The cancer returned in 2011 and I have had a radical mastectomy and take Letrozole as well as Levothyroxine. Osteoporosis now diagnosed, I have been taking Alendronic 70mg once a week for six weeks. I am suffering with great stiffness and pain in the top of my spine and right rib cage. 

I realise the pain I am going through is an investment into my fututre - my question is will the pain spread gradually to all joints - leaving one area before going onto the next or does it gradually effect everywhere whilst the bones are re-enforced?

Sorry if this is long winded - I have never used a forum facility before - thanks.

I am a 57yr female.

Thank you for your post asking for information about the treatment you have been prescribed for osteoporosis.

From your post I understand that you have pain in your ribs and spine. This will not be caused by your osteoporosis or the treatment for it, unless you have broken a bone. Therefore it is always worth exploring this possibility with your doctor first and also to exclude any other injuries to the area which could be the root cause of the pain.

Once that has been ruled out, it is possible that the pain is a side effect of your osteoporosis treatment. Alendronic acid (alendronate, Fosamax) aims to reduce the risk of you breaking a bone, but muscle and joint pain is a common side effect.  In order to rule out this possibility, it may be worth having a trial off your osteoporosis treatment (for a couple of weeks) to see if the pain goes away. Clearly you would need to do this under the direction of your GP.

Obviously if the alendronic acid is the cause of these symptoms and you discontinue it, you will need to start an alternative medication. You can find out more about other treatments for osteoporosis  here

I am sure you know that the letrozole (Femara) you also take can cause muscle aches as a side effect. Therefore you may wish to explore this as well with your doctor.

I hope this helps.


Best wishes

Helpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society