Anyone taking alendronic acid for osteoporosis ?

[OllyBJolly]

A Dexa scan showed osteoporosis and I've been prescribed alendrotnic acid tablets once weekly. I take them exactly as directed - on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, don't eat or drink (except water) for an hour afterwards. I've just taken the 4th tablet. I feel nauseous for the next few days, and seem to be very tired and achy. I'm also getting headaches which I've never suffered from before.

Anyone else had side effects and did they fade over time? (of course I realise it might all be unrelated to the medicine)

I do for osteopenia and have no issue as long as I drink plenty of water with it and afterwards and sit down for an hour pr so before eating. However several others I know do have digestive issues and have injections instead.

I've been taking it for years and haven't ever had any side effects. I drink a litre of water with the tablet and ensure I'm standing or walking around for that hour (I know it says you can stand or sit, but I stand, so don't know if that makes a difference).
I asked AI if these were known side effects, and apparently they are. Here's the advice from the Osteoporosis Society (mostly)

Common side effects are generally expected to fade as your body adjusts to the medication. For most people, mild symptoms like mild indigestion, headaches, or muscle aches are temporary and typically improve within a few days to weeks of starting the treatment. 1, 2, 3, 4]
Because alendronic acid is a long-term treatment usually taken for 3 to 5 years, knowing what to expect over months of use can help you manage your routine: 1, 2]

What to Expect Over Months of Treatment

• Digestive Issues: Minor stomach upset, bloating, or mild nausea usually settle early on. However, if you develop new or worsening heartburn, acid reflux, or pain when swallowing after months of taking the tablet, this is not a side effect you should wait out. It can indicate inflammation of your food pipe and requires a medical review. 1, 2, 3, 4]
• Bone and Joint Pain: Mild joint or muscle aches often improve as your body settles into the treatment. Conversely, a brand new, deep pain in your thigh, groin, or hip after months or years of use is a warning sign that needs to be checked by a doctor right away. 1, 2, 3]
• No Cumulative Worsening: For the vast majority of patients, side effects do not continuously build up or get worse the longer you take the tablets.

My mum has an annual injection instead of the monthly tablets now. Don’t know if that’s an option for all?

As far as I understand, they'll only prescribe infusions if the alendronic acid is counter-indicated for some reason or if your DEXA scan (after 3-5 years of being on it) doesn't show improvement, which indicates your not absorbing it properly via the tablet.

I'm only on week 4 and the research says the side effects should settle down eventually. I was just wondering how long that takes.

I have been referred to the osteoporosis clinic but apparently it's a two year waiting list 😯My GP spoke to a consultant who said the sooner I went on the drug the better. So I'm not quite in "the system" yet.

Thanks everyone for your responses.

I have a friend who had horrendous side effects from the tablets, now on injections. She found out talking to others how common the side effects were.