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Posted 16/12/2009 13:06:03
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I am an active 63 year old, and have osteoporosis mainly due to the fact that I had a mastectomy and radiotherapy to my ovaries at age 45, due to breast cancer .
My doctor has offered me the chance to change from alendronic acid to strontium because after more than a year taking alendronic acid, calcium and vitamin D, the osteoporosis I have has worsened (shown after a bone density scan). My doctor said the possible side effects of strontium were worse, and that I should 'research' the medication and decide for myself to change drugs or not. My doctor also mentioned injections, but said that a possible side effect was bone cancer. The thought of bone cancer terrifies me!  Would you recommend that I change to strontium, or even injections? 
Chana Helen
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 Posted 16/12/2009 16:05:32
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| Dear Chana Helen Thank you for your recent post regarding treatment for your osteoporosis.
Some of the treatments used in the treatment of breast cancer are known to affect bone strength and can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones) Please click here for our leaflet entitled Breast Cancer Treatments and Osteoporosis which explores this link in more depth. Unfortunately it is impossible to recommend particular treatments; this is a decision which must be made in consultation with your doctor. All the treatments you mention are equally effective in reducing the risk of broken bones, the challenge is to find one that does not cause you side effects and one that you can fit into your routine easily. Please click here to access our leaflet on Drug Treatments for Osteoporosis which provides detail on each of the treatments you have mentioned. It may be that the injection that your doctor has mentioned is parathyroid hormone treatment (teriparatide, Forsteo). There was a slightly raised incidence of bone cancer in the studies performed on rats and although this has never been seen in humans, this treatment is not recommended in people with a history of bone cancer. Our Drug Treatments leaflet also contains information about this daily injection. I hope this information will help with your decision making. Best wishes
Best wishesHelpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society
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