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← Return to Success with Prolia?
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Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Jan 11 1:02pm | Replies (128)
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Hi Chris, I was on Alendronate for 4 yrs then took a 2 yr med vacation. My Dec 2022 DXA results show my spine is stable but hip, femoral neck, forearm are now osteoporosis. My doctor told me he's putting me on Prolia. He said it works differently than Alendronate although it's still classified as Bisphosphonate. He said I could take Prolia for as much as 10 yrs, then he would put me back on Alendronate for 1-2yrs when I come off Prolia. Does this sound right to you?
Replies to "Hi Chris, I was on Alendronate for 4 yrs then took a 2 yr med vacation...."
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Good evening @leeosteo, It has taken me a while to get back to you. I wanted my Mayo Endocrinologist to have a chance to clarify the issues of "drug vacations". Here is what he shared with me.
"We will often suggest a drug holiday in lower-risk individuals after 5 years on alendronate or 3 years on Reclast. In high-risk individuals, we use alendronate for up to 10 years and Reclast up to 6 years before a drug holiday. Drug holidays only apply to bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid) and not other osteoporosis medication classes."
Dr. Robert A. Wermers, M.D.
I was also concerned about your doctor's statement that Prolia, although it works differently than Alendronate, is classified as a Bisphosphonate. Dr. Wermers has indicated that Prolia is not a bisphosphonate. Please see his list. Also, you may recall that coming off of Prolia for a drug holiday is not advised because of the risk of fractures.
I find Dr. Wermers forthright, commendable, and trustworthy.
I also notice that since your introduction to Connect, you have been quite busy and supportive of the Connect mission of sharing knowledge. Thank you for your contributions.
May you have contentment and ease today.
Chris