Alendronic Acid, A heads up ?

1. jo212 8 August 2012 at 01:23AM
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   Hi all ,

   New to the group and google'd Alendronic Acid, after being prescibed it today by my GP, then found this forum.

   So a brief history, I am an active 50yo woman, not too overwieght ,though I have an underactive Thyroid (on Thyroxin). Recently I was diagnosed with Coeliacs disease, after a bone scan It indicated I had Osteoporosis due to not having any Calcium uptake or other nutrients from my diet for some years

   So today I was prescribed AA .But when I got home I read the Leaflet and was horrified!.

   I already have another slight condition, Ive also just been told, with tendon inflamation ( they dont know why or whats going on , waiting to be seen by specialist).

   My aches and pains from afore mentioned have been bad enough, so Im very reluctant to start the Alendronic Acid after reading up on it.

   So it’s still sat in the packet. I’d like some relative info and then I will consider my options.

   Also does anyone have any knowledge of healthier or more natural alternatives to AA (less side effects), to help increasing bone density ( I know about lifting weights, Im going to the Gym).

   I am taking Calcichew’s, also prescribed today, but happy to have those.

   Im also having HRT, Naproxen, for the inflamitory thing and Omoprizol for the affect it may have on the stomach, so Im possitivly rattling and not happy taking any of it if Im honnest!

   Any advice would be much appreciated.

   :~}

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2. sporty 11 August 2012 at 10:29AM

   Hi,

   Am so glad have linked into this forum. I was advised during a telephone appointment 9th August 2012 with my surgery that I had osteoporosis following a recent bone scan and that I needed to start treatment, whereby a prescription would be waiting for me to collect on Friday. I was told I would be prescribed Calcium Tabs plus a supplement. I collected the prescription and found AA plus calcichews had been prescribed. Not knowing what AA was I immediately googled it and must admit don't feel comfortable taking this after what I've read. I'm not overweight and go to a local Curves gym, having played a lot of sport throughout my life (am now 65) and always kept fit and active. Am going to get a doc's appointment on Monday hopefully, as would like to discuss my options face to face and also find out just how fragile my bones are and is it all over, or one specific area. Am feeling apprehensive and concerned and feel to be advised of a condition such as this over the phone is very insensitive. Will keep you updated on how I proceed but I certainly will avoid taking AA if I can support my bones via calcium intake etc and exercise.

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3. marg123 13 February 2013 at 14:38PM

   I have posted about my side effects with alendronic acid - hair loss and severe rash lasting four months so far. I just read in Daily Telegraph today (13.2.13) that medical research just published in the British Medical Journal says taking extra calcium can double risk of heart attack and that there is no scientific evidence that calcium supplements help osteoporosis (Prof. Karl Michaelsson from University of Uppsala in Sweden - a country with a high incidence of osteoporosis). Also read recently that Germany, USA, Norway, Finland have highest intake of dietary calcium and also highest incidence of osteoporosis in the world. I am somewhat confused by advice on calcium but it seems calcium supplements may not be helpful unless balanced with magnesium - that needs to be researched separately. I have been to see a medical herbalist who has prescribed a mixture of herbs which strengthen the bones. I also try to eat a diet rich in non-dairy calcium - sesame seed, almonds, figs, apricots, broccoli and chia seeds - very high in calcium (I get these from health food store and grind them up and sprinkle on cereal, soups etc).

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