bjinsco
09-05-2005, 02:31 AM
Please - would like to know any one's experience with Boniva.
I recently had a dexa scan. I have 13% bone loss in spine and 4% in hip. Doctor said I MUST start taking Boniva NOW. I was dx'd several years ago with what they said was significant bone loss in hip and spine area. Doctor gave me Rx for Fosamax but gut instinct told me don't take it.
Does any one else have this paranoia? :rolleyes:
Thanks
BTW - I am two years post menopause. I'm 53.
I recently had a dexa scan. I have 13% bone loss in spine and 4% in hip. Doctor said I MUST start taking Boniva NOW. I was dx'd several years ago with what they said was significant bone loss in hip and spine area. Doctor gave me Rx for Fosamax but gut instinct told me don't take it.
Does any one else have this paranoia? :rolleyes:
Thanks
BTW - I am two years post menopause. I'm 53.
Sponsor
Piano0105
09-05-2005, 12:56 PM
Boniva is the only osteo drug I haven't tried. I couldn't tolerate the side-effects from Fosamax, Actonel, Evista, HRT, Miacalcin, and Forteo. I've recently read that bisphosphonates such as Boniva, Fosamax, and Actonel may contribute to osteonecrosis of the jaw as well as make bones more brittle with long-term use. Studies have confirmed that the fractures people do sustain while on bisphosphonates take longer to heal.
I, personally, will wait to see if they can come up with something with fewer side-effects even though my T-scores were -2.7 at my last DEXA scan several months ago.
I, personally, will wait to see if they can come up with something with fewer side-effects even though my T-scores were -2.7 at my last DEXA scan several months ago.
taape
09-05-2005, 04:11 PM
IBjinsco,
Is Boniva the medication that you take once per month? I don't like taking medications either and had 2 DEXA scans to confirm it wasn't just a test error, before I would even take the Fosamax. I couldn't tolerate the Fosamax and it was a weekly pill but if the Boniva is a monthly pill then there's that much more medication in each dose and your stuck for an entire month if you do get bad side effects.
Is Boniva the medication that you take once per month? I don't like taking medications either and had 2 DEXA scans to confirm it wasn't just a test error, before I would even take the Fosamax. I couldn't tolerate the Fosamax and it was a weekly pill but if the Boniva is a monthly pill then there's that much more medication in each dose and your stuck for an entire month if you do get bad side effects.
CrohnieToo
09-06-2005, 09:38 AM
Well, BJins, if you aren't willing to risk the various osteoporosis meds yet, but are worried about that bone loss your next best option is to REALLY get SERIOUS about your diet, supplements AND EXERCISE! It won't be as easy as popping a pill or getting a shot, it will require a LOT more EFFORT on your part as well as EDUCATING yourself on the best diet, supplements and exercise, but it CAN help slow down bone loss or maybe even help you to maintain your status quo. Some of the really dedicated have even been able to start building bone again via diet, supplements and exercise BUT few are able to be that dedicated. Good luck and God bless.
bjinsco
09-12-2005, 02:59 AM
Thanks so much for your input.
QUOTE=Piano0105]. I've recently read that bisphosphonates such as Boniva, Fosamax, and Actonel may contribute to osteonecrosis of the jaw as well as make bones more brittle with long-term use. Studies have confirmed that the fractures people do sustain while on bisphosphonates take longer to heal.[/QUOTE]
Piano - Where can I find that info? I'd like to show it to the doctor.
Taape - Yes, Boniva is the once a month drug. And yeah, I didn't think about being stuck with the side effects for the entire month. :eek:
Chrohnietoo - You hit the nail smack on the head! Ouch!! ;)
Best,
BJ
P.S. I was told 13% bone loss in spine and 4% in hip. What would that be in T scores? :o I don't know what T score means. Duh
QUOTE=Piano0105]. I've recently read that bisphosphonates such as Boniva, Fosamax, and Actonel may contribute to osteonecrosis of the jaw as well as make bones more brittle with long-term use. Studies have confirmed that the fractures people do sustain while on bisphosphonates take longer to heal.[/QUOTE]
Piano - Where can I find that info? I'd like to show it to the doctor.
Taape - Yes, Boniva is the once a month drug. And yeah, I didn't think about being stuck with the side effects for the entire month. :eek:
Chrohnietoo - You hit the nail smack on the head! Ouch!! ;)
Best,
BJ
P.S. I was told 13% bone loss in spine and 4% in hip. What would that be in T scores? :o I don't know what T score means. Duh
peregrine
09-12-2005, 08:03 AM
I think I will say it again for those new to the site, the calcium supplement - EZorb - claims the highest absorbability of any I've researched. I have been taking it now for about 5 or 6 months and not only do I now have strong fingernails, muscular and joint pain, that many times has been severe, has greatly diminished as well. Hopefully, it is also doing what they claim it does for my bones. But my instinctive feeling about this is good as well.
Wishing you all the best, whatever you decide is best for your body.
