Alendronic Tablets

No--I wouldn't take them without further instructions and/or information.

Are you sure you want to be tapering this much? --From 15 mg. to 12.5. Maybe I'm too careful, but I would be leery of any taper of more than 1 mg.

Barbara

Hi, Yes I was given them without asking for them, but they are to prevent bone thinning which can occur when taking pred. I have been taking them once a week for nearly two years now, since starting on pred and so far have had no ill effects ---- that I know of!!!

Hello andrea, I would query it with Dr.before taking it.perhaps ask for a Dexa scan as well. hopefully Eilleen or one of the girls will post full info on IT.for you. All the best. Dave

Hi andrea

I was advised by my doctor to take A.A after about 2 months of being on pred and have so far had no side effects but A.A does not suit everyone.

Good luck with your PMR journey.

Hi Andrea, a week after diagnosis by my rheumatologist I visited my GP, I saw a locum and he prescribed them for me saying that I required them for bone protection, nothing more. I was 52. I stupidly took these tablets for 11 months without any side effects. However, following a discussion on this forum I asked my rheumatologist if I could stop taking them. He agreed and said that he only ever prescribes them for patients aged 75 and over. I no longer take them.

i would suggest you request a dexa scan first and following the results of them make an informed choice, if your bone density is fine stick to daily supplicants of calcium, magnesium, and vit d, all RDA levels. But if you have bone problems then discuss AA and any other alternative medication with your GP  that would be of help. All the best, christina 

I and several other ladies on the forums have never taken alendronic acid - and our bone density is fine. The company that makes the stuff did a brilliant marketing campaign about 15 years ago and convinced large numbers of doctors that if you gave this to your patients over about 55 you would remove any chance of them ever having a hip fracture with the resulting disability and suffering it can cause. They believed them. It is now emerging that long term use can lead to some unpleasant side effects (including spontaeous fractures of the femur) so use should be restricted to a maximum of 5 years without a break. Any one with a history of gastric problems - hiatus hernia, GORD or a gastric bleed - should NOT take them. 

You should be given calcium and vit D supplements immediately but then sent for a dexascan to assess the state of your bones. Then, and only then, would I accept being told I needed AA on the basis of a dexascan showing existing loss of bone density. Only about half of patients on pred suffer from it - and if you do not need a medication I (ad a lot of other people) strongly believe it shouldn't be handed out ike sweeties. I had been on pred, mostly at above 10mg, for 4 years with no change. I'd been given AA - I  took 4 tablets, did my research, discussed it with a different GP and he agreed with me: take them if it is shown you need it.

Hi Andrea, my one and only appt. with rheumy was March this year.  He prescribed Alendronic for me.  I asked about Dexa Scan and he said further down the line.  I had appt with my gp the following day.  I gave her the letter from the rheumy and told her I would not be taking AAcid until a Dexa Scan was carried out.  Not a problem.  I, for the most part and information from the good people on this forum am managing my pmr.  I am winging it as far as drs. and rheumys are concerned.  I have learned more from this site than I ever would from medical professionals.  Make an informed choice and all the best.  Regards Pat

Evenig pat.You have put my thoughts on this stange journy in a nut shell, I have rightly or wrongly taken ALL my info from the likes of the young lady on the post above yours & from the other 2 forums with super results.Drs used for bloods, meds etc.I dont want mention names but i call them The T.Shirt Girls.cant thank them enough.I hope things are well with you, All the best.Dave

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you All!!!

I didn't ask for A A, I have an appointment with my rheumatologist in 3 weeks time so I will wait and discuss it with him. When I saw him in April he said that Id need a Dexa scan to see my bone density then IF I need medication he'd sort it out if necessary!! I'm only 50 years old with a good diet, non smoker, semi-regular periods and fat!!!,,, so hopeful not a candidate for oesteoporosis!

Thanks again Boys and Girls!!

Andrea 😄😄