Actonel injections

Bones, joints and muscles
1

 Would someone be able to give me some input into this bone-saving medication? 

I was told by a "fill-in" doctor who I had not seen before, that Prednisone is a terrible but often necessary medication.  What bothered me when he said that PMR is "annoying" which is truly an understatement.

We all know how excrutiating the pain can be......!

I am wondering what the side effects of Actonel might be.  I am taking 1000 mg of Calcium, 2000 UI of  D, and 500 mg of Magnesium.

I am on 15 mg of Prednisone.

Thank you for any information about this.

Erika

2

There is some douht as to AA being effective.  If you want to be sure ask your GP or PCP for a Dexascan to check your bone denisy first.  I had some very nasty side effects and stopped after only taking it for a month.  It to counter Osteoporosis

3

There is a forun on this - https://patient.info/forums/discuss/browse/alendronic-acid-2494

4

Hi erika, I agree with oregonjohn, get your bone density measured first before you even consider medication for bones. You're taking calcium, magnesium and vit d so that will all help with any damage preds can do to your bones. Remember not everyone suffers from bone loss from pred.

 I don't take any medication for my bones, only the same supplements as you take. all the best, christina

 

5

Hi Erika, as has already been said, AFTER you've had a scan to determine IF you have osteoporosis and need a medication, THEN discuss what med. may be best for you, and their possible side-effects.  I've never heard of Actonel injections - but maybe  they're a new creation . . . . Finally, there's a rake of side-effects with Actonel as with most medications,  but best not put the cart before the horse here -you might not need them at all !   Kind thoughts, J

6

Erika

Why 100mg of Calcium, 200UI of Vit and 500mg of Magnesium.

Are you deficient in any of these items.

Normally you are prescribed Calichew (Calcium and Vit D in one tablet).

The golden rule is  Pred for breakfast,  mid morning you first PPI -if you have been prescribed one and Calcium and Vit D for lunch.  Then one does not cancel the others out.

I think you have mishead Alendronic for Actonel.

Oregonjohn has given you the link, but before anyone talks about any bone protection you need a Dexa Scan to get a base line.

I had one after six months and I had been on 60mg per day and then managed by six month down to 20mg per day.    Dexa Scan - bones 97%.  2 years later (still on pred) another Dexa still 97%. Five years down the line off pred.  Last Dexa showed bones still at 97% and I was then 75.  

However after 2 years, too much calcium led to psuedo gout - caused by Calcium Crystals  - so Calichew stopped.  Cont'd with Vit D.

7

John, I had a dexascan and it was borderline.  I told him that I would not want to take the Actonal as a pill because it would be tough on my stomach.  He said that a yearly Actonal injection would work better. But I do wonder.....which side effects it might have.

Thanks for your input!

Erika

8

Thanks Christina!  Good to get your opinion!

Erika

9

I hope, I don't need this scary injection.  I have osteopena which I have had for more than 10 years, and I was recently diagnosed with it again.  I think, I will just keep popping my calcium ! :-)

10

Hi Lodger, I am taking 1000 mg of Calcium which I stated.....no problem!  I am in the US and they call Alencronic acid Actonel.  I don't like adding anything more than what I am taking.  I react right away, and I don't want to take this chance.  An injection is going to stay in my body, and I cannot do anything about it once it is given.

Thanks for your input, Erika

11

Hi Oregonjohn, Can I ask you have you moved to another med. for OP or have you stopped all meds.?   J.

 

12

Hi, Just reading your first post again. You didn't say that your doc. actually advised you to  take Actonel or any other med. for your bones apart from Calcium etc. You don't have OP (happily) so OP meds. not for you. . . So calcium (preferably from your food,) weight-bearing exercise, and Vit.D if your levels are low is the usual advice .. . . . J

13

erika

So you live in the USA, well the FDA have published the whole shebang on AA as we call it, Actonel as you call it.   Take a gander. Some of us were very pleased to read the FDA spiel on it.

14

Hi lodger,  AA (alendronate) is a different med. from Actonel (risedronate), though both are bisphosphonates. The first one has been around longer. Both claim success in fracture prevention, both are available in generic from and are cheap. There is research to show, however, that the branded  ones are more effective,have less side-effects and therefore are tolerated better by users. . .  Best wishes. J

15

Thanks John, I read what the forum is saying about Actonel or alendronic acid.  Scary! I had a recent scan which said that I am osteopenia.  I think, I will stick to the Calcium, Mag. and Vitamin D and hope for the best.

 Have you heard of a topical gel called Diclofenac Sodium which is supposed to help for pain? 

16

The radiologist who carried out my dexa scan said you have to take AA for at least a year for it to have any effect. Does anyone know if this is the case.

I am going to the doctor for the result next week and also wondered what level my bones should be for a 73 year old.

17

If you take a look at the National Osteoporosis site it has a load of information.   This site also has information under Osteoporosis.

Use the search top right had cornet - labelled Search Patient.

18

Kay, please let me know.  I am 74 years old.  It would give me a guide line, too.  I am very hesitant following doctor's orders and would like to do research first myself.

Thanks,

Erika

19

Hello Kay -

Yes that is the case - the normal procedure is first making sure that AA is neccessary - that osteoporosis is diagnosed - with a dxa scan.

In "normal" cases (where prednisolon is not involved) a new scan would first be taken after a 2 year interval - apparently there is very little change after just one year.

I have osteoporosis and am taking prednisolone for going on 3 years - I have had 1 dxa scan per year, am booked in for a third scan in august.

The first scan was taken as the precautionary evaluation at the onset of prednisolone treatment - this is when it was discovered that I have osteoporosis (just to add insult to injury!!) so I was started on AA straight away.

I am fortunate that I have not experienced any side effects (touch wood it stays that way!)

My second scan last year showed a very slight improvement, so I am hoping that my next scan shows another improvement.

As I understand it treatment with AA should stop after 5 years -

I don't know alot about AA - just thought I would share my experience with it.

20

Thank you I will do that.