Hi everyone, Iv'e had a P1NP test to calculate the response of the fosamax for the bone density, my G.P ran to say that the fosamax is working wonderfully and my body is very good at absorbing it, my P1NP levels are at 20 ug/L. i had to google all this, i had no idea what any of it meant. She want's me on it for another 5 years The thing is that i havn't taken the fosamax is that strange? anyone had a similar experiance? Hope you are all good
I'm sure there's a reason for this but you have given me such a chuckle - thanks! Fosamax is another name for Alendronic acid, a bisphosphonate. We are offered it when on steroids to maintain bone density.
"However, bone turnover markers (BTMs) still have limited clinical utility. It is not routinely recommended to use BTMs to select those at risk of fractures, but baseline measurements of resorption markers are useful before commencement of anti-resorptive treatment and can be checked 3–6 months later to monitor response and adherence to treatment. "
Hahahahahaha!!!!! And I'm darn sure I wouldn't be taking alendronic acid/Fosamax for another 5 years. Don't they read anything? Have you admitted you have been totally non-compliant?
I wondered if maybe she'd got it the wrong way round - but no, your result of 20 mcg/L is right at the bottom of the range. So does that show that the pred ISN'T causing increased bone turnover and BD loss and you are fine to continue NOT taking the AA?
I wonder what the NOS (National Osteoporosis Society) would say. A bit more reading (and really only a bit so not that definitive) seems to suggest there is still a lot of dispute about the value of these tests because of variability.
Thanks for this. You have brightened my day! Have you told her you are not taking it?
Wfewww.....all that wonderful (I think😟) information went COMPLETELY over my head! I'm quite sure it was an honest attempt to explain if/why fosamax may be in order for margot, but alas, I know, no more now than I did prior to reading the aforementioned post! I've been told I have compression fractures on my spine, (is this why my back aches all the time...why I can't stand in one place for more than appx 20-30sec??), and I too have been advised I need fosamax injections!....can't take the oral due to my acid reflux! Anyway folks, why I MUCH appreciate all the info i can get, if you could please break things down in mear layman's terms, I, for one, would be greatly appreciative!....thanks in advance!😘
Btw....I've got osteopenia, and I DO know what that means!
Interesting programme on placebos UK TV BBC2 a week or so ago. Might still be available on iPlayer.
It was a discussion of why Fosamax probably ISN'T required. If the bone density was being reduced by the pred the P1NP level would have been much higher and possibly much lower if she had been taking the Fosamax. There is a limit to how layman-ish I can make things.
Fosamax doesn't come as injections. Fosamax is a brand name - it will be a similar medication but with a different name and as an injection.
Yes, if you have compression fractures then that is why you spine is painful and you probably do need some sort of medication to reduce the risk of having more.
Don't think placebos will change biochemical parameters though!!!! If only...
Margot, I love it. I wonder what your GP would say if they knew!!!
Might change some medics' naive faith in some of the stuff they want us to take, though.
hello.. i was told this week i am in the very early stages of osteoporsis after a bone scan. I am 65. The lady didn't think it was caused by prednisone since I have only been on it since April (never higher than 15 mg, now at 6) My doctor wants me to take Fosomax also because I am on prednisone. I don't like the idea of fosomax actually causing your bones to become brittle after 4-5 years. I will be certain to take needed calcium, vit D, k2 and minerals.Have any of you taken Fosomax or something similar longterm to help build bones?
That is priceless!! I refused Fosamax years ago when i developed osteopenia and got my Gyn at the time to write me an Rx for the gym instead. 15 years later and i learn that bonebuilders increase the possibility of spiral fractures -- which are exactly as horrible as they sound. You can bet I'm saving this thread since my rheumy is now pushing bonebuilders again (due to the prednisone) when shes not pushing MTX. Thx immeasurably for this!
It is Prolia that results in spinal fractures when you stop using it - so you have to keep using it or start taking bisphosphonates to be able to come off the Prolia, which since the usual reason for being on Prolia is because of the gastric effects of bisphosphonates seems a bit silly. The bisphosphonates create cracked bone tissue - which can result in atypical femoral fractures. And since the primary reason for taking bisphosphonates is to reduce the risk of fractures of the neck of the femur also seems a bit silly...
The FIRST thing is a baseline bone density scan (dexascan) and then follow-up to see if pred is affecting bone density. It doesn't always - by any means. If you have normal range bone density (-1,6 plus or minus a bit) there is no benefit in taking the bone medication. Not until you are approaching osteoporosis - t-score below -2.5.
thanks Eileen. that was much more "laymanish"...user friendly,.if you will..😉. I can't remember what name I was given for an.injection....only that fosamax was mentioned and that wouldn't be a good fit (orally) as.it tends to cause acid reflux and I've already got that in "spades"! anyway, thanks again for clearing that up for me.....
The recommendations are to take it for 2 or 3 years and then take a holiday - it is longer use that brings the worst problems. There are people who have taken it without any problems - and when it is required even I don't have a problem with it being used. But it shouldn't be used for people with normal bone density levels as a preventative - it should be kept for when it is needed. I didn't need it - my bone density was fine and has remained so despite never taking anything more than calcium and vit D supplements.
No Maggie, not yet...but my doc wants ME to do the same thing (only for osteopenia). after getting the results from my bone scan, I was told I had several compression fractures in my spine and was in danger of a hip fracture in the not-too-distant future! I'm 67....if you'd told me of all these medical issues I'd be having at 66.. .I'd have laughed in your face!😱😁
Apparently the greatest effects on the bones occur within the first few months of taking pred. I didn't have a timely scan either, about the same lag time as yours, perhaps a little longer, and was diagnosed with low bone mass (aka osteopenia). I didn't take any drugs but have increased my bone density out of the range where meds are recommended solely through diet, supplements and appropriate exercise. I also was able to reduce my pred dose to about 5 mg within a year, so I'm sure that has been helpful too. Google healthunlocked my osteoporosis journey to read an account of what I did.
Thanks to all for your input. I may take the fosomax for a year until next bone scan while i try and get my exercise program going again.
The PMR has made me more fatigued and less likely to go to the gym after work, but I am determined to change that now that I am a little stronger at 6 mg. My diet is good. i will be researching all ways to do this without additional meds.
Could taking FOSOMAX one year cause any harm if i never go back to it?i would quit only if by then i am exercising 3x weekly weight bearing, and my scans are good with next scan in one year. MY goal...
Thanks Celia, yes it is for maintaining bone density, mine have done OK without it.