Wishing you all the best, whatever you decide is best for your body.
peregrine
09-12-2005, 08:04 AM
I think I will say it again for those new to the site, the calcium supplement - EZorb - claims the highest absorbability of any I've researched. I have been taking it now for about 5 or 6 months and not only do I now have strong fingernails, muscular and joint pain, that many times has been severe, has greatly diminished as well. Hopefully, it is also doing what they claim it does for my bones. But my instinctive feeling about this is good as well.
Wishing you all the best, whatever you decide is best for your body.
Wishing you all the best, whatever you decide is best for your body.
Piano0105
09-12-2005, 04:22 PM
Dear BJ,
Here is the link for just one of the many published articles on the subject of osteonecrosis and bisphosphonates.
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/182_08_180405/pur10144_fm.html
Here is the link for just one of the many published articles on the subject of osteonecrosis and bisphosphonates.
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/182_08_180405/pur10144_fm.html
Canyondweller
09-12-2005, 11:01 PM
BJ, it doesn't sound like you had a DEXA as it prints the results out in T and Z scores only as far as I know. I got the print outs and there is nothing about percentages of loss. Not all tests for osteo are DEXA's. Maybe someone else can help.
As for the Boniva,etc. causing jaw problems I read that too but think most the people were also being treated for hypercalcemia. My endocrinologist said she didn't know anything about it but that many years ago there was a problem with some drugs but nothing she had seen recently. It scared me.
As for the Boniva,etc. causing jaw problems I read that too but think most the people were also being treated for hypercalcemia. My endocrinologist said she didn't know anything about it but that many years ago there was a problem with some drugs but nothing she had seen recently. It scared me.
taape
09-12-2005, 11:58 PM
I had a DeXA scan that listed percentage of bone loss as well as T and Z scores. It's sure is scarier hearing what percentage of bone loss you have than what your T Score is.
bjinsco
09-13-2005, 03:02 AM
Well, that was aggravating!! :mad: Twice, I tried to submit my reply and lost it. The first time I tried to preview it and it said I was not logged in and I was. The second time I hit 'submit reply' and it did the same thing. Whaaa! :( I'll try one more time! This time I will hit 'copy' before I try to 'submit reply'. :rolleyes:
Taape - Yeah, I would have rather heard the T, Z scores. :D
Thanks for the reply Canyondweller. Actually, that was the 2nd Dexa I've had. My doctor (gyn) called me so I think she thought it would be easier for me to understand if she told me by percentage. I've never been so paranoid about a drug. :eek:
Piano - Thanks for the link. How do you know where to find this kind of info?
Peregrine - Thanks for calcium info. I'm anxious to check it out. I would LOVE to have strong nails. LOL. Good luck to you too.
Taape - Yeah, I would have rather heard the T, Z scores. :D
Thanks for the reply Canyondweller. Actually, that was the 2nd Dexa I've had. My doctor (gyn) called me so I think she thought it would be easier for me to understand if she told me by percentage. I've never been so paranoid about a drug. :eek:
Piano - Thanks for the link. How do you know where to find this kind of info?
Peregrine - Thanks for calcium info. I'm anxious to check it out. I would LOVE to have strong nails. LOL. Good luck to you too.
Canyondweller
09-13-2005, 03:31 AM
Hmmm, mine didn't list that. Maybe I am just as glad. It was considerably better numbers than 2 years ago when the CT scan read it. One of them is really inaccurate and I hope it was the CT scan as my numbers for spine were much better with DEXA.
cooter1204
09-24-2005, 07:33 PM
I've read that a lot of you quit taking the Fosamax because you couldn't tolerate the side effects. Could some of you let me know what kind of side effects you were experiencing? My mother just started taking it about 3 weeks ago and has been experiencing terrible nervousness and anxiety. Her doctor told her that the Fosamax wouldn't be causing that. I've been trying to get her to quit taking it just so we can see if that's the cause. But, she hasn't quit yet. All I know is that she didn't have all of this shakiness and nervousness BEFORE she started taking it. He just prescribed some Xanax for her (duh). I'd really appreciate some replies. Thanks!
taape
09-24-2005, 11:06 PM
Cooter1204,
I only took 3 Fosamax pills for three weeks and got side effects immediately. After taking the first pill it felt like my stomach was on fire. I ate my lunch as usual and then had a horrible digestive problem that also felt like my throat & stomach were on fire and my stomach was upset. Each day during the week the side effects got a little less, but then it was time to take the next weekly pill. After the second pill I changed to a bland diet of just bananas, white bread, yogurt which helped a little with the stomach problems but hardly a healthy diet. Then I took one more pill and by then got into see the Endocrinologist who took me off of it before I was even approved for Forteo. I didn't have the symptoms you describe that your mom has.
I only took 3 Fosamax pills for three weeks and got side effects immediately. After taking the first pill it felt like my stomach was on fire. I ate my lunch as usual and then had a horrible digestive problem that also felt like my throat & stomach were on fire and my stomach was upset. Each day during the week the side effects got a little less, but then it was time to take the next weekly pill. After the second pill I changed to a bland diet of just bananas, white bread, yogurt which helped a little with the stomach problems but hardly a healthy diet. Then I took one more pill and by then got into see the Endocrinologist who took me off of it before I was even approved for Forteo. I didn't have the symptoms you describe that your mom has.