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New osteoporosis meds

(16 Posts)
Poppyred Thu 08-Aug-24 14:41:32

Read in the paper yesterday that there is a new osteoporosis drug approved by NICE and will be available in England ( and Wales hopefully) within the next three months. It’s a daily self administered jab.

I’ve just stopped taking risedronate once weekly tablet as I had a few episodes of debilitating indigestion which GP thought could be the cause. Also stopped taking Alendronic acid tablet as my hair seemed to be getting thinner with it.

This new drug is called Abaloparatide if anyone is interested. And by by passing the stomach will be good news for anyone having symptoms whilst taking the tablet.

BigBertha1 Thu 08-Aug-24 14:47:00

It does sound good news. My mother had osteoporosis and no medication for it. She eventually died of bone cancer. I hope your GP gets you settled on the right drug for you.

123gran Sun 11-Aug-24 11:23:06

I’m hoping it won’t require pre-dental work as I need lots of very expensive work to be done before taking alendronic acid. It’ll take me a long time to pay for all that’s required, time I haven’t got.

MissAdventure Sun 11-Aug-24 11:26:06

I was changed to calci D so I could have dental treatment.
It's ok to take during dental work.

BlueBelle Sun 11-Aug-24 11:30:02

Having had to do daily injections for three weeks after an op last year I found it difficult to do without hurting and bruising myself and I take my hat off to my diabetic friend who does it three times a day I was a wuss about it so I wouldn’t want to do that for life I have a quarter of an hours infusion for osteoporosis once a year so it’s very very easy for me

JRTW2 Sun 11-Aug-24 12:05:16

There is an algorithm that doctors use which includes your medical history (including fractures) and DEXA result. That decides the drug.

I started on zolendronic acid and have 2 annual infusions. That didn’t work so I’m now on denusomab injections which are given every 6 months. I’ve had 3. After the next one they will repeat the DEXA to see if it’s working.

The new drugs will probably be used if the others don’t work

Saxifrage Sun 11-Aug-24 13:01:06

The zolendronic acid once a year infusion worked really well for me with no side effects. Unfortunately they decided I couldn't have any more after the three. So now just on Vit D and folic acid.

Minho Sun 11-Aug-24 14:25:38

After 3 consecutive years on zoledronate I had a 2 year break and then bone density scan. I then restarted
another 3 years zoledronate infusions.

missdeke Sun 11-Aug-24 16:53:34

I have tried all the osteoporosis drugs available so far but all have had totally unmanageable side effects. I saw the headlines for this one and thought I'd better read this but unfortunately the side effects for it seem to be exactly the same so it's a no from me. sad

Skydancer Sun 11-Aug-24 17:42:02

How does it bypass the stomach I wonder? I'm on Risedronate without (I think) side effects. However I hate taking anything so would love not to. Can anyone with osteoporosis let me know how often, if at all, they are sent for a bone scan? Initially my doctor said it would be every 5 years but lately he said I wouldn't ever have another one? I am a bit puzzled and inclined to pay privately - would he have to know? I have never been well informed about any of this and would like to know of any of your experiences.

Mt61 Sun 11-Aug-24 19:50:06

Mum had a incredibly sore jaw whilst taking alendronic acid- she stopped taking it & hasn’t told the Gp

missdeke Sun 11-Aug-24 22:48:02

Skydancer I have a dexa scan every two years, I get a letter from the NHS. It was every year until covid.

BlueBelle Sun 11-Aug-24 22:56:48

I ve had two dexa scans 4 years apart after my first scan they told me my bone density had increased by 9% which didn’t seem very much just had my second one 3 months ago but they don’t have my results yet although they said 2 weeks !! so no idea if it’s worth carrying on or not
I won’t be asking to try this new one don’t want to inject myself every day

sunbar Sun 11-Aug-24 23:41:36

Google "Osteo Strong". See if it's made it to the UK. NO MEDS!

Calendargirl Mon 12-Aug-24 10:16:08

I think my bone scan is every 3 years. After my first one I didn’t get recalled for about 5 years. I reminded my GP surgery and then I was soon sent for one.

Think I’ve had 3, due again Spring next year.

Skydancer Mon 12-Aug-24 10:39:02

Thank you, everyone. I shall be contacting my GP next year.