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Alendronate Newbie
Hello everyone! I was so glad to discover this forum. I have a few questions about alendronate which I hope won't be too repetitive of what I've been able to read on the forum thus far.
I'm 65 years old. I began taking alendronate (70 mg, once a week) on June 18, 2024. I took my 7th dose this week. I was wary of taking it to begin with, as my now 94 year old mother was prescribed it some years back, suffered a number of side effects, and quit after just a couple weeks. So far I've not been troubled by any major side effects. I was quite sore the day after taking the first dose (lower back, hips, lower ribs) but I'm not totally convinced it was from the alendronate as I was doing some major work around the house which would have made me achy anyway. I haven't been sore at all since. Other than that I've only noticed some tiredness during the late afternoon of the day I take it and have suffered a few dizzy spells.
My doctor prescribed an initial 12 weeks of the med, plus one refill (I assume just one refill based on how it might affect me). I have a follow-up appointment with the doctor soon, and I guess I'm curious as to what happens now, as we didn't really discuss beyond the 12 weeks. Will there be follow-up tests, blood tests, how long before another bone density scan, etc? I'm hoping some of you can fill me in on some of the details, as you've gone through the process before.
I was shocked when I was shown my scan results, I never even thought about having osteoporosis! I exercise almost daily, eat balanced meals, have never smoked and drink maybe two glasses of wine a year if that. I hope to learn a lot in this forum!
Thanks in advance for any comments or words of wisdom.
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@jenatsky
If we don’t grow new bone at 65 plus, why the heck take anything? I’ve had a reaction to Alendronate a day after taking it the first time. It basically sucked. It was like the flu without a fever.
But I’m not going with the prolia as originally suggested.
I’m trying to weight everything now and am pretty confused and frustrated.
@mmoanritkian these drugs Calcium Metabolism Modifiers and Bisphosphonate Derivativatives prevents bone from continuing to be reabsorbed which is what happens with osteopenia and osteoporosis. You correctly stated the we cannot grow new bone but we can prevent it from worsening. I’ve been on Alendronate for over 3 years with no ill effects. As a retired nurse I know a bit more than many and I’ve never questioned what was prescribed for me by a medical provider. I don’t look at the side effects until something occurs, then I start researching on my own. If you try one drug and develop a side effect you can always switch to another, it happens.
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4 ReactionsYes @jenatsky
Took my first dose this Monday at 6:45am, I did not feel anything different with my body until the next day in the afternoon. it was like the flu. I took a hot bath which helped the body aches then went to bed at 7:00 pm. this is not normal for me. Today was improved, at least i was somewhat functional, albeit not my normal self. My worry is that every time i take this on Monday, Tuesday will be a wash. not willing to give up one day a week. But also not willing to give up my Jaw bone. lol
Who says you can't grow new bone at 65? I'm 66. I've been on Tymlos for 14 months. My bone density improved 16%, and I'm now in osteopenia instead of osteoporosis.
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4 ReactionsIt’s a complicated process and I wouldn’t say we build new bone but we rebuild the bone structure. Please read below as I’m no expert.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/osteoporosis/osteoporosis
It certainly can be confusing and frustrating. My understanding is that bone continues to remodel (remove old bone tissue and form new bone tissue) until death. But as you age the balance changes until resorption out paces formation. this change leads to bone loss and increased risk of osteoporosis. Alendronate and prolia slow down the breakdown of bone , but by different means, allowing the body to build up more bone density. I am sorry to hear of your bad reaction to fosamax. my endo gave me a choice of fosamax and prolia. I've taken fosamax for 8 months now with no issues, but if i couldn't tolerate it i would give prolia a chance.
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2 ReactionsMy understanding is that bone continues to remodel (remove old bone tissue and form new bone tissue) until death. But as you age the balance changes until resorption out paces formation. this change leads to bone loss and increased risk of osteoporosis. Alendronate and prolia slow down the breakdown of bone , but by different means, allowing the body to build up more bone density. I've taken fosamax for 8 months now with no issues, but if i couldn't tolerate it i would give prolia a try. I am due for a dexa scan in August and also intend to get a REMs scan. So i will soon know if the fosamax has helped. If you are a Medicare patient you can get a dexa scan every two years unless your doc deems it medically necessary. it seems to me your doc might well extend your Rx, but can't speak for your doc of course.
The day after was very bad, yesterday much improved. Thanks for your encouragement. My worry is: will I feel crappy after taking my second ever dose on Monday. Does it make you achy while it’s still in your system?
It remains in your system for a period of time, which is why it’s only taken once a week to maintain your level of the meditation in your system.
I had severe esophagus problems with actonel- previously bad reactions from prolia- and you CANNOT go off prolia cold turkey.