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Do the same side effects appear after a long break?
Has anyone had experience resuming a medication years later without the side effects that caused them to stop it the first time? Specifically, I took Fosamax for five years, tolerated it well at first, but developed GI and cardiac issues. I stopped it 15 years ago. I'm wondering if my body might respond differently now after such a long break."
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@sbax75 I don’t know, but I hope someone can answer this. I have the same question about some medications too.
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2 ReactionsIt is my understanding that fosomax/alendronate is recommended for 5 yr. max. What is your endocrinologist recommending?
@gravity3 She wants me to go onto Reclast- I'm reluctant because of side-effects. When I started Fosomax many years ago I tolerated it well- after four years more extreme side effects started. So the question is: After 15 years if I started Fosomax again- would I possibly tolerate it again as I did at the beginning of my taking it so long ago.
@sbax75 Thinking on Fosamax duration among some doctors has changed. Many are opting for their patients to take it for a shorter period of 2 to 3 years then taking a break.
With this in mind, you probably would be able to tolerate it for a shorter duration.
In my case, the most good came within the first two years. At the 3 year mark, my scores started reversing and I ended up with a fracture just after the five year mark. The additional 2 years I was on it didn't do me any good and in fact, may have contributed to weakening my bones because bone remodeling had been suppressed for so long.
I get the concern about Reclast. Once you've had a dose you have to live with any side effects for quite awhile whereas you can stop the Fosamax if you encounter any side effects.
Has your doctor considered any of the anabolic medications like Tymlos, Forteo, or Evenity? They work to build new bone rather than just suppressing bone breakdown and metabolism.
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5 ReactionsGood question…wish there were tests or ways to determine how one might react to these meds !
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2 Reactions@sbax75
Did I already ask why you have only been on bisphosphonates?
Thank you every one for your thoughts. I didn't include the whole history - it's long- bisphosphonates for many years- till side effects took over - Prolia for 6 years and then a femur fracture - Evenity for a year- and now trying to find a alternative to Reclast to hold the gains.
The gains on Evenity were minimal because I also had hyperparathyroidism, and had surgery while on Evenity so minimal gains. Endo is now saying Reclast. (says I need a bisphosphonate. So I'm thinking of retrying Fosomax- which I can stop if I have side-effects- rather than getting locked into Reclast. If anyone has other ideas... let me know. Has anyone had Tymlos or Forteo prescribed after Evenity?
@sbax75
Hello, You mention that you were on bisphosphonates for "many years". I have been on alendronate for 13 years. I've had two holidays and returned to it because I am reluctant to try something new. I understand that Evenity builds new bone but I'm reluctant to take it because of the lack of long term data (it has a 7 year history), is inconvenient to administer (I travel a lot) and requires switching back to a bisphosophonate. My hip reading is -1.9 and my spine score averages -3.8 which is not good! I'm fit and athletic and have not had any fractures. My question is - how long were you on bisphosophonates and was it alendronate? I know I will likely have no choice but to start on Evenity if I have a fracture but until then I wonder how long anyone has stayed on alendronate.
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