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← Return to Prolia black box warning?
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Okay, here's where I am now... I have heard back from my respirologist, who concurs that coming off Prolia is a "reasonable course" due to the infections. "the only way to know is to stop and try another drug" to see if there is a difference. [as my lung problems could be doing this by themselves]. However when the pattern of shots / infections is so strong, it is a good thing to try.
My appointment with the G.P. is on 13 March, no change there, but that date is one month and 3 days before my six month date for the fourth Prolia shot [which is not going to happen now] So, a perfect moment to do the bloodwork and commence the medication [Fosamax or Reclast] to mitigate the rebound phenomenon.
This week I am due to see the Pharmacist to get her take on the medication choices.
I will get back to you to give you my report on all goings-on !
Thank you and all the best to all who are in this challenging place! Christine
Replies to "Okay, here's where I am now... I have heard back from my respirologist, who concurs that..."
Good evening @thisoldewe, thanks for updating your medical status. I will be looking forward to reading about your 13 March appointment. In the meantime, here is the information about Fosamax that was given to me by my Mayo Clinic endocrinologist. He helped me leave Prolia effectively.
"Alendronate (Fosamax) is a common osteoporosis medication that reduces your risk of developing an osteoporotic fracture. It also generally increases your bone mineral density by reducing the amount of bone that is being broken down.
"Alendronate is taken once weekly for five years in many, but up to ten years in patients with severe osteoporosis. After five years, whether or not to continue taking this should be discussed with the prescribing provider. This medication offers continued benefit even after you stop it since it does not "wear off" immediately after stopping like some other osteoporosis medications.
This medication should be taken on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning with a full glass of water. Do not take it with other pills, food, or other fluids since they will limit your body's ability to absorb this medication. If you forget to take alendronate on your usual day, simply take it the following day and then resume on your usual day. The medication does not have to be exactly seven days apart to be effective. If you don't take this medication, it will not work. Do not lie down after taking this medication since it can cause erosions in the esophagus if you do this."
May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris
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That sounds like a great plan! As mentioned earlier, if you do not want to commit to a prescription of Alendronate yet, you could just try a couple of weeks to gauge your reaction, if any. But remember to do the blood tests first. Oh, you may also want to consider bringing forward your DXA so that you can separate the effect of Prolia and your subsequent relay drug on bone density
Reclast is the more potent drug and is most often quoted for use as a relay drug for getting off Prolia esp after 4 (per Dr McCormick, 3) or more shots of Prolia. But i was wary of putting in 1 year's dose at 1 go so i opted for weekly Alendronate where timing is also less of an issue. If you do end up deciding on Reclast, there is a lot of advice on this forum on how to minimise any side-effects like drinking lots of water. Also, windyshores (search under "Members") mentioned that she would ask for a 20% test dosage first so i am not sure if that is something your doctor would consider or agree to
All the best to you and please do keep us updated!