Yes, people with osteoporosis who have been taking bisphosphonates such as alendronic acid for some time might be advised by a medical practitioner to stop treatment under certain circumstances.

Some doctors are advocating stopping treatment for a year or two before reassessing the need for further treatment with the original or an alternative drug. Others might decide that stopping treatment for a period of time if you are at high risk of fracture (breaking a bone) particularly if you have had previous fractures, would be inadvisable.

It’s known that alendronic acid can be stored in the bones for many years, so it is probable that even if you stop treatment this will continue to help protect your bones and might reduce your risk of breaking a bone for some time. In general it appears that specialists may recommend perhaps a break in treatment of one to two years, although there may be variations on this depending on individual circumstances. Unfortunately there is no definite answer to this question and your doctor or specialist will need to make decisions about continuing to take an osteoporosis treatment depending on an assessment of your own specific situation.

Best wishes,

Best wishes

Helpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society