Need an osteoporosis drug vacation?

Posted by Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor @artscaping, Apr 16, 2023

Good morning, I have noticed quite a few questions about the availability of "drug vacations" for those of us on Osteoporosis medications. I definitely had no response to share with you. So, I asked my Mayo Endocrinologist how Mayo Clinic handled requests for drug vacations. There is a Mayo policy and Dr. Wermers was willing to share it on Connect.

"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.

May you all have happiness and joy.
Chris

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

teb | @teb | Apr 17, 2023

thank you so much for that information.

jalo | @jalo | Apr 17, 2023

In reply to @teb "thank you so much for that information." + (show)

After 3 yearly infusions of Aclasta (Reclast) my doctor suggested a vacation from it due to concern over bone overgrowth.

lizzabeth | @lizzabeth | Apr 18, 2023

I would like to hear from anyone who has had Reclast Infusion. I had mine on Feb. 28,2023.
I am still experiencing very debilitating side effects. I will have a good day and then 3 bad days. I believe at this point I have experienced most of the side effects listed. I have so much pain in my joints such that I cannot sleep. Is this going to go on for a year??? Any info would be helpful.

gina5009 | @gina5009 | Apr 30, 2023

I have been on many different medications for 30 years, with no side effectsl but recently I have developed MGUS and the Hematologist suggested I stop the Ibandornate.
Gina5009

12jo | @12jo | May 27, 2023

Is there any information on how long a 'vacation', one at high risk, can safely take from alendronate ?

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jun 2, 2023

In reply to @12jo "Is there any information on how long a 'vacation', one at high risk, can safely take..." + (show)

Good evening @12jo ........Your own specialist or endocrinologist should be able to tell you if you are high or low risk. Everyone is different as we all know. There are a lot of factors to consider in making that determination.

Chris