Alendronic acid

[bananaskin123]

Just wondered if anyone else is on this for osteoporosis. Its a pill you have once a week with a large glass of water and you must not eat for half an hour afterwards. I've been taking it for about a month now and I'm having some strange side effects. Absolute exhaustion and the feeling that I have a cold is just two of them. The possible side effects list is pretty horrendous.

Anybody else on this? I was considering writing to the consultant who prescribed them to ask if there is any other treatment I can try because I really feel they are affecting me quite badly. Strange really when its only 1 pill a week.

Hi, I was on Ibandronic acid to start with (Boniva) which I took once a month. After a couple of years my GP changed me to Alendronic acid every week, I was told it was cheaper but just as effective. I had frequent stomach pains while taking it, and eventually just stopped picking up my prescription. My GP called me in and told me off for not taking it, said I could have antacids to help with the side effects. I asked if I could go back on the monthly Ibandronic acid but she refused, saying the weekly Alendronic ones were more effective. Anyway, to cut a long story short I got to see a very nice consultant who overruled my gp and prescribed the Ibandronic acid. He told me they are equally effective. So....I have been taking the monthly tablet now for a couple of years and my hip density has improved. Once a month is so much easier than once a week! Hope this helps.

Sorry, just checked the packet, it's Bonviva. Think Boniva is another brand.

I haven't taken it but DM has and I posted on here about it as it affected her so badly!

She was prescribed it on basis that she probably had osteoporosis after fracturing her wrist in a fall (no bone scan done)

I contacted the national osteoporosis society and got some useful advice. DM was able to insist on a scan which showed she didn't have osteoporosis after all and she no longer takes the drug. There would have been alternatives she could have asked for if need be though (which the gp hadn't mentioned )