Aldronic acid and alopecia

I started AA only 8 weeks ago and have found a reluctance in the medical community to advise on the side-effects of the drug.  I hadn't heard of the alopecia side-effect and will now try and get more information regarding this.  Another omission which I discovered from this forum is that it is necessary to take vitamin K2 to aid the calcium deposition on the bones and to keep the arteries clear of surplus calcium.  Not very impressed with the medical profession generally.

Hello Panda

I refused to take AA after I did a bit of research myself and asked around among people of about my age (69). I broke my kneecap, had the Dexa scan and it took me a while to get my results.  There was a reluctance to give them to me and an insistence that I should take AA. The doctor did say a few general things about side effects. I had not heard about it causing alopecia. One reason I refused to take it is that I wanted to try to strengthen my bones with good food and exercise and I understande that AA makes bones denser but not stronger and inhibits bone regeneration. I found that lots of people I knew take it without question because it has been prescribed for them. Some had problems with sore or dry throats and one had necrosis of the jaw, which is terrible. If you might need dental treatment that involves extraction, I would be very wary indeed. I had a chat to a bone doctor at the hospital who agreed that it would be a good idea not to take AA if I was worried but that I could go to see her in a year's time and she would ask for another scan to see whether there was any change for the better. Good luck!

Thank you for your answers. Alopecia comes under the common side effects.

I really don't like this stuff, I'm not sure it's the least bit helpful, and the side effects can be horrible. Surely it's better to make an effort to change to a healthy diet and get some excercise

Hello again Panda

I see that there is already a thread in this forum that talks about AA and alopecia. It is under the title: Side effects I have noticed with Alendronic acid and very distressed about. You should be able to find it and read the comments. I have to repeat that I am so very sceptical about the safety of AA from reading about the disgraceful money-making practices of Merck and their pushing of Fosamax, linked to the rise in numbers of Dexa scan machines - no coincidence there then! After Fosamax and other named drugs, we are now told to take the cheap alternative AA. It stays in your bones for 10 years, even after you stop taking it. I'd rather not start. And I certainly wouldn't like to lose my hair. It is about the only thing people compliment me on these days!

I was given this after I had a fall and broke my shoulder last year.  Due to various hiccups I did not actually get the pills until early Jan.  I had flu all December and was very happy it had cleared up just as I started AA.  I had not checked side effects and stupidly started taking AA.  Almost immedately I was ill again, sore throat and a bad cough, chest pain.  I just thought as I am still recovering from my broken shoulder, that my immune system was struggling.  After a few weeks I decided to check side effects of AA.  Wow, I could not believe it, needless to say I stopped immediately.  I will always read the leaflet in future.  Any advice on natural remedies for improving bone health would be appreciated.