 Posted 28/01/2010 20:09:13
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| Hello everyone, I was diagnosed with osteo about 3 years ago by accident, having had backache which turned out to have been caused by arthritis, but a dexa scan revealed osteoporosis as well. I am 72. My doctor prescribed alendronate, which didn't suit me, so I continued with calcium and exercise for 2 years, but a further scan showed some deterioration, so I decided to give the alendronate another go. After about a month I visited my dentist, who, when he heard I was on alendronate, warned me to think very carefully about it, and I gather that many in the dental profession have doubts about the side effects of bi-phosphates, particularly in relation to extractions and implants (which I may have to have). Has anyone else had this reaction from a dentist? Needless to say, I have taken no more alendronate, and am due for a further hospital consultation next month with a view to having a different prescription.
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Posted 29/01/2010 14:05:22
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| Hi There is another post about Dental and this drug and I think it is under Alendronic Acid side effects or something like that
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Posted 01/03/2010 21:13:26
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| Hi FranE I am relatively new to Osteoporosis, and whilst there are many alternatives and opinions on treatment, It was explained to me (possibly over-simplified) that the standard treatment of Calcichew supplies your body with the replacement calcium, but it just floats about in your system, The Alendronic Acid is what binds the floating calcium to the bone otherwise you not benefit from the treatment and continue losing bone mass!! jay
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Posted 08/03/2010 15:56:44
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will mention this to my dentist next week, thought it may be good for your teeth, all this alendronate!
Jilly
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Posted 08/03/2010 21:12:33
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Hi,
Alendronic acid can in very rare cases create osteocronosis (or similar) to the jaw, ie it will begin to make the jaw bone deteriorate. HOWEVER this seems to be only in cases of people with very poor dental care and underlying health issues. I got a full dental check up before starting the treatment, in case I needed fillings extractions etc.
Flip
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Posted 09/03/2010 14:10:31
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| I got the following from an NHS web site: "Alendronic Acid belongs to the class of drugs known as the Bisphosphonates. Medicines of this type are used to prevent the thinning of the bones which lead to the bone-wasting disease known as osteoporosis and also to treat osteoporosis once it has become established. Osteoporosis is associated with a substantial increase in bone fractures. The mechanism of action is as follows. Under normal conditions the bone tissue is constantly being broken down and at the same time rebuilt by a process which involves specialised cells in the body. This re-modelling process ensures that a good quality of bone is maintained throughout life. In some situations, however, there may be an imbalance between the cells which break down the bone (the osteoclasts) and those that stimulate the manufacture of new bone (the osteoblasts). When the osteoclasts are relatively more active then reduced bone density and osteoporosis can occur. The Bisphosphonates are able to restore the balance by blocking osteoclasts thereby leading to a reduction in the bone wasting process." Therefore, as I understand it, the aledronic acid is stopping the old bone being broken down. To generate additional bone density you need the calcium, vitamin D etc.
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Posted 09/03/2010 15:12:51
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My teeth are OK, thanks to a brilliant dentist... so should be OK!. Jill
Jilly
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Posted 10/03/2010 14:45:14
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Fran.
I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in much the same circumstances as yourself Dec 2008. I was 62 at the time. My doctor prescribed Bon Viva one a month tab.My Dentist was not happy about biphos.either. After only 2 months taking them I contracted a hideous Jaw ache and was told to stop taking them. Haven't touched them since.Have adjusted my diet to avoid acid foods(Susan Brown)recommended for Osteoporosis in U.S.A. where the problem is huge. Do look her up on the web, there is a lot of useful information there.
Best wishes Stephy
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Posted 11/03/2010 20:07:13
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Hi, everyone, Thanks for all your replies. Sorry for delay in replying, am still finding my way round the site. After visit to consultant and telling him I was no longer taking Alendronate, he put me on Protelos, which I am finding easier to take (no heartburn!) After reading Telegragph article am glad I made this decision. Thanks to the member who suggested taking Protelos in the middle of the night - I always have to get up sometime during the night, and if I have my medication then I don't have to worry about having a snack - apple, orange, or even chocolate, in the evening! FranE
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