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Alcasta

Posted , 7 users are following.

fern
fern

Can anyone give me info on the above named drug?

I was recently diagnosed with Osteoporosis and attended a referral clinic yesterday. The doctor recommends I take a 5mg dose intravenously yearly for the next three years. I suffer from COPD and acid reflux so I feel I am on enough daily medication and that was why he suggested the injection rather than tablets.

I explained to him that since being diagnosed I have started taking all the relevant supplements but he poo, pooed them saying that they were not strong enough to make any difference.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Fern

 

2 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • sherry29159
    sherry29159 fern

    Posted

    I had my first annual infusion yesterday as I too am on so much medication and couldn't cope with tablets. It took about 30 minutes and no side effects. Its reassuring as it keeps your bones from weakening further. I had a low bone density reading so its important. I would not hesitate if its offered to you.

  • wendy_T
    wendy_T fern

    Posted

    I also suffer from COPD, Barretts, Osteoporosis and Scleroderma just to top it off, with quite a lot of medication, but I chose the Alendronic Acid one a week tablet. I don't need to be going to the hospital any more than I am.

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga fern

    Posted

    Can you share your DXA scan results with us?  Have you had any so-called "fragility factures"?  If your results are not dire I concur with those who suggest that non-medical treatment is in the long run better and just as effective.  There have been studies showing that bone density can be improved by a combination of micronutrients, also by weight bearing exercise including ordinary walking, Nordic walking and Tai Chi.  Nordic walking improves upper body strength.  Tai chi is good for improving balance.  Fracture avoidance through improved balance is acknowledged an important strategy.  One of the unfortunate things about the medications is that in the long run they do not improve bone strength, which is what we all really want.  After a few years the incidence of fracture actually increases as the bones have not been allowed to perform their normal remodelling, and become brittle.  

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga

      Posted

      fractures rolleyes

      I need an edit button

       

    • Victoria1959
      Victoria1959 Anhaga

      Posted

      I've only just seen this post, great advice as always!  Have no idea why my reply to Pat was removed. I'm nearly 3 months off the AA, my hair is growing back, thick and strong, even tinged with red, and I'm just normally cross and bothered, not really upset and depressed.  It would seem. on the face of it, that the fibromyalgia indicators  were side effects.  I've still pain, which might be compression fractures, but I feel able to deal with this, not hopeless.

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Victoria1959

      Posted

      Glad you are feeling better.  Did you include a link in your reply to Pat, or reference to what the moderator perceived as alternative treatment.  You can always private message someone.

      Cheers!

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Victoria1959

      Posted

      Just click on the little envelope under their name.  However, Fern posted this 7 months ago....
  • pat08181
    pat08181 fern

    Posted

    Hi Fern..  I too have been offered  ( pushed)   to have this drug.. i don't know enough about it yet.. and no one has enlightend  me  side effects... ??????? 

    I if you do find any info could you let me know...

  • Victoria1959
    Victoria1959 fern

    Posted

    Dear Fern, only you can decide. Sorry about the COPD and reflux.  I am taking calcium, Thiamine and 'strong' vit B. These have been prescribed, not over the counter. the advice and help from this discussiion is that exercise, diet is the way to go.  Interesting that you were offered the intravenous option, sounds like your doc listened.  Keeping fingers crossed for you.  XX

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