 Posted 18/10/2011 13:34:09
|
|
|
|
Hi,
My DEXA scan results showed that i have -2.5 T score in my spine and have been given by the Dr Alendronic Acid. I have taken 2 tablets to date but have been reading some absolute horror stories about this drug which really scares me. After each tablet i have had pains in my chest, indigestion i think as i have a hiatus hernia and take Omeprezole to control that. Apart from the digestive risk the thought of the dental risk seems horrendous. I really dont know what to do about it, whether it not take it, take it and put up with it or ask for something else. Strontium seems to be the other option but that is not without its side affects either, having a funny tummy every morning doesnt fill me with delight as well as having to wait up for two hours after eating or drinking anything to take it. Help, i really dont feel happy about taking any of these drugs, so is there an alternative therapy?
I also want to ask about the vibration plates in the gym, are they good for building bone? There are some reports of them being advantagous. What other exercises would be good?
Sarah
|
|
|
Posted 19/10/2011 15:30:02
|
|
|
|
| Hi Sarah Thank you for your recent post concerning the side effects you are experiencing with alendronic acid or alendronate (Fosamax), possible alternatives to this treatment and the merits of vibration therapy. It doesn't sound like this treatment is suiting you, and I think you are right to consider an alternative at this stage. Alendronic acid, as you know, can cause irritation of the gastric tract, particularly the oesophagus (gullet), and can also exacerbate an underlying digestive or heartburn problem in some people. There are other drug treatment options to consider - including strontium ranelate (Protelos), all of which (including the main side effects) are listed in the charity’s drug treatment leaflet You ask about alternatives to the ‘prescribed conventional’ treatments. Unfortunately there is no alternative treatment or therapy (including vibration plates), in which there is enough evidence that clearly proves their effectiveness at reducing the risk of broken bones (fracture), in contrast to the licensed treatments. However the following links will provide further information on Vibration therapy, Complementary therapies (see natural progesterone) and Healthy bones – facts about food (for natural phytoestrogen and isoflavones) For exercise ideas, may I direct you to the charity's booklet called 'All about osteoporosis' (see page18). As well as thinking about alternative treatment possibilities there is another option that may be worth considering, around what your overall risk of fracture is currently. Although I’m not suggesting that this applies to you, there are certain situations where doctors would rather watch and wait before prescribing a drug treatment in individuals considered to be at lower risk of fractures i.e. with no specific risk factor/s for fracture other than a bone density reading that just falls within the osteoporosis range. I do hope you are able to go forward and sort some of these issues. If at any time you feel it would be helpful to discuss your concerns more fully, please do not hesitate to contact the telephone helpline on 0845 450 0230.
Best wishesHelpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society
|
|
|
Posted 17/01/2012 13:24:19
|
|
|
|
| I am 74 and not computer literate, so don't know if this question will get through. I really want to know what side effects I should be experiencing, as I stopped Alendronic Acid suddenly a couple of months ago (I had been on it over 6 years! - without knowing I should not be on it that long.) I am not taking anything to replace it, but my gullett is playing up even when not taking the pills...any advice would be so appreciated! Brenda (user name Niagara)
|
|
|
Posted 18/01/2012 12:12:28
|
|
|
|
| Dear Brenda Thank you for your recent post concerning the problems you are having with your gullet following discontinuing your alendronic acid or alendronate (Fosamax) treatment. As I’m sure you are aware the most commonly experienced side effect of the tablet bisphosphonates which includes the drug alendronic acid, is irritation to the gullet (oesophagus) and indigestion type symptoms. Sometimes an existing problem with the gullet can also be aggravated by the introduction of a tablet bisphosphonate treatment. If you were having these problems while you were taking alendronic acid then it would be hoped that now you’ve discontinued the medicine these effects would begin to resolve. Possibly there is a patch of irritation in your gullet that may need treating, or perhaps an underlying indigestion problem has coincidentally flared up; either way a discussion with your doctor would be helpful at this stage, so it can be further investigated.
Best wishesHelpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society
|
|
|
Posted 03/04/2012 11:17:25
|
|
|
|
The strontiums also upset my stomach but you have to take some kind of calciums too to get the benefit especially if your prescribed Alendronic acid. Adcal,Calcichew etc is rubbish, I threw it back at the Doctor as like other calciums they prescribe they all have Aspartame or saccharin in them which will upset your stomach go to the health food shop and get some without the junk in it. Holland and Barratt do a good one with 1000mg calcium magnesium and D3 400mg which is exactly what you need.
Roseyhoop
Roseyhoop
|
|
|
|