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PMR and Prednisone and Osteoporosis

Posted by alan bruce @alanbruce, Nov 29, 2017

I have PMR and also have ostopenia which started prior to my PMR diagnosis. My Rheumatologist suggested that I take Fosamax or Actonel in order to reduce the chances of getting osteoporosis. I am wondering if anyone out there with PMR and had a bone density test which the results indicated ostopenia or osteoporosis. If so how long have you been on prednisone. Has anyone been on or is on a drug such as the two above because they are on long term predisone. I am trying to decide which to take if any. I would appreciate any thoughts or comments you may have.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 29, 2017

Hi Alan (@alanbruce), I also have osteopenia that was recently diagnosed after a bone density scan. My PMR came out of remission after 6 years about a year ago. The first round with the PMR I was put on 20 mg prednisone and was not able to taper off until 2010. This second time with PMR I was started at 20 mg prednisone and I'm currently at 3 mg tapering off about 1 or 1/2 mg a month. My doctor suggested I add 1200 mg Calcium supplement daily and I initially didn't do it because it binds me up pretty good. I started taking the calcium again and using metamucil fiber to help with the constipation. I also started taking a Collagen Hydrolysate gelatin supplement for bones/joint care to help with the osteopenia. I would talk with my doctor about fosamax and it's safety. Fosamax has some safety concerns according to a few searches I've done. I have no medical background or training but I do try and use a natural supplement if there is one available. Here are a couple of links with additional information on fosamax:
https://www.drugwatch.com/fosamax/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/whats_the_story_with_fosamax
Hope this helps,
John

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1 reply
alan bruce | @alanbruce | Nov 29, 2017
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi Alan (@alanbruce), I also have osteopenia that was recently diagnosed after a bone density scan...." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi Alan (@alanbruce), I also have osteopenia that was recently diagnosed after a bone density scan. My PMR came out of remission after 6 years about a year ago. The first round with the PMR I was put on 20 mg prednisone and was not able to taper off until 2010. This second time with PMR I was started at 20 mg prednisone and I'm currently at 3 mg tapering off about 1 or 1/2 mg a month. My doctor suggested I add 1200 mg Calcium supplement daily and I initially didn't do it because it binds me up pretty good. I started taking the calcium again and using metamucil fiber to help with the constipation. I also started taking a Collagen Hydrolysate gelatin supplement for bones/joint care to help with the osteopenia. I would talk with my doctor about fosamax and it's safety. Fosamax has some safety concerns according to a few searches I've done. I have no medical background or training but I do try and use a natural supplement if there is one available. Here are a couple of links with additional information on fosamax:
https://www.drugwatch.com/fosamax/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/whats_the_story_with_fosamax
Hope this helps,
John

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Thank you John. these two links give me lots of concern. I have a good Dr. who thinks it is important to get on fosamax

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