Bisphosphonates & Rheumatoid Arthritis

[Aleta145]

Originally Posted by Ron

Anyone with swallowing issues must also ensure that the pill reaches the stomach, so it is wise to take it with, or at the beginning of a meal.
Ron

Excuse me for correcting you on this, Ron, but if you're talking about Actonel or Fosamax, it is imperative that you NOT take it with food. In fact, you can't eat or drink anything except plain water for at least 30 minutes after taking it. I know this because my husband has been taking Fosamax for 5 years.

[nooyawker]

I suggest everyone here discuss side effects with their doctor and not rely too much on these boards. I have seen some inaccurate statements. For instance fosamax is not to be taken with meals, but on an empty stomach. And you should not eat for 30 min. afterwords. I personally dont take fosamax