thinking by many up to date Doctors now, is not to give OP drugs at the milder osteopenia stage. It’s probably only a minority of folk that do have problems from AA and it does give good results if taken for a couple of years. Unfortunately I had previously had a bleeding gut ulcer, but my GP insisted I tried it, after breaking both wrists in the same fall. Needless to say I stopped taking it after 10 weeks due to reoccurring ulcer symptoms.

This is the advantage of the weekly AA tablet, over the 6 monthly infusion. if it doesn’t agree, you can stop taking it. Although whether you actually need it is open to question.

Do you know what your vit D level is? If not get it tested and insist on knowing the actual figure. If you are deficient in vit D, it’s likely that the prescription Ca/D3 doesn’t contain enough D3 to correct a deficiency.

Unless there is an obvious underlying cause, to target, may I suggest you look critically at your present diet. Does it have a good balance of all the main food groups, like dairy, veg, meat and fruit?

Try to estimate your Ca intake from your diet. The RDA for Ca is quoted as 1000 to 1200 mg per day. Although the NOS said that 700 mg per day is sufficient for most patients.

If you include dairy, especially yogurt, you may be getting enough Ca already and not need a large Ca supplement. This should only be taken to make up a dietary shortfall to reach the RDA.

Protein is essential for both bone and muscle health. See

blogs.creighton.edu/heaney/...

Weight bearing exercise, within your physical ability, is also important to help stimulate bone turnover.

Best wishes

[greyh in reply to LynneH-19]

Many thanks- I intend to get my Vit D and Calcium levels from the doctor -have a yearly blood test. Diet is very good, bit health obsessed and very much into exercise, but am continuing to look for more info.

[Christophene47]

I am wondering if you should ask your doctor just how necessary the AA is for "osteopenia "; It is ultimately your decision whether to take it or not under your circumstances. D3 and Calcium maybe enough. The results of a DEXA scan is just a prediction of likelihood of fracture based on bone mineral density numbers; the worst is severe osteoporosis, and you are not close. Just a thought. Good luck and no need to panic.

[greyh in reply to Christophene47]

Much appreciated, I'm really getting into research now and certainly won't be taking AA!

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

What dose of steroids are you taking if you don’t mind me asking... ?

Sadly many people suffer with osteoporosis or osteopenia post menopause too.

My husband John was taking steroids for around 12 years and was given a DEXA scan every 5 years. He was given AA but only when he was taking high dose steroids. I think you should discuss your worries and concerns with you doctor and really should not be taking the AA unless it is absolutely necessary.

[greyh in reply to Suzym2u]

Agreed re AA, will not be taking. Never taken steroids, luckily. BAck to doc in 3 weeks for some indepth questioning

[Proons1910]

I take alendronic acid on a Sunday with a big glass of water 30 minutes at least before breakfast. I was scared about side effects and have had bouts of colitis, but maybe the steroids I’m taking for gca have held that at bay. Anyhow, I’m pleased to say I haven’t had one jot of a side effect, and I’ve been taking it for 15 months now.