PMR, Osteoporosis and Fosamax?

Posted by slf202mcinfo @slf202mcinfo, Mar 20 3:58am

Recently diagnosed with PMR, I am now taking prednisone ( 20 mg per day). I am scheduled to begin treatment with Fosamax. Thoughts, opinions, experiences with this routine would be greatly appreciated.

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@flander

Am also taking risendronate weekly for past 2 years with no side effects. Took prednisone for 14 months for PMR and finished September 2023.
Had flare up of PMR late January so back on Prednisone in Feb and now tapering off for the next 2 months!!!! Hopefully no more flare ups when l finish the steroids.

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I am in my 6th year of pmr. I had osteopenia when I started prednisone. One year later I had a bone density scan which revealed some osteoporosis. My endocrinologist suggested Reclast, a once a year infusion. I chose that route mainly because I did not want to deal with more pills. Seems that all the bone meds have undesirable side effects. In 2020 and 2021 I had Reclast infusions - one infusion each year. In 2022 my bone density test was improved so I decided to wait till 2024 for the next scan results before having any more infusions. I had my scan yesterday and I am in the osteopenia range. The imaging dept where I have had my dexa scans has changed equipment from GE to Hologic so they could not accurately say I had an increase or decrease change. This newer method says I'm in the osteopenia range. Radiological recommendations included weight bearing exercises, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, Pharmocologic therapy is indicated for people whose bone density falls in the T-score range where my numbers are especially if other risk factors are present. Still taking prednisone must be a big risk factor. I'm 75. There's a risk involved either way. Which is riskier?? Reclast side effects or possible fracture?? I was hoping to be done with prednisone by now.

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