Alendronate Newbie

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?

I am very careful with fosamax and drink 8 or more ounces of water after taking it and make sure to remain upright. It really doesn't make me feel bad or achy at all, but that's me. I read all kinds of cautions about the drug and know some have bad reactions to it. I thank my luck star that I haven't had a bad reaction to it.

@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.

My endocrinologist told me to drink only 8 ox of water when i take my pill. That was after I had my blood work done and my numbers were not good. I reduced my water to 8oz and 3 months later was retested with optimal results.

@mmoanritkian

I've been taking Alendronate (70 mg weekly) for one year now. As I mentioned in my original post, I did have side effects the day after my first dose. I was quite sore, but that was it. The soreness lasted just the one day and has not re-occurred.

It's very important that you follow the directions very carefully for taking the medication in order to eliminate some possible side effects. I take it first thing in the morning, before eating anything, on my chosen day. I drink a few sips of water, swallow the pill with about half a bottle (8 ounces) of water, then slowly drink the remaining water. I remain standing and moving about for at least 30 minutes after taking the pill -- I usually wander outside in the garden or do chores that allow me to remain upright. I have breakfast about 45 minutes after taking the med. I've never had any problems with stomach pain or esophageal pain. I have had a few minor muscle or bone aches/pains off and on but I can't swear they're from the Alendronate.

I'll take this med as long as my doctor prescribes. Beyond that I have no inclination to try any of the other medications. I see my doctor every 3 to 4 months; I have labs done prior to each appointment to check levels of Vitamin D -- I take 2000 units (50 mcg) daily along with whatever amount is in my daily vitamin -- and calcium. I'll have another scan done next year to find out how I'm progressing.

Good luck to you on your journey. Give the Alendronate a chance. Have you taken subsequent doses? Has there been a difference in your side effects?

Hello.
Haha this is what my brain wants to hear! I’m fairly anxious about my second dose of this on Tuesday. Hopefully I’ll fall into your group, that experienced initial side effects. I do have GERD, so yah, it was thought with the esophagus activity!
I do understand “the rules” as my drill sergeant, ah… I mean Doc, made me swear I’d follow the instructions to a T. That’s ok because I’m like that. I’ll follow instructions when it comes to medical care.
Yes I figure I’ll give it 4 doses to see what’s up.
I’m going to my dentist on tues and he’ll check out my teeth and gum stability bc I do know that those osteoporosis drugs help strengthen bones but big bones first. So the jaw is the weak link. Kinda troubling since I’ve had zero dental issues ever.
In any case, I’ll keep you all posted as it would be fabulous to have this medication work out for me.
Cheers!