I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about a year ago and was put on 35mg of Risedronate Sodium. It make my osophegus swell and it's an embaressment to try and eat when I go out with my friends. In fact I dread every meal time. I have lost weight because chocolate, ice cream and all things bad slip down easy enough but bread or steak toamto's eggs, These things I really struggle with. Does anyone know of an alternative.? thanks Bebe
Bebe, get to your doctor (or phone) and say you're coming off this med. immediately. Then discuss with him where you need to go from here. . . J
juno is absolutely right. What you're describing isn't a minor side-effect, it's a major adverse effect. People who have GI and esophageal issues either prior to osteoporosis or as a result of the meds given to treat it are not candidates for bisphosphonates, as this entire class of drugs is well known for causing such problems. I'm not going to suggest an alternate med because (1) I'm not a doctor so am unqualified to do so and (2) my personal belief is that there are NO osteoporosis drugs that have an acceptable risk:benefit profile.
I tried Risedronate and Alendronic acid but couldn't take either, I think because of my Hiatus Hernia, gave me pain in my breast bone. I think there are biophosphates that can be 'infused'. I was sent to a rhumatologist and he suggested Strontium ranelate or Raloxetine, but there can be side affects with those too. Not easy is it:-(
Go to yr doctor asap. Yes there are alternatives but you need to be off those meds now. I think as you are so allergic to them I would be inclined to ask to be referred to a specialist. Am sure the doc will tell you to stop taking them until you see someone. Don't panic though, reactions are common.
I agree, you need to come off that medication right away. The one thing about bones is they are slow growing so you won't cause yourself a crisis by stopping it abruptly. Have you received proper guidance from your medical people about getting enough of the right nutrition and appropriate exercise to build bones? I think that's important even if you continue with some other OP medicine. I'm with Allison72169, though. I think the OP meds are very dangerous and I've personally opted to take my chances without them!
I too suffered from damage to my oesophagus after bisphosphonates ( but my reaction was nowhere near as alarming as yours) and was prescribed strontium ranelate as an alternative. No side effects whatsoever BUT because of concerns over its cardiovascular safety my doctor withdrew that drug. I am now on six monthly injections of denosumab (Prolia) and have had an improvement in my bone score.
I agree with others on this site, stop taking this drug and seek professional help. Research the alternative drugs prescribed for you and decide whether they are right for you.
In the meantime, take calcium with magnesium (assists in the absorption) , vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. Whilst calcium is essential for good bone health, vitamin K2 is a key factor in regulating calcium in the body.
If you are able, strength and weight bearing exercises in a gym or just walking all help.
Good luck and let us all know how you get on.
Just for balance here Bebe, I have taken risedronate (Actonel) for 6 months, had no side-effects, have now moved to an injection med. for 2 years and have then to re-start risedronate or alendronate for a further 3 years. I take calcium and Vitamin D3 also.
I eat pretty well without letting it take me over and I exercise regularly but am finding anything other than brisk walking to be a bit of a struggle - but I'm trying to improve this a bit (could/would not sweat in a gym!!).
Faith made a good point by saying ' don't panic' - so hopefully you're not! Take care - and keep in touch. J
Ring the surgery tomorrow morning and tell them about yr reaction. My advice is take informed advice and keep an open mind. I have just fractured another vertebrae and believe me it is incredibly painful and incapacitating. You can always stop any medication be it homeopathic, herbal or conventional, nothing is set in stone.
I must differ with your statement that nothing is set in stone when it comes to the bisphosphonates and other osteoporosis drugs. These drugs have a staggeringly long half-life, meaning they do not leave your system for many years. That is what makes them especially risky and unlike most other types of drugs.
