Doctors Reprimand Me For No Osteo Meds

I was the same, unwilling to take osteo meds. My nos got so low I started on terrapatatide. I had severe back pain on my first injection so my doc suggested I take every other day. I am still doing that after a year. I am very small and can't take the same dose drug as someone much heavier to me. I am on Medicare so I can afford to "waste" some of the medicine every month. I don't know what I'll do after I stop in 8 mos. I am afraid of fosamex and Prolia side effects, plus they don't build bone. I also have been taking bioidentical hormones - biest 80/20 creme and 100 prometrium in soft gel. My osteo has improved.

"My dentist told me not to take I think it might be Alendronate aka Fosamax because she said it can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. "

This is true. My brother is a periodontist. He advised both me and my mother who's in her 80s not to take it. She didn't take his advice. She was on Fosamax and also Prolia for a couple of years and has had major dental work. Currently, she has a big problem with a cracked tooth and broken crown. She was hoping to get an implant. But a CT scan showed her jaw is too weak to support one.

I myself have osteopenia, bordering on osteoporosis in my right femur and hip. My endocrinologist has been after me to take Fosamax. Between dealing with side effects from other meds and a Prednisone taper in process AND needing major dental work in the coming months, I've decided not to take it. I might reconsider at some point, but right now I can't see taking it.

@cs53 Good to hear. I will tell you, Prolia has totally wrecked me! I had one injection three months ago and I have been fatigued, dizzy, nauseous and in lots of pain. NOT taking any more of those! I need to find something like you are taking.

@gravity3 NO. It is a steroid that can do me more harm than good and my test results indicate even at 76? I'm maintaining and slightly better in hip than I was 3 years ago. That is enough for me. Fosamax has been a Godsend used correctly and monitored.

@ragdee I am so freaked out about osteoporosis meds. I'm not on them. I 've had 5 pelvic and 2 femur Fx's and multiple compression Fx's in my spine. I Also have chronic Fx's in my 3rd lumbar vertebrae. . I got osteomyelitis and have to take doxycycline twice daily for the rest of my life per my infectious disease doc. I' ve had 6 surgeries in my left leg and have been under general anesthesia 9 times in a year and 7 month period. My PCP told me that there are over 100 health problems on my Health Conditions list. I need to re-learn about osteoporosis meds bc I've been through so much I've forgotten everything I learned about them about 8-10 years ago. I just recall my dentist telling me not to take allendronate bc it could cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. Another can cause a cancerous tumor in the thigh. I declined many of my endocrinologists wanting me to take them over the years. Are there two functions the meds should do ideally? Remove old bone and stimulate new bone growth? One of my docs said it doesn't matter that you grow new bone bc it will still have holes in it! I declined the meds bc of what osteoporosis patients around the world here on the blog said about their experiences! May God richly bless you all, Sunnyflower

Thought I would post this information in regards to Osteonecrosis…

Alendronate - bisphosphonate and “necrosis of the jaw”
It is a rare but serious side effect associated with bisphosphonate medications like alendronate.

Overview of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a condition where the jawbone dies and may become exposed in the mouth. It can occur after dental procedures or as a side effect of certain medications like bisphosanates.

Connection Between Alendronate and ONJ
Alendronate, a bisphosphonate medication, is associated with an increased risk of developing ONJ, especially in patients who:

Are on long-term treatment with alendronate.
Undergo dental procedures, such as tooth extractions.
Risk Factors for ONJ

The following factors can elevate the risk of ONJ in patients taking alendronate:
Duration of treatment: Longer use increases risk.
Dosage: Higher doses, particularly for cancer treatment, are more likely to lead to ONJ.
Dental health: Patients with periodontal disease or those requiring invasive dental work are at greater risk.
Symptoms of ONJ
Patients with ONJ may experience:
Exposed bone in the jaw for more than eight weeks.
Pain and swelling in the mouth.
Loose teeth and signs of infection.
Conclusion
Yes, alendronate can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, particularly in patients receiving long-term treatment or undergoing dental procedures. Regular dental care and communication with healthcare providers are essential for managing this risk.

Source: rheumatology.org

Long-term use of alendronate is associated with a lower incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) compared to other bisphosphonates like zoledronic acid. Studies indicate that ONJ occurs more frequently in patients treated with injectable bisphosphonates than in those receiving oral alendronate.
Sources: the-rheumatologist.org and hsa.gov.sg

Treatment of ONJ
Treatment for osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) caused by alendronate typically involves conservative measures such as prescription mouth rinses, antibiotics, and pain management. In more severe cases, surgical removal of the dead bone may be necessary.
Cleveland Clinic
rheumatology.org

Treatment for Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) Caused by Alendronate
Conservative Treatments
The initial approach to treating osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) caused by alendronate typically includes:
Prescription Mouth Rinses: These help to maintain oral hygiene and reduce discomfort.
Antibiotics: Used to manage any infections that may arise in the affected area.
Pain Management: Analgesics are prescribed to alleviate pain associated with ONJ.
Surgical Interventions
In more severe cases of ONJ, where conservative treatments are insufficient, surgical options may be considered:
Surgical Removal of Dead Bone: This procedure may be necessary to remove necrotic tissue and promote healing.
Additional Considerations
Regular Dental Care: Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent complications.
Informing Dentists: Patients should inform their dental care providers about their use of alendronate and any symptoms they experience.
These treatments aim to manage symptoms and promote healing while minimizing the risk of further complications associated with ONJ.
rheumatology.org
Cleveland Clinic

@ragdee I am so freaked out about osteoporosis meds. I'm not on them. I 've had 5 pelvic and 2 femur Fx's and multiple compression Fx's in my spine. I Also have chronic Fx's in my 3rd lumbar vertebrae. . I got osteomyelitis and have to take doxycycline twice daily for the rest of my life per my infectious disease doc. I' ve had 6 surgeries in my left leg and have been under general anesthesia 9 times in a year and 7 month period. My PCP told me that there are over 100 health problems on my Health Conditions list. I need to re-learn about osteoporosis meds bc I've been through so much I've forgotten everything I learned about them about 8-10 years ago. I just recall my dentist telling me not to take allendronate bc it could cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. Another can cause a cancerous tumor in the thigh. I declined many of my endocrinologists wanting me to take them over the years. Are there two functions the meds should do ideally? Remove old bone and stimulate new bone growth? One of my docs said it doesn't matter that you grow new bone bc it will still have holes in it! I declined the meds bc of what osteoporosis patients around the world here on the blog said about their experiences! May God richly bless you all, Sunnyflower

" One of my docs said it doesn't matter that you grow new bone bc it will still have holes in it! "

That doctor is, to be blunt, a moron. Don't go back to them.