Anyone on Alendronate?

Posted by 12jo @12jo, Apr 5, 2023

I have been on Alendronate since May 2017. If I don't have osteoporosis, but some osteopenia, how long is it safe to take a 'vacation' from the drug? Does it do any good to take it every other week? My internist wants me to switch to Prolia, which I will not do. I don't know if I would have any side effects from it and it is not a drug that can be stopped w/o possible problems. I am 78 years old and my only health condition is RA, which is under control and has not affected my day-to-day life. I have read that alendronate can affect your esophagus and occasionally, over the years, I have had times where I feel like food gets stuck and it takes anywhere from 3 - 30 minutes for this uncomfortable feeling to go away. I have had my esophagus stretched via an endoscopy several times.
Re Prolia, I have read : People with weakened immune systems are advised not to use to denosumab because it can lead to serious infections that require hospitalization (such as heart infections). It can also cause disintegration of the jaw, called osteonecrosis, and atypical femur fractures. Recent studies have shown that people who stop taking denosumab experience bone loss within the first year if they do not start taking a new osteoporosis treatment. In clinical trials, results also suggest that people who stop taking denosumab and did not start another treatment experienced more vertebral fractures (fractures in your spine) in the 10 months after treatment than people who had been taking a placebo.
I am interested in hearing thoughts about 'vacationing' from alendronate.

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rosemaryhow | @rosemaryhow | 5 days ago

I want to thank you all re. the Alendronate. And from what I have read, they can all have terrible side effects. The question is is it worth spending the rest of my life immobile, nauseated, and in pain, or is it better to take my chances without. It seems that some people can take a drug, and have no S.E. where others are subject to suffering, and a decision to make. I may try the prolia, as she suggests, but I can tell you right now, if it is as bad as the alendronate, I will surely quit. Just an FYI, my mother had osteoporosis, and back then, there were no drugs for it. As far as I know, she never fx. a bone. But to be fair, she was never as active as I try to be. Your comments have helped me to be more assertive with my decisions. THANKYOU.