It is so difficult when you have already suffered vertebral factures like Faith. Only you can decide what is best for you, but by all means if you go the meds route, look for the one that has the fewest serious side effects. I know strontium ranelate has side effects, too, and the body evidently prefers calcium as you can't take them together or the body won't absorb the calcium. But it has been shown to improve bone density. Whether in the long run the bones are really stronger, I don't know. There is a more natuiral strontium supplement called strontium citrate. I have a feeling that ranelate, which is patented, has not yet been approved for use in the US but not really sure what the implications of that are - maybe just that the sellers of the older drugs feel threatened? Citrate, however, should be available like any other supplement. Lots of info on the internet!
I meant with strontium ranelate, the body rejects the strontium in favour of calcium, which is used in body processes besides bone building.
Everything is a risk. I have just come off denosumab injections (already been in the other drugs). Had osteoporosis for ten years etc etc. It's all a judgement call. Do what is right for you.
My research tells me that Prolia works by ratcheting down the message that leads to excessive osteoclast-driven bone removal and is active in the body for only six months. As with any drug there are potentially serious side effects. With Prolia this includes skin infections, musculoskeletal pain, urinary tract infections, including cellulitis, among other side effects. I am fortunaye I have no side effects.
However bisphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax (alendronate), Actonel, and Reclast (all of which have their own potentially serious side effects) work by layering on the surface of bone and are consumed by the osteoclasts, reducing their activity and remaining in bone for a relatively long time.
If these drugs help to improve bone densiity and there are no side effects, please explain why you consider them so risky?
I'm unclear which drugs you're referring to that have "no side effects." The "potentially serious," and, occurring often enough to raise concern, actually serious side effects, which you didn't mention, for ALL of these drugs, include osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fracture. Also, an improvement in bone density does not necessarily translate into stronger bone. My own understanding is that the mechanism of action for all of the drugs is interference with osteoclast activity, which results in the bone becoming more dense yet more brittle, thus setting the stage for the very fractures they're intended to prevent.
I am aware of osteonecrosis of the jaw but thank you for reminding me!.. I didn't make myself clear re "no side effects", I meant that I personally have no side effects.
I think my main concern is whilst I agree that the drugs can interfere with osteoclast activity, what is the alternative? Will healthy eating, exercise, vitamins and minerals be a suitable substiutute for bone strengthening drugs?
If only our doctors weren't led by the drug companies we might get an honest answer to this question.
I have no idea if diet, exercise, vitamins, etc., actually help to strengthen bone. My guess is that, once the bone is osteoporotic, diet, exercise, etc., may be only marginally helpful (if at all). That said, I try and eat calcium-containing foods, occasionally take a calcium supplement, and exercise a couple times a week, as all of these measures seem to fall into the probably-can't-hurt category.
Sadly, I do not think there is yet any means for reversing osteoporosis that is both effective and reasonably safe. Others on this site consider the risks acceptable. It's a difficult individual decision.
The one somewhat reassuring thought is that osteoporosis does not, in itself, cause fractures in most people who have it, unless their osteoporosis is so severe that they fracture for virtually no reason. Fractures, at least of the hip, are generally caused by falls, and they happen regardless of whether someone is or isn't taking an osteoporosis drug.
I realize that some people have such severe osteoporosis -- as evidenced by a history of fracture -- that taking a medication may be the lesser of two evils. If I felt I was in that situation (not there yet), I might consider Forteo. However, that drug is prescribed for only two years, at which point doctors then pressure patients to "maintain gains" by taking a drug such as Prolia and Reclast. Hopefully, other, safer drugs will come into the pipeline sooner rather than later.
This is what terrified me about even starting AA. I even have one here but could not bring myself to take it so glad I decided against it.
Apparently meds like alendronic acid once they are in the bones are there indefinitely - so far evidence has shown them still present for more than ten years. I am fortunate to still be "only" osteopenic although in high risk category for fracture, so it is relatively straightforward for me to reject the drugs and choose the more natural path. Only time will tell if it is enough.
I have two friends (about my age, one at least is a few years older) who were both diagnosed with osteoporosis. They both successfully through diet and exercise moved themselves into osteopenic range. One has carried on with her healthy regimen and continues to improve, while the other has slacked off and become osteoporotic again. It's definitely a lifelong committment.