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Alendronic Acid,now Adcal D3 added-Why? Options
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Sheila-R
#1 Posted : Saturday, September 04, 2010 9:09:06 PM Quote
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Confused I currently take Alendronic Acid once a week first thing in the morning. I was under the impression that the reason I take this is because I'm still on steriods (along with other things) and that it goes some way towards protecting my bones.
However this morning I had a letter from my GP's surgery that says they are reviewing patients who take this and are now asking that I consider Adcal D3 Lemon. The letter is quite confusing although seems to indicate that the Adcal D3 Lemon is taken either once or twice a day as well as the Alendronic Acid once a week.
It also says the review has been funded by ProStrakan.
From what I've looked up on the net it would appear that the Adcal D3 does the same job as the Alendronic Acid, or am I wrong?
Do I really need to take yet another tablet along with the list of things I already take?
Or is it a hidden drug trial as its funded ProStraken?
Does anyone else take both?
All answers much appreciated.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Sheila
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LynW
#2 Posted : Sunday, September 05, 2010 8:25:27 AM Quote
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Hi Sheila

I take Adcal D3 and have for many years. It is a combination treatment of calcium carbonate and Vitamin D3 used to help in the prevention of bone conditions such as osteoporosis. I was prescribed it as I have been on steroids for 22 years! I have never had Alendronic Acid but like you wonder why you would need to take both as they do seem to serve a similar function. I wonder whether it is some type of testing ProStrakan are doing? It certainly looks like it doesn't it?

I think I would be popping by the surgery to ask whether it is necessary to take both? Goodness we take enough stuff without adding to it!

Good luck Sheila,

Lyn x

My son, Ian, completed the BUPA Great North Run on 15th September running for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). You can read his story at http://www.justgiving.com/ianlukewilson

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benmaise
#3 Posted : Sunday, September 05, 2010 12:37:21 PM Quote
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I take Alendronic acid once a week and Adcal D twice a day since i was diagnosed with osteoporosis . When they discovered i had Coeliac they gave me a bone scan . This was about six years ago. I was ill for about 18 years with bowel problems before they tested me for coeliac . They just kept giving me pills for irritable bowel. This is what caused the osteoporosis. I think its just to give extra protection for the bones giving us both. Kathleen Mc.
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liz_t
#4 Posted : Sunday, September 05, 2010 5:21:05 PM Quote
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Hello Kathleen
As I understand things the Alendronic Acid is one of the biphosphonates that help to prevent bone loss. Adcal is a calcium supplement with vitamin D to help with absorption. I take Calcichew D3 Forte which I think is similar. I have been prescribed a biphosphonate for 17 years - first Didronel then Risedronate and now Alendronic Acid

I too have been taking steroids for many years - 20 haven't caught up with Lyn's 22 yet! I started them temporarlily whilst Methotrexate took effect, I stopped the MTX and carried on with the steroids. they have been the only drug over the years to have any consistent effect. The lowest I got down to was 6.5mg for a few good years, the last few years have not been below 20 currently on 25mg.
hope this helps, Liz T
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m_nanasbaum
#5 Posted : Sunday, September 05, 2010 6:44:33 PM Quote
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I take alendronic acid once a week with a daily calcium tablet.

I now feel rather nervous about taking it, after having read a leading article in the Daily Telegraph 3 days ago, that new research shows, that people, who have taken it for more than 5 years, have an increased risk of developing cancer of the gullet. I have been on it for at least 12 years, as I am a steroid user, and already has had a hip fracture due to brittle bones.

I am getting rather worried about possible side effects from all the drugs, we have to take. I have had to increase my steroids from 5 to 10 mg 4 weeks ago, as I am having a major flare at the moment, which I can`t shake off. I hate being on the steroids, but it is the only thing, that really helps me to function.

Merete
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john-a
#6 Posted : Monday, September 06, 2010 1:14:44 AM Quote
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Hi

My GP & Rheumatologist told me that prolonged use of steroids can cause thinning of the bone, alendronic acid gives more bone protection above and beyond the calcium our bones need.
I've been taking it since I've had lots of steroid injections. I take 2 Adcal Vit D3s per day. I was worried about the amount of calcium carbonate I was putting into my body, (too much can cause cardio complications) so I asked for my calcium to be checked - even with more calcium in my diet and the adcals - I was still (though just) below 'normal' levels.

It just seems as though all this drug taking is a balancing act. You take one, you need another to counter balance the side effects. It's a vicious circle and constant exploration.

I just hope that some doctors, somewhere are monitoring all this for our benefit. My fear is, the only people really looking into this are the drug companies, who want year on year growth and profit maximisation.

John
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Sheila-R
#7 Posted : Monday, September 06, 2010 10:34:02 PM Quote
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Many thanks, Lyn, Liz, Kathleen, Merete and John,
It seems we are all prescribed different things, and at least I now know that its not unusual to have both drugs together.
John, that's a good idea I think I will ask for my calcium to be checked when I go for bloods in a couple of weeks.
Also Lyn's idea of popping in to ask more at the surgery is a good one especially as the letter has a very poor explanation. Not that they will admit if a drug company is involved. It will be interesting to see if after a while (because its funded by ProStrakan) they take me off the Alendronic Acid and just leave the Adcal, seems like a good way for the drug companies to push their products. I see that ProStrakan have already made something like 10.3 million on this drug, maybe they are trying to corner the market.
On a minor point as you have to chew them do they taste okay?
Thanks again everyone,
Best wishes
Sheila
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