Osteoporosis and the drug Alendronate

Monica, I had a diagnosis of osteopenia (precursor to osteoporosis) ten years ago. I had the scan and the result went to my surgery. I discussed it with a doctor and he prescribed the alendronate acid, which I took for six years.

I was called for another DEXA scan, whereupon I learnt that for most people the treatment is given only for about five years because it is ineffective beyond that. My condition had improved so I no longer had to take the drug but they would probably have stopped it anyway at that point.

HTH.

M0nica

Marydoll remembering your posts on other threads, I think you have very complex medical problems that require constant checks and, rightly so, you get them.

Mine is a bog standard diagnosis, found by chance , with no symptoms and a simple remedy, but I would like to have seen a real live doctor just once.

Monica I was diagnosed nearly forty years ago, only because my respiratory consultant thought I might have osteoporosis due to the high doses of steroids I was on. I had absolutely no symptoms at all. Neither did I have the complex issues that I have now, so I reckon I have been very fortunate in the excellent care, I have received over the years.

Much to my shock, not only was I diagnosed with osteoporosis, I also had R.A.

I am sorry to hear that some posters have been abandoned by the NHS.

I ve had good treatment via NHS for osteoperosis which I also didn’t know I had, I ve had a number of falls without breaking anything (I ll say that quietly) but I have lost height the sun clue

I get an annual infusion and a three yearly dexa scan and an annual phone call

Blebelle You are fortunate. I am on medication for life and the hospital have signed me off their books. Done and dusted and my records archived, I assume.

Just been reading the Royal Osteoporois site. It tells me that now I have been prescribed Alendronic Acid, I will have a check up after 1 month and again after six, possibly involving another scan.

I am laughing so hard I nearly broke a rib. I have been told that I have been put on the drug for 10 years, as I am 80 they are assuming I will be dead by then, and signed off. Follow -ups,? Check ups? who do they think they are kidding.

I refused to take that drug as I was unable to manage the upright part. Only to find that the same drug is available as an injection which lasts for 3,6 or 12 months. Only problem is that it can only be given in a hospital not gp’s surgery. So I’m waiting for my hospital appointment!

I was told that I would be transferred to six monthly injections if the pills did not suit me - and that these would need to be administered in the hospital.

I am into my third week and so so good.

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2021 - I'm 65 and have RA which is a risk factor, plus history of steroids and a big family history of osteoporosis. My maternal grandmother ended up in a wheelchair because of it.

I saw my dentist before taking Alendronic acid and he was very reassuring. He does check ups every six months now. The risk is with toothe extraction and they won't know if you are affected until you have a tooth out.
I take it exactly as described and had no side effects. However I have had gastritis caused by something else and had to stop it for a while. The alternative is an infusion but the risks increase with that so I want to avoid it.

I highly recommend the Royal Osteoporosis society. They have some excellent videos on their website and a telephone helpline run by a nurse. I have used it and was impressed.

None of my doctors seem interested in giving advice or information about osteo, my other conditions mean I see a lot of doctors.

Calcium alone is never enough. In fact the nurse at the ROS told me that alendronic acid uses extra calcium to rebuid bones so if you are on it you need even more.

Calcium tablets are another subject. I will start a thread on them.

Mallin

I refused to take that drug as I was unable to manage the upright part. Only to find that the same drug is available as an injection which lasts for 3,6 or 12 months. Only problem is that it can only be given in a hospital not gp’s surgery. So I’m waiting for my hospital appointment!

The infusion is zoledronic acid, not alendronic acid. It's a step up and the risks are higher.

theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/treatment/

All bisphosphonates stay in your system for five years.

Hi. Im in my 50s and recently been advised to take alendronate. I was uming and erring about trying herbal route first until i broke my left wrist. I broke the right in January, both a nothing fall but both requiring pins and plates both times. So, i have the pescription and the meds available but i dont know if i can start taking the treatment. Ive sent an email to consultant to say look, had to have an operation can i start but dont expect to hear back for a while. The medication instruction says consult after dental surgery. Its specific to dental so im pretty sure post operative is okay, but i want to make sure. 15 days post op no complications. Any advice? Thanks