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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2013 Posts: 703 Location: Hexham
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Does anyone have any experience of this medication please? It has been recommended by my GP due to the long term high dose steroids I am on (in addition to ADCAL calcium supplement) but according to the drug info leaflet the most common side effect (more than 1 in 10 people) is 'pain in the bones, muscles or joints which is sometimes severe.' That doesn't sound like something an RA sufferer would want!! Paul Barrett
Hexham - Northumberland - Loads of spectacular walks - all I need now are the joints to go with them! :)
Enthesitis (2012)
Ulcerative Colitis (1990)
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/21/2012 Posts: 388 Location: Powys
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I take alendronic acid, have been for about 3yrs now. Can't say that it has caused me any problems on top of the ra that I have noticed!! I have had a couple of bone scans in the last 5yrs or so and was put on it because my bones are showing up as less dense than they should be for my age. The main trouble I have is remembering to take it first thing in the morning before anything else!! My hubby is much better at remembering than me.  I also take calcichew daily. Be interesting to hear if anyone else has noticed any side effects. I do know that some people have it by infusion, I think that's once a year if the tablets do not suit, but I just take the tablets once a week and have to wait for 30mins before my morning cuppa. zena x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2013 Posts: 703 Location: Hexham
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zena_mary wrote:The main trouble I have is remembering to take it first thing in the morning before anything else!! My hubby is much better at remembering than me. I can see that being a problem for me too. :) That, and remembering which day to take it. Thanks for the info though. I feel a little more comfortable about taking it now. Paul Barrett
Hexham - Northumberland - Loads of spectacular walks - all I need now are the joints to go with them! :)
Enthesitis (2012)
Ulcerative Colitis (1990)
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 51
Location: Blackburn, Lancashire
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Hi
I took it for about 9 years becuase I had 2 bone scans that showed my bones were not as dense as they should have been. Did not have any side effects, fortunately. On the 3rd bone scan GP decided I did not need it any more.
Do still take Calichew twice a day though, along with other RA drugs.
Hope they are successful for you.
Best wishes
Lisa
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2013 Posts: 703 Location: Hexham
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Thanks Lisa and Zena. Do you have any preference for which day of the week to take it? Paul Barrett
Hexham - Northumberland - Loads of spectacular walks - all I need now are the joints to go with them! :)
Enthesitis (2012)
Ulcerative Colitis (1990)
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 90
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Hi Paul,
I have been on alendronic acid on and off for several years, as I have osteopenia, most properly due to steroid use.
I take it sunday morning with plenty of water. The reason I take it sunday morning, is that is the only day in the week we have a full breakfast, which takes about 30 mins. to prepare, the time you are supposed to wait before eating.
I also take adca d. I have not had any side effects. I am due to have a dexa scan in 2 weeks time. I hope my bone density has not reduced. I do worry alot about falling, as I broke my hip some years ago.
Merete
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2013 Posts: 703 Location: Hexham
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Hi Merete Sunday sounds like a good one. Thanks Paul Paul Barrett
Hexham - Northumberland - Loads of spectacular walks - all I need now are the joints to go with them! :)
Enthesitis (2012)
Ulcerative Colitis (1990)
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/16/2013
Posts: 9
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Hello to all who have left comments about Alendronate. I have been prescribed it as a result of being on Steroids. I am scared about taking it as I have read all of the side effects I am already on Methotrexate, Steroids, Folic Acid, Calcium, Co=codomol, and now this one if I choose to take it of course. I think in the end I will not have any choice as I do not want any broken bones.  Life is not the same as it was anti R.A. I and not the person of a year ago. I must stay positive anyone got any suggestions as to how I can achieve this. 
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/16/2013
Posts: 9
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Hi Paul, I have just read your posting dated the 1/8/2012. Are you still om Alendronic acid? Have you experienced side effects? I have been prescribed it along with calcium supplements. Please let me know how you got on. All of the info I have had is very negative about the side effects. I am really scared about taking these medications.
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/16/2013
Posts: 9
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Hi Paul, I have just read your posting dated the 1/8/2012. Are you still om Alendronic acid? Have you experienced side effects? I have been prescribed it along with calcium supplements. Please let me know how you got on. All of the info I have had is very negative about the side effects. I am really scared about taking these medications.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2013 Posts: 703 Location: Hexham
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Paddy1997 wrote:Hi Paul, I have just read your posting dated the 1/8/2012. Are you still om Alendronic acid? Have you experienced side effects? I have been prescribed it along with calcium supplements. Please let me know how you got on. All of the info I have had is very negative about the side effects. I am really scared about taking these medications. I have had so ,uch else going on meds wise that I have postponed this one. So, sorry, but I can't tell you anything useful. :( Paul Barrett
Hexham - Northumberland - Loads of spectacular walks - all I need now are the joints to go with them! :)
Enthesitis (2012)
Ulcerative Colitis (1990)
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 302
Location: Rainham Kent
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Hi Paul and Paddy,
Sounds a good group doesn't it. I believe the alendronic acid is taken so that your body can take up the calcichew -d better.
One of the trade names was Fozimax and has been going for years. Recently the health people have said that to save money
the doctor must only prescribe the generic (pharmacutical ) name.
Both are long term treatments with the aim of strengthening the bones and preserve what calcium we have got to keep from fractures
etc.
From what I have heard, they are fairly well tolerated. If you don't like the fizzy calcichew there are now caplets that one takes like
any other tablets. apart from alendronic acid its always better to take with food or drink. Hope that helps but do ask your own rheumy
nurse. Anne
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