Worried about taking Alendronic 70mg

It is really shocking isn't it, being diagnosed, especially if (like me) you have no symptoms apart from the bad luck to fall and break your wrist! I took alendronic acid for a few months and hated it so much I just stopped. The alternative is called strontium ranelate or "Protelos" which I have now been happily settled on for a year or so. It works in a completely different way, helping you to build new bone, and doesn't have any noticeable side effects – especially the really scary possibility of necrosis of the jaw which is connected with AA. It is however much more expensive which is why GPs are sometimes reluctant to prescribe it. You could try asking your GP? They will consider it if you suffer from acid reflux which AA can exacerbate. My GP just thought I'd be better off on SR rather than nothing at all, so I was lucky.

Hi Sue

Thank you for the reply, I think I am going to speak to my GP about Protelos because the more I think about the side effects of alendronic acid the more I really don`t want to take it. You are right about the shock of being diagnosed because my life style and diet have never been to excess, the only reason the GP could give was I did have an early menopause. As it was only 3 days ago that I was given the results of the Dexa scan I am still trying to take it in ! Its odd isnt it one day you are going along as usual and the next all that is on your mind is "what exercise should I be doing and what should I be eating" and also thinking twice about how you do things. I expect it will get easier once I have come to terms with having osteoporosis !

Yes, like you I am fit and slim and have a very good diet indeed and the only thing wrong is that I'm 67! I never dreamed I could have osteoporosis which is something I've always dreaded (my MIL has it really badly). I slid on a little ballpoint on the pavement, fell heavily and broke my wrist. The dexa scan showed I have quite bad osteoporsis without even knowing it. I was told by a young male locum doctor – a stranger – I was devastated. But I'm not changing my lifestyle because it's fine how it is – I still go on hillwalking holidays and basically carry on the same apart from taking the Protelos daily and hoping for the best. I do keep an eye open for slippery things on the pavement though!

I have managed to get a GP appointment on the 28th of this month and am going armed with a list of questions, I have managed to book with a GP that I have known for sometime so am hoping that he will explain things a little better as I too saw a young (new to the practice) male doctor, I think what made it worse was on the Monday when I had asked at the GPs reception if my results of the dexa scan were back I was told that everything was ok and no action needed ! then the following day I had a call from the surgery asking me to come in and see a GP and an appointment was booked for the Wednesday, I still didnt think anything was wrong I just thought that maybe the GP had to give the results, I think that is why I was so shocked when he told me I have osteoporosis and everything he said after that just went over my head, so having the appointment at the end of the month is at least giving me time to take it all in ! It will be my 66th birthday next month "happy birthday to me"

I am female 53 yrs, and recenly been diagnosed with OSTEOPEROSIS. I have been in a fair amount of pain due to spinal fractures and have been prescribed ALENDRONIC 70 mg and MORPHINE 10 mg . I still have a" toothachey" pain in my back and someone has suggested that I use A TENS machine. The only thing is that I have a heart conditions and it is stated that TENS should not be used with certain conditions. Does anyone know what condtions do not apply. Thank you