Boniva - Osteoporosis Message Board

bjinsco · 09-04-2005, 11:31 PM

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?

Thanks

BTW - I am two years post menopause. I'm 53.

Piano0105 · 09-05-2005, 09:56 AM

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.

taape · 09-05-2005, 01:11 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.

CrohnieToo · 09-06-2005, 06:38 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 · 09-11-2005, 11:59 PM

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.

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?

I don't know what T score means. Duh