Osteoporosis meds???

Koala77 · 01-08-2009, 07:49 PM

I WAS taking Actonel for osteoporosis, but I found it gave me morning sickness. I'd wake up about 4:30-5:00am and I'd vomit over and over. I finally stopped taking them. The vomiting has since stopped, but I haven't been game to tell my doctor yet.

I broke 6 bones in 5 years, and that's not counting earlier fractures, so I daresay I'm in the same boat as you Maryann.

I wish there was something out there that would stop me breaking bones, but which was gentle on my stomach.

I even vomited blood a few weeks ago, and I think it was related to this osteo medication. Either that or I've given myself an ulcer!

Edit:

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsD

...You need to look at other drugs you may be taking that may be making osteoporosis worse. Mainly proton pump inhibitors like Nexium, and SSRI antidepressants, steroids, anti-seizure medications........

My Vit D level was low and my neuro put me on a supplement, but I do take nexium and an anti-epilepsy medication for chronic nerve pain.

DM · 01-08-2009, 08:03 PM

I sure wish I could say it felt good knowing that I'm not alone in battling this nasty bone disease, but I'm really sorry you are suffering too, Anne! So, if we rob Peter to pay Paul, then Peter gets sick!!!! My brain hurts. I have an appt w/my Rheumy in Feb, but may bump it up. I just want to be armed w/as much info on all these drugs as I can be before seeing him or making any decisions. Another great thing about NT; there is always someone (or many) willing to help.

Hope you feel better soon, Anne!

Koala77 · 01-08-2009, 08:11 PM

Thank you DM.

DM · 01-12-2009, 09:29 PM

Well, I got my labwork back and understand alot of it, but am confused about the following: 25 Hydroxy D2 <4.0

25 Hydroxy D3 and total 25 Hydroxy were both w/in normal ranges.

I don't see where B12 levels were done, but TSH, creatinen, BUN, Alk Phos, Calcium, GFR, etc etc were ok.

So, now I decide what is the lesser of the evils to take. Reclast is in the same class as Boniva and you were so right about those, mrsD. Thank you for all the info, I just wish I knew what to do and know I sound like a broken record. The Rheumy will lean towards Forteo, but I am really afraid of the side effects. Those lab mice didn't have a chance.

Am I being too sensitive?

mrsD · 01-13-2009, 09:12 AM

Check this out:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/579457
you may have to join to read it...but that is free and easy.

Quote:

August 22, 2008 — Strontium ranelate is effective in younger postmenopausal women aged 50 to 65 years with severe osteoporosis, according to the results of a study reported in the August 19 Online First issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

"Early osteoporotic fractures have a great impact on the disease progression, the first fracture being a major risk factor for further fractures," write Christian Roux, from Université Paris-Descartes in Paris, France, and colleagues. "Subsequently, the efficacy of antiosteoporotic treatments in the younger women appears of utmost interest. Strontium ranelate is an antiosteoporotic treatment, simultaneously reducing bone resorption while promoting bone formation."

In the Spinal Osteoporosis Therapeutic Intervention, an international, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, strontium ranelate 2 g/day orally was effective in reducing the risk for vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and a prevalent vertebral fracture. The present analysis included data collected during 4 years in 353 women aged 50 to 65 years who were enrolled and randomly assigned in the Spinal Osteoporosis Therapeutic Intervention.

more on strontium:
http://www.algaecal.com/strontium.html

D2 is the storage form of Vit D.
D3 is the active form.

This PubMed article compares treatments:

Quote:

Rev Med Brux. 2008 Sep;29(4):301-9.Links
[Update on treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis]
[Article in French]

Body JJ.

Service de Médecine, C.H.U. Brugmann, Bruxelles. jean-jacques.body@chu-brugmann.be

The most frequent sites of osteoporotic fractures are the vertebrae, the hip, the forearm and the proximal humerus. Drugs that inhibit bone resorption constitute the mainstay for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. A recent meta-analysis indicates that vitamin D can reduce the risk of hip fractures only if calcium supplements are also administered. The effect of hormone replacement therapy on the risk of non vertebral fractures is less clear than on vertebral fractures. Raloxifene (a SERM) reduces the rate of vertebral fractures and of breast cancer, but it does not protect against hip fracture. Bisphosphonates are the most commonly used compounds to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. The level of evidence for currently used bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, zoledronate) to reduce vertebral fracture rate is maximal. Results of controlled clinical trials indicate a reduction in the risk of vertebral fractures of 40-50% and of 20-40% for non vertebral fractures, including hip fractures. However, their relative efficacy on hip fractures has been less well studied and remains more controversial. Long-term compliance of bisphosphonate therapy is improved by intermittent schemes. The most recent developpements concern the intravenous administration of ibandronate and even more of zoledronate (yearly infusions). The reduction in the rate of vertebral and hip fractures has been demonstrated in the main zoledronate trial and a prolongation of survival has been shown in the study including patients with a recent hip fracture. Whereas hyperparathyroidism is a cause of bone loss, the intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone or of its 1-34 fragment (teriparatide) exerts anabolic effects on the skeleton. The treatment is demanding and costly (daily sc injections during 18 months), requires some monitoring (serum and urinary calcium) but the results, at least for vertebral fractures, are quite favorable. Strontium ranelate is a less powerful stimulator of bone formation but it also reduces bone resorption. Its daily administration for 3 years reduces the risk of vertebral fractures and, to a lesser extent, of non vertebral fractures. Lastly, denosumab is a high affinity antibody against RANK Ligand that specifically blocks the formation and the activity of osteoclasts. The efficacy of this promising compound will soon be known.

PMID: 18949981 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

I can understand your concerns. If it were me?
I'd get that Vit D up and try the strontium containing supplements. They are becoming more common now.

Low Vit D levels cause a secondary hyperparathyroidism.
read more here:
http://www.parathyroid.com/low-vitamin-d.htm

DM · 01-13-2009, 10:33 AM

Again~ Thank you mrsD. I am going to do some homework today on the Strontium. I take 400IU of VitD-3 plus a Women's multivit and calcium 2 X's a day. Wonder what a good amt of Vit D would be?? There are so many diff types of Calcium out there too.

I appreciate the links you've provided and the time you put into helping me and so many others here. Now, I at least feel better armed when I see my Dr in Feb. I'm kissing the Forteo goodbye for now. I need to feel comfortable taking it and not worrying every day if every little ache and pain is from it.

You ROCK mrsD... hugs from me to you.

SandyC · 01-13-2009, 12:18 PM

DM, I thank you for this thread. I am not on osteo meds yet but since my mom has it I know I should be tested and soon. The info on reflux meds and osteo meds are interesting to say the least and kind of makes me mad. You have one thing that is affected by another. Ugh, I am praying you find something that works for you.

Wiz, I didn't know there was a drug for osteopenia. I'll bring that up at Jim's next doctor visit.

As always, MrsD, you rock!

mrsD · 01-13-2009, 04:43 PM

This is the D3 I take.
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=8229&at=0

I use 2000IU when spring comes and I am outside more.
I use 4000IU during winter, like now.

I don't use any starting in late June when I am outside ALOT, and I restart it in late Sept. at the 2000IU level until Nov.

I think liqui-gels are the best, since Vit D is fat soluble. I am not
really in favor of dry D3. Unless you take it with an oil or fatty meal. Even then? no guarantees.

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