Any experience with alendronic acid for osteoporosis?

[lazysummer]

I have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis after fracturing my wrist following a fall. I have been prescribed alendronic acid, and need to decide whether to start taking it now, or wait for a while- I'm not sure how long. I'm 58, and otherwise fit and healthy.
Apparently, they will retest me after 3-5 years to decide if I should stop taking it. My mum also had osteoporosis.

Why wouldn't you take it if you have a problem that needs fixing? Is it controversial? Are they suggesting waiting?

it's s safe and effective medicine.
so absolutely take it.

however before you take it go to your dentist for a checkup. your teeth and gums need to be in tip top condition.

also have a look generally at your diet and exercise.

I've been taking it for 5 years, I'm only 41 but have osteoporosis due to long term steroid use

There's some possible side effects with alendronic acid but a great benefit still to taking it.

Once a week I take it at 6.30am. Whole glass of water, sit upright in bed for 30 minutes messing about on my phone. Then that's it for the week.

Have you actually seen a bone specialist? I could write an essay on this- in fact I have, for work, so it's hard to know where to start.

It's not risk free. There are law suits in the US from people who have had serious side effects, like broken jaws due to the negative effect on bone.

. There was also some research last year in the UK showing that it can cause microfractures of the thigh. It doesn't create new bone- it makes the bone turnover stop, so you don't lose bone, but the bone that is there becomes denser but also brittle.

The medical advice is you take it for no more than 5 years and have another scan after 2 years.

Whether you take it or not depends on your fracture risk- what's your T score? How bad is your osteo?

In women under 60, some specialists would prescribe HRT if suitable rather than bisphosphonates (which is what you have been given.)

I was offered it by my then GP in my late 40s for severe osteopenia (almost osteoporosis.) I read up on it and decided not to risk it. I saw a specialist who told me it was not the right treatment for me at that age and with 'only' osteopenia.

I embarked on an exercise regime with weights, walking etc. After a couple of years I was menopausal and have now been on HRT for 11 years. My bones are now normal though my hip density is slightly below normal.

I suggest you read EVERYTHING on the National Osteoporosis Society website, and if necessary use their helpline.

You are quite young to have full blown osteo.
Did you have an early menopause - before 51-52?

This is the research that was done at Imperial College- London uni.

www.imperial.ac.uk/news/177851/drug-used-treat-weak-bones-associated/

Thank you! I haven't seen a bone specialist; I was told my test results over the phone and prescribed medication as a result. I have taken Calcium and Vitamin D, but held off the alendronic acid until after a dental check up, which I had last week.
My diet is reasonably good and I exercise- running a few times a week, and Pilates once a week. I had heard about weight bearing exercise via a friend, but it wasn't mentioned by the doctor. I think I need a full consultation, rather than a prescription over the phone! I have full osteoporosis in my spine and border line in my hip, but again, she was quite vague.
I will make a proper appointment. Thanks for all the comments.

Father took fosomax, which is similar I think? He died of esophageal cancer. It has been linked to that type of drug, although we won't know for sure. There are iv versions now. I'd ask more questions first.

You need to adopt all the lifestyle measures such as weights and exercise (walking fast, jogging, dancing, tennis- whatever you fancy) and get at least 1000mg calcium a day plus Vit D.

The NOS has a great book on exercises to do at home - floor exercises. Simple things like push up against the wall (standing) will strengthen your wrists, as will wrist curls using light dumb bells ( 2 kgs weights.)

Bisphosphonates are not the total solution. I'd not touch them with a barge pole. They are corrosive- made from the same chemicals as paint stripper- which is why you have to sit upright after taking them. There is now an annual injection but not sure how available that is.

You need to discuss other treatments like Livial/ Tibolone ( a type of HRT) which can be given for bones, or standard HRT.

I'm not sure why the dental check- the side effects in some people have been necrosis (sp) of the jaw bone. This happens over time so not sure why a dental check now is relevant.

Thank you. The dental check is because it affects the jaw and invasive dental surgery eg extractions become problematic.
I think HRT is offered to younger people, not those approaching 60 as I am. I will ask for more information about possible treatment.

HRT is available to all women, but if you are over 60 it's always recommended as transdermal- patch or gel.

You are only 58. Average meno age in UK is 52.

The guidelines are that you can start HRT up to 10 years after your last period, ideally, or if that means you would be over 60, the medical advice is you start on a low dose.

I am older than you and on HRT. Not for my bones primarily, but it helps.