Ibandronic Acid (Bonviva) any better than Aledronic Acid?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I've been reading all the problems people have had with Aledronic acid. I've been prescribed Ibandronic acid, does anyone know if it's any better?

2

Is that actonel? I have fosamax but have not started it yet. They are sure scary side effects.

3

Hi

What problems were you having with AA?

I've been put on to Ibandronic Acid.   The good thing I find is that I only have to take it once a month, not once a weekl

I found the AA made me feel a bit sick all day the day I took it......if this has any effect at least it will be once a month

Love

Eileen UK

4

It has all of the potential side effects of other bisphosphonate drugs, including esophageal irritation, so-called jaw death, and atypical thigh fracture. The most concerning aspect of this and the other osteoporosis drugs is their staggeringy long half life -- up to ten years. This means they stay active in your body that entire time. Osteoporosis is a frightening diagnosis -- I have that diagnosis as well. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean the medications that physicians have been doling out are safe. Doctors are fond of saying that "all medications can have side-effects" and that the risk of an osoporotic fracture far outweighs the risk of a catastrophic medication-induced side-effect. I, for one, am not convinced. That said, I'm not a doctor, and perhaps for some people the drugs are useful and/or the lesser of two evils. At this point, it seems like a guessing game -- one with very high stakes.

 

5

I wasn't on AA but I've been reading about the problems and hope it's not so bad with Ibandronic acid. I used to take Strontium but there have been some negative findings and my GP won't let me have it now.

Glad you found something better - no fun feeling sick once a week!

6

No, I think it's called something else in the US. I agree the side effects sound bad - but they always do. So far none of my drugs have given me obvious side effects, but you never what what's going on inside... 

7

I really didn't want to take any bisphosphonate because of the idea that they make your bones harder and possibly more brittle. Also the rare side effects like necrosis of the jaw. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis five years ago and started taking strontium citrate which you should be able to find in health food shopos or online. I changed to strontium ranelate in the UK as I could get it on prescription therefore free (I'm over 60). However there have been some reports of links with heart problems and GPs have be told not to give it. Also heard yesterday I have a spinal fracture so they are keen for me to take IA. I'm feeling a bit stunned after reading that one spinal fracture usually leads to another, reckon I'll end up in a wheelchair at this rate.

8

I have not started the fosamax yet because the oral surgeon said to wait another two weeks after extractions. I am worried about the side effects and the more I read the more concerned I am. I have cleared up the jaw one but the esophagel one and potential breaks remain scary! For the jaw, after three years of taking the meds you can have a CTX blood test to see  the risk and see an oral surgeon for the extraction. Such a difficult choice!