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Does it get better or should I quit....

Posted , 6 users are following.

joyce43316
joyce43316

I started taking AA 2 days ago. I took my first dose at 9am by 10pm that evening it had pain in my upper back, neck, right upper arm and right thigh. I could hardly get out of my chair. That night I had a terrible nights sleep. I could barely move...even turning over was an effort. Getting in and out of bed an ordeal. The next day the pain was still there, but, was not quite as bad as during the night. Today, the pain is basically gone from my arm and thigh. I still have it in my neck and a little in my back. But it is severe in my thumbs, of all things. I can't grip anything. And I now also have pain in my knees. Is this what I have to look forward to on this medication. If so, I have taken my first and last dose. I am 67 years old. Was put on this medication because of osteoporosis caused by a hormone blocker I'm on for 5 years, because of breast cancer. Has anyone else had these symptoms and continued taking AA. I didn't have an ache or pain before this medication.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • allison72169
    allison72169 joyce43316

    Posted

    First, I should tell you that (1) I am in the U.S., not the U.K., and (2) I've not taken AA (a.k.a. Fosamax). I have, however, researched AA/Fosamax rather extensively, as several endocrinologists wanted to start me on it several years ago for so-called borderline osteoporosis. The current dr. I'm seeing has backpedaled on the recommendation somewhat, as the risks of AA are becoming better reported. Also, I have GERD (acid reflux), so if I were to develop actual osteoporosis (I may have it  now; I've avoided a repeat BMD test for several years) the recommendation would be for another osteo med, as Fosamax is contraindicated in people with reflux.

    I'm responding to your post mainly to say that, in my opinion -- and it is just that, not medically based fact -- if you are experiencing that many side effects from AA already you would do well to alert your dr. immediately and ask for a convincing explanation of why it would be safe for you to remain on this drug. Such explanation may not be forthcoming. The drs. who have pushed the osteo meds in conversations with me basically insist they are safe and that the risk of an osteoporotic fracture would be even worse than that posed by the meds. So far, I do not concur. The main reason is that AA has a half-life of about eight years (!). That is, it remains in your system almost indefinitely, and if you were to develop an even more dramatic side-effect, e.g., pain in the jaw or the supposedly rare (but, I think, more frequent than being admitted yet by the pharm and medical establishments) thigh fracture, there would be no reversal of these effects simply by ceasing to take the AA, which is what makes it so dangerous ... again, in my opinion.

    Since you have osteoporosis and are presumably at high risk for fracture, I would just ask very probing questions re: the drug's safety and the early side-effects, and depending on the answers you receive insist on being switched to another osteo med with a better side-effect profile. I've not seen profiles of any osteo meds that I find reassuring, but you may have the unenviable dilemma (which I may soon if not already share) of having to choose between bad and worse. Possibly my own poor BMD results indicating borderline osteoporosis are also due to a hormone-related deficiency, as I had a preventive hysterectomy (due to family history of reproductive cancer; I also have a personal albeit remote history of breast cancer). It's too bad that the pharm industry and research have yet to come up with better, safer alternatives than the current array of osteo meds for people in our situation.

     

    • joyce43316
      joyce43316 allison72169

      Posted

      Thank you for your interest in my predicament.  I, also, am in the US not UK.   When I entered the forum I didn't notice that it was UK until I had already posted.  But, couldn't find a US one anyway.  I'm going to try to talk to my doctor again tomorrow to find out what I should do.  I just feel.....odd, not right....all over.  And I'm now retaining water, which I don't normally do.....I'll let you know what happens.  Thanks again...

       

    • allison72169
      allison72169 joyce43316

      Posted

      I am very interested in your situation, as, per my earlier post, I feel that I more or lesss share it. Water retention does sound worrisome; possibly the medication is placing a strain on the kidneys. (Though that is just my unmedical speculation.) I think there are, actually, one or two U.S.-based forums dealing with osteoporosis and meds prescribed for it. If you would like, I can track down where I may have found them. Please do let me know what happens. This forum doesn't seem all that active, as if it were I would think you'd have gotten responses in addition to mie by now; I'd be glad to give you my regular e-mail if you'd rather correspond outside of this venue ... though forum is fine if you prefer.
    • margaret14181
      margaret14181 joyce43316

      Posted

      Interested in your letter. I have been put on these acid tablets for borderline osteoporosis after hip fracture 3weeks now. I am having trouble with pain passing water and I think some fluid retention which I have never had before so I will see consultant on tues. and see if these tablets are to blame. Don,t think I will take any more till this clears up.
  • Natividsd
    Natividsd joyce43316

    Posted

    Alendronic acid has been horrible for me horrible pains on muscles and joints I did not know where came ,went to see doctor told me to stopped it was one month ago and still got paints , he will referred me to consult and to have different drug , Prolio, happy with the decision, change to another family drug
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