I've only been taking alendronate for about three and a half months, and beyond a couple trivial side effects the first couple of weeks -- very sore and somewhat tired the day after first dose (only that day) and two very short spells of extreme dizziness during the first week and a half or so -- I've had no other side effects that I know of.
I worried prior to taking the first dose, especially after reading about all the possible side effects, and put off taking it for a week. Finally decided to, and so far I'm happy with it.
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Sep 22 5:31pm
Good evening @aacarsaregreat, I am glad you are having positive results from "alendronate". I just completed two years without any discomfort. My recent scan tests were positive which even makes it better. Good luck for another year without worrying.
Chris
Every Monday morning, I take 1 tablet with 4 or 5 oz of water. I then sit quietly for 30 minutes to make sure the tablet gets down the esophagus.
Chris
Hello @seapen, I'd like to invite members @meri8181, @triciaot, @marie601 who all talked about being recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and discussing treatment options as well.
Here are a few more discussions you may find useful:
They are lengthy discussions but have many members sharing their experiences with bisphosphonates that may be helpful for you. Have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis and are you looking at taking a bisphosphonate.
Hello @seapen, I'd like to invite members @meri8181, @triciaot, @marie601 who all talked about being recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and discussing treatment options as well.
Here are a few more discussions you may find useful:
They are lengthy discussions but have many members sharing their experiences with bisphosphonates that may be helpful for you. Have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis and are you looking at taking a bisphosphonate.
Thank you for your input. I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis from a dexcom. My doctor wrote a note on my chart saying we would talk about biphosphonate at my next appointment. A side effect is GERD and it can cause jaw problems, both of which sound twrrible.
Thank you for your input. I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis from a dexcom. My doctor wrote a note on my chart saying we would talk about biphosphonate at my next appointment. A side effect is GERD and it can cause jaw problems, both of which sound twrrible.
It may be helpful to ask your doctor what her treatment plan is....both short and long term. Also, why do the want to start with a bisphosphonate instead of a bone builder. Read as much as you can, use this group. Try,also, osteoboston on you tube. Question then question again. You will need to be your own best medical advocate. You are not alone on this bone journey.
It may be helpful to ask your doctor what her treatment plan is....both short and long term. Also, why do the want to start with a bisphosphonate instead of a bone builder. Read as much as you can, use this group. Try,also, osteoboston on you tube. Question then question again. You will need to be your own best medical advocate. You are not alone on this bone journey.
I asked my doctor the same question: why to start with bisphosphonate instead of a bone builder. He claimed that if BPH will help, I can stop it in few years. But with a bone builder I will have to be on other drugs for uncertain time. The doctor has written several articles on OP and medicines published in good journals and I trust him. He suggested risedronate.
I was on 70 mg of Fosamax once a week for 9 months, I had no side effects until month 9 which was 2/2024 when I started having severe acid reflux which I had never had before and unfortunately had to discontinue it. Just something to consider if you have any GI issues. I had a Dexa scan 7/2024 which showed big improvement in my spine and my hips were stable. I switched to Reclast infusion a week ago and hoping for continued positive results. I do like the "drug holiday" aspect of BPH's which is one reason I opted for it, also my insurance would only authorize BPH since it was the first time I was on a bone med.
Lots of good information and support as well as experienced members on this forum, great that you reached out.
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My individual experience of taking alendronate for 5 years...... no noticeable side effects. But all bodies are different!
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3 ReactionsI've only been taking alendronate for about three and a half months, and beyond a couple trivial side effects the first couple of weeks -- very sore and somewhat tired the day after first dose (only that day) and two very short spells of extreme dizziness during the first week and a half or so -- I've had no other side effects that I know of.
I worried prior to taking the first dose, especially after reading about all the possible side effects, and put off taking it for a week. Finally decided to, and so far I'm happy with it.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionGood evening @aacarsaregreat, I am glad you are having positive results from "alendronate". I just completed two years without any discomfort. My recent scan tests were positive which even makes it better. Good luck for another year without worrying.
Chris
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2 ReactionsDo you take the Alendronate weekly or monthly?
Every Monday morning, I take 1 tablet with 4 or 5 oz of water. I then sit quietly for 30 minutes to make sure the tablet gets down the esophagus.
Chris
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello @seapen, I'd like to invite members @meri8181, @triciaot, @marie601 who all talked about being recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and discussing treatment options as well.
Here are a few more discussions you may find useful:
"Struggling with making an osteoporosis treatment decision"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/making-an-osteoporosis-treatment-decision/
"Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-im-new-to-the-site-and-am-interested-in-treating-osteoperosis/
They are lengthy discussions but have many members sharing their experiences with bisphosphonates that may be helpful for you. Have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis and are you looking at taking a bisphosphonate.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThank you for your input. I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis from a dexcom. My doctor wrote a note on my chart saying we would talk about biphosphonate at my next appointment. A side effect is GERD and it can cause jaw problems, both of which sound twrrible.
It may be helpful to ask your doctor what her treatment plan is....both short and long term. Also, why do the want to start with a bisphosphonate instead of a bone builder. Read as much as you can, use this group. Try,also, osteoboston on you tube. Question then question again. You will need to be your own best medical advocate. You are not alone on this bone journey.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactionsto @gravity3
I asked my doctor the same question: why to start with bisphosphonate instead of a bone builder. He claimed that if BPH will help, I can stop it in few years. But with a bone builder I will have to be on other drugs for uncertain time. The doctor has written several articles on OP and medicines published in good journals and I trust him. He suggested risedronate.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI was on 70 mg of Fosamax once a week for 9 months, I had no side effects until month 9 which was 2/2024 when I started having severe acid reflux which I had never had before and unfortunately had to discontinue it. Just something to consider if you have any GI issues. I had a Dexa scan 7/2024 which showed big improvement in my spine and my hips were stable. I switched to Reclast infusion a week ago and hoping for continued positive results. I do like the "drug holiday" aspect of BPH's which is one reason I opted for it, also my insurance would only authorize BPH since it was the first time I was on a bone med.
Lots of good information and support as well as experienced members on this forum, great that you reached out.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction