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Alendronic acid

(5 Posts)
Ellie Anne Thu 27-Jul-17 20:43:52

I've been taking alendronic acid for 3 years for osteoporosis. Now a friend has told me she stopped taking it because it doesn't work after 2 years. Has anyone else heard that?

SueDonim Thu 27-Jul-17 21:09:53

I take it after a double leg fracture nearly four years ago. I was told I need to be on it for four to five years, after which time they will rescan me and if my bone density has improved when age-adjusted, I can stop taking it.

Crafting Thu 27-Jul-17 21:16:18

I take it too. I was told you must be on it for 5 years them stop but obviously you need to discuss with GP first.

mcem Thu 27-Jul-17 21:30:22

Yes 5 years on followed by 2 years without it which means a follow-up dexa scan for me in August 2018.
Only proviso is that you must take very good care of your teeth while taking it as invasive dental treatment could be awkward.
In very few cases the jawbone can be affected.

BlueBelle Thu 27-Jul-17 21:52:09

I can't take it because of my oesophagus so I had a 15 minute infusion of it this year then another next and a third the year after then a bone density test They told me three years I also read if used long term it can cause more problems than help
Strange how we ve all been given different time scales