Osteoporosis and the drug Alendronate

I had to take it as an antidote to the cancer treatment which was thinning my bones. I took it for three years and my bone density increased during that time.

Thank you for the replies, very helpfull

I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis after a fall and fracture. I took Alendronic acid for just on 5 years and got back to osteopenia in my hips and osteoporosis in my spine. At that point Covid broke out I was told that although I should have had a scan 2 yearly this was all left. Now 6 years on I have a Dexa scan soon. We shall see what horrors have occurred. I take Calcium and Vit D daily anyway. No side effects of Alendronic acid except a slightly rough throat towards the end of the 5 years. I would say give it a go.

That read, couldn't tolerate the tablets.

I have been on and off it for over thirty years.
Presently I am having a break from annual infusions. Eventually I could tolerate the tablets.
A lifetime of steroid use, R.A. and genetic factors are the cause of my osteoporosis.
I can assure you that it works. I was diagnosed with the hip of an eighty year old woman in my early thirties. I've had umpteen fractures, including serious two spinal ones.
Now my bone density is just below normal for a woman my age (68).
It does have side effects and you must inform your dentist if you are on it. You have to weigh up the pros and cons and decide is right for you.
You are very fortunate to reach the age of 73 without needing to take it.

I have been taking it for over 5 years after my dexa scan showed up osteoporosis, my mum had it quite badly and was very stooped over and I didn't want to end up that way myself. I've had no problems at all with the drug but I must ask for another scan as I don't think there's any benefit after 5 years apparently.

I was prescribed the weekly tablet but couldn’t tolerate it so now I have an infusion every year which is much better. I haven’t progressed to osteoporosis yet, I take supplements for bone health - calcium, vitamin D3, boron and vitamin K2 which helps with calcium absorption. As well as milk I eat cheese, natural yogurt every day and tinned salmon once a week, I also eat broccoli regularly and almonds occasionally.

I had pretty much the same experience as Farmor. I took it for five years for osteopenia, after a double leg fracture. My last DEXA scan showed that I was back within normal parameters for bone density.

I occasionally had a bit of heartburn but nothing major, especially not compared to spending ten days in hospital, surgery and months of recovery from a fracture!

I was prescribed this drug and took it for a number of years. I've had Dexa (bone density scans) every 2 or 3 years. I had osteopenia but since taking the drug (and calcium+vit D) it hasn't progressed to osteoporosis. I never had side effects - was on the weekly dose taken before eating and sitting upright after for 30 min. It never bothered me - always sit up in bed reading in the morning anyway.

It's hard to increase bone density by diet alone. Weight bearing exercise is good, but the type of exercise needed - eg jumping from a step with straight legs - is not often suitable for older people. One thing to note is that many people are on ppi medications (eg Nexium) for acid reflux. These can interfere with absorption of calcium so should be minimised if you want to protect your bones!