Alendronic Acid, prednisolone and PMR- help please!

Posted 7 years ago, 8 users are following.

april1247

To take or not to take, that is the question...There is a lot of clinical evidence to be found for the fact that AA can increase bone density which helps to lower the incidence of fracture caused by osteoporosis, steroid induced or otherwise. I have taken a couple of doses, and it is causing me a lot of grief with gastric problems, which I have never had previously. There seems to be a lot of resistance to taking AA for that reason, and also apparently for the quality of bone laid down. Can anyone point me to clinical evidence, hopefully backed up by peer review that casts doubt on bone quality, and any other reasons for not taking AA? I've just turned 70 and my GP has told me that it doesn't matter what any DEXA scan says, but that I am seriously at risk of osteoporosis because of my age anyway. I am doing all the right things in terms of diet to help mitigate the effects of pred by taking the usual calcium and vit d tablets, and also taking vitamin K2 to help the calcium get to the bones. I would appreciate any evidence, clinical rather than anecdotal so that I can back up my arguments against taking AA with my doctors, especially if I can point to evidence that loss of bone mass can be prevented by measures other than taking AA or the like. I was diagnosed with PMR a month ago and have just successfully reduced from 25mg to 20. Will be taking it slowly from here on as suggested by Eileen.

0 likes, 57 replies

57 Replies

Michdonn april1247

Posted 7 years ago

I had a bone density test about 3-4 years ago and was okay, last fall after being on Phedinsone, my primary doctor had me have another bone density test, not as density so I had the IV drip. I will ask for another test before going skiing this winter.
- april1247 Michdonn
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  How long had you been on the pred? Just curious as to how long it takes for bone density to fall. How did you feel after the IV drip? Did it affect your digestion at all? Thanks for responding.
stevep63 april1247

Posted 7 years ago

Hi. I take magnesium sulphate in order to use the calcium succesfully. It stopped my muscle cramps in calves within two days. Apparently, too much calcium in the system, that is not being taken up, can cause cramps. I am hoping that better use of the calcium will help prevent bone density issues while I am on the pred. Hope that helps a bit!
- april1247 stevep63
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  Are you taking Alendronic acid to help prevent bone loss? I'm assuming you are on pred...Its the AA that I'm concerned about really, whether to take it or not. I try to eat foods with magnesium in them and take a calcium supplement that has added magnesium as well.
- stevep63 april1247
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  No. I'm not taking the AA.
- april1247 stevep63
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  Can you tell my why not?? If you're on pred it seems that the medical profession want you to take it. Thanks for responding by the way.
- april1247
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  Incidentally, have you read about taking Vitamin K2 which is also supposed to help the successful take up of calcium in the bones? It's not something that is easily found in our food and the right type of K2 supplement is supposed to be really good. Just a thought.
- stevep63 april1247
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  I was only diagnosed 7 weeks ago and still waiting to see the rheumatologist on 18th May. I am a 53 yr old male, so hoping bone loss won't be so much of an issue. I won't take the AA anyway. I'm on 30mg of pred atm and am pretty much symptom free, so I am hoping I can start to reduce after I see her. I am happy to take the prednisolone and luckily I get very few side effects from it. I won't take Methotrexate either if offered. Luckily for me, symptom wise, I am in a position where I have a choice though!
- stevep63 april1247
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  Thank you. Didn't know about the K2.
- april1247 stevep63
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  You must have been diagnosed about the same time as me. Bit of a bummer isn't it! Unfortunately my age and sex is a factor and a lot of people seem very anti taking AA for reasons that don't seem very clear. The evidence for steroid induced osteoporosis is very strong and is one of the main reasons for bone fractures in people who take steroids without any kind of extra protection for their bones. I'm just really concerned about the gastric implications of AA, and the type of bone that gets laid down which appears not to be as good as naturally produced bone mass. I certainly won't take methotrexate since I have a genetic condition which makes it dangerous for me.
  Good luck with the appointment with the rheumatologist.
- april1247 stevep63
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  I'd be interested to hear after your appointment with the rheumatologist whether or not she wants you to take AA...
- stevep63 april1247
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  My GP has already warned me that she will probably reccomend it!!
- Michdonn stevep63
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  Hi stevep63, I am taking 600mg calcium, was taking more. My doctor heard a heart murmur. Had echo cardiogram, murmur caused by calcium on a heart valve, cut back on the calcium. The tech show me the calcium on the valve. I also take 1200mg of magnesium and eat a lot of green leafy vegetables. So I cut back from 1200 to 600mg of calcium a day. It really is a very delicate balance.
- Anhaga Michdonn
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  Taking Vitamin K2 will help with any potential problems from too much calcium. If the calcium goes to the bones where it belongs, instead of settling on blood vessel walls or into organs where we don't want it, the risks are much reduced, and K2 helps with that.
- Michdonn Anhaga
  
  Posted 7 years ago
  
  Thank you very much Anhaga, I did not know that. Learning a lot on this forum. The doctors definitely do not have all the answers for sure. Going to Santa Fe this afternoon, vitamin K2 added to the shopping list.

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