Thank you for your recent post.

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.

With best wishes

Best wishes

Helpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society