Strontium citrate (Algaecal) and fractures

Bisphosphonates, like Reclast and Fosamax, can be visualized as coating bone and helping to maintain gains on the other drugs. Every osteoporosis medication is followed by Reclast or an oral bisphosphonate at this stage of the science. Bisphosphonates not only help maintain gains on the other drugs but also continue to add bone density.

For those of us who are sensitive to bisphosphonates, there really is no other choice. I do low dose Reclast more frequently than the annual 5mg infusions normally done to minimize side effects. I cannot afford any more fractures. Tymlos got me to borderline from severe and I want to stay there or better!

Bisphosphonates, like Reclast and Fosamax, can be visualized as coating bone and helping to maintain gains on the other drugs. Every osteoporosis medication is followed by Reclast or an oral bisphosphonate at this stage of the science. Bisphosphonates not only help maintain gains on the other drugs but also continue to add bone density.

For those of us who are sensitive to bisphosphonates, there really is no other choice. I do low dose Reclast more frequently than the annual 5mg infusions normally done to minimize side effects. I cannot afford any more fractures. Tymlos got me to borderline from severe and I want to stay there or better!

Hi
What dose fo you do. I do 5mg by I.v. I heard you can do 4mg. Is there a lower dose?

@windyshores,
Are you on Medicare and does it cover Reclast in those multiple yearly small doses?

I do a lower dose due to kidney disease and afib @sue417. My doctor said that doses of 2mg are not uncommon. I think if we all did low dose, the cancer infusion centers might be overwhelmed. Patient convenience and compliance are also reasons for the 5mg once a year dose.

You end up with the same long term effects I believe, if lower dose is given more frequently and equals the annual one time dose in a year.

I am curious why you did Reclast instead of a bone builder like Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity if you already have a fracture. Insurance covers us once we fracture. Do you see an endocrinologist? Reclast will temper the effectiveness of bone builders but lots of people do benefit from bone builders after Reclast.

The problem you might run into is that Reclast is limited to 3-5 years. All those other drugs need to be "locked in" by Reclast so you might want to talk to your doctor about switching before you do more years of Reclast. I am a lay person who does not know your situation so am only writing what I would do.

Hi
I do see an endocrinolojust and he started me immediately on the reclast. I have stomach issues , so maybe that's why He did not do an oral medication. I don't know I will find out when I see him in February

The strontium is embedded in the algae, but comes from the earth, so I guess it is technically "vegetarian " because it is not from animal bones. But it could be derived from strontium-infused coral. As a necessary element, it really doesn't umatter how we acquire it.

Ok, but my question is does it actually add strength to bones or just look like it does?

Nene@78 I think the jury is out on that question. All the studies I have seen show that Strontium Citrate makes bones denser because it is a heavier element than Calcium. If it reduces fractures too, then we would all be taking it! I do know that it is also a lifetime commitment. When you quit taking it, you lose the density you acquired from it.

Thank you for your reply. I have read that there is a ten year time limit for taking the metal based strontium. Would this hold true gor strontium from algae? It is interesting to note vitamin label does not label strontium as a citrate but as a organic algae