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Do I still need Actonel 35mg with 3mg Prednisolone?

Posted , 7 users are following.

AsTimeGoesBy
AsTimeGoesBy

In July 2017 I started a course of Prednisolone because of PMR. Touch wood, things are going OK and I'm down to 3mg per day but still on one Actonel 35mg per week. At the end of September I'll decrease to 2mg and will be seeing the rheumatologist later this month. Do I still need the Actonel with a daily intake of 3mg prednisolone? 

ATGB

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH AsTimeGoesBy

    Posted

    For those who don;t know Actonel is risendronate sodium.

    I have never taken any bisphosphonates - my bone density has stayed much the same just on calcium and vit D. I would have thought that it was no longer required at this sort of dose of pred. 

    But be careful with the reduction now - hopefully you have been one of the lucky people whose PMR has departed quickly. But only 1 in 5 patients is able to get off pred in under 2 years. 

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga AsTimeGoesBy

    Posted

    Did you ever have a DXA scan?  Why were you prescribed Actonel?

     

  • AsTimeGoesBy
    AsTimeGoesBy

    Posted

    Thanks for the advice.

    Yes, I had a scan in the autumn of 2017 and they said my bone density was VG. The rheumatologist prescribed the once-a-week tablet of Actonel at that time.

    I was taking Vit D but stopped it during the summer when I was out and about a lot. Perhaps I should start it again (?)

    My supply of Actonel is getting low and will have run out by the time I have my appointment with the rheumatologist later this month. I'll have a blood test before I go.

    ATGB

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga AsTimeGoesBy

      Posted

      If your bone density is very good I don't think you should have been prescribed a bone medication.  Vitamins D3 and K2, as well as getting magnesium preferably through diet, and enough calcium, are all important for bone health, as is appropriate exercise.  

    • EileenH
      EileenH AsTimeGoesBy

      Posted

      I agree with Anhaga - if you have a VG bone density - then there was no need for a bisphosphonate. You should have been told to have a repeat dexascan after 2 years and see what had happened, Blood tests show nothing really useful in relation to bone density.
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