1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

Ibandronic Acid (Bonviva) any better than Aledronic Acid?

Posted , 5 users are following.

newmargy
newmargy

I've been reading all the problems people have had with Aledronic acid. I've been prescribed Ibandronic acid, does anyone know if it's any better?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • kathleen65757
    kathleen65757 newmargy

    Posted

    Is that actonel? I have fosamax but have not started it yet. They are sure scary side effects.
    • newmargy
      newmargy kathleen65757

      Posted

      No, I think it's called something else in the US. I agree the side effects sound bad - but they always do. So far none of my drugs have given me obvious side effects, but you never what what's going on inside... 
  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK newmargy

    Posted

    Hi

    What problems were you having with AA?

    I've been put on to Ibandronic Acid.   The good thing I find is that I only have to take it once a month, not once a weeklwink

    I found the AA made me feel a bit sick all day the day I took it......if this has any effect at least it will be once a monthwink

    Love

    Eileen UK

    • newmargy
      newmargy eileen64__UK

      Posted

      I wasn't on AA but I've been reading about the problems and hope it's not so bad with Ibandronic acid. I used to take Strontium but there have been some negative findings and my GP won't let me have it now.

      Glad you found something better - no fun feeling sick once a week!

  • allison72169
    allison72169 newmargy

    Posted

    It has all of the potential side effects of other bisphosphonate drugs, including esophageal irritation, so-called jaw death, and atypical thigh fracture. The most concerning aspect of this and the other osteoporosis drugs is their staggeringy long half life -- up to ten years. This means they stay active in your body that entire time. Osteoporosis is a frightening diagnosis -- I have that diagnosis as well. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean the medications that physicians have been doling out are safe. Doctors are fond of saying that "all medications can have side-effects" and that the risk of an osoporotic fracture far outweighs the risk of a catastrophic medication-induced side-effect. I, for one, am not convinced. That said, I'm not a doctor, and perhaps for some people the drugs are useful and/or the lesser of two evils. At this point, it seems like a guessing game -- one with very high stakes.

     

    • newmargy
      newmargy allison72169

      Posted

      I really didn't want to take any bisphosphonate because of the idea that they make your bones harder and possibly more brittle. Also the rare side effects like necrosis of the jaw. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis five years ago and started taking strontium citrate which you should be able to find in health food shopos or online. I changed to strontium ranelate in the UK as I could get it on prescription therefore free (I'm over 60). However there have been some reports of links with heart problems and GPs have be told not to give it. Also heard yesterday I have a spinal fracture so they are keen for me to take IA. I'm feeling a bit stunned after reading that one spinal fracture usually leads to another, reckon I'll end up in a wheelchair at this rate.
    • kathleen65757
      kathleen65757 allison72169

      Posted

      I have not started the fosamax yet because the oral surgeon said to wait another two weeks after extractions. I am worried about the side effects and the more I read the more concerned I am. I have cleared up the jaw one but the esophagel one and potential breaks remain scary! For the jaw, after three years of taking the meds you can have a CTX blood test to see  the risk and see an oral surgeon for the extraction. Such a difficult choice!
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.