InstantForum.NET v4.1.4National Osteoporosis Society - Osteoporosis Forumhttp://www.nos.org.uk/forum/D.Hughes@nos.org.ukWed, 08 Feb 2012 01:20:21 GMT20http://www.nos.org.uk/forum/Topic1040-14-1.aspxDear Jilly,</P><P>Thank you for your recent post.</P><P>Certainly the bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid prevent old, worn out bone being broken down, but there is no data to suggest that they detrimentally affect the cells that renew bone as well. Although alendronic acid does slow down the process whereby the bone turns over, it doesn’t stop this completely. There are concerns that over a prolonged period of time, the process of retaining older, and perhaps more brittle bone, might become harmful. Though none of these effects have been proven, some doctors are being cautious about very long-term use of the bisphosphonates. They might suggest the stopping of a treatment for a period of time, but only if risk of fracture is considered to be low. This would indeed take into account any stabilization or perhaps improvement in bone mineral density. However other risk factors associated with an increased risk of breaking a bone would also need to be considered.</P><P>With best wishesFri, 18 Dec 2009 13:29:39 GMTHelplinehttp://www.nos.org.uk/forum/Topic1040-14-1.aspxI have read that alendronic acid works by preventing the destruction of old bone but was confused about it's detrimental effect on the production of new bone. I am only 52 and a little worried about hanging on to old bone for the next 25 years. I also wondered if it was possible to improve bone density enough to eventual come off alendronic acid.Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:21:26 GMTJilly