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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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terrie59 | @terrie59 | Nov 9 1:11pm
In reply to @rosemaryhow "I was placed on Alendronate by my Physician due to a Bone Density scan that showed..." + (show)
Profile picture for rosemaryhow @rosemaryhow

I was placed on Alendronate by my Physician due to a Bone Density scan that showed high risk for hip fractures, and within about 3 months, I felt really terrible. So nauseated, could not eat, and lost about ten pounds. Then appetite improved some, but I developed severe pain in my joints. I actually felt like my legs were not attached to my spine, and I was going to fall when I got up to walk. So I went from biking, and running on my treadmill, to severe joint pain. and loss of mobilization. I quit the drug, as it was horrible side effects for me. So now she wants to start me on prolia injections every 6 mo. Guess what-side effects are listed about the same. I am thinking of taking my chances with no drug, but I am afraid she will think I am a non-compliant Pt. Anyone have bad side effects as this?

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@rosemaryhow
Yes! I took it for 7 weeks but read that it only took a month for the bones to start absorbing it.
I am one to research prescribed medications but failed to do so with Alendronate.
Worst mistake EVER!
I am 5.3’ and weight 105 pounds at present. It has also caused me to lose weight.
My legs ache so bad and feel like they are going to buckle on me when I get up to walk. It’s caused acid reflux which I’ve never dealt with in my life. I feel like I have a lump stuck in the top of my throat. I go from being constipated to having diarrhea in the same day. Last night I ate a small amount of food and immediately threw it all up.
I take a med for high cholesterol and an over the counter 55+ vitamin so I know it’s the alendronate causing my symptoms. The sad and discouraging part is that once it’s in your bones it can stay there for a long period of time.
I am 66 and have always been active.
These days I do good to get up off of the sofa…
I will take my chances with the osteopenia. I told my dr I’m done with that terrible med!
I hope you feel better. Prayers!

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humphreysbr | @humphreysbr | Nov 10 7:38pm

Everything I have read about alendronate (fosomax) has advised to only take it for five years and then take a drug vacation. You have taken it for 8 years do yes it woukdcbe time to get off it for awhile. Its effects can last years so uou coukd go several years iff it.

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humphreysbr | @humphreysbr | Nov 10 7:41pm

Everything I have read about alendronate (fosomax) has advised to only take it for five years and then take a drug vacation. You have taken it for 8 years do yes it would be time to get off it for awhile. Its effects can last years so you could go several years off the drug.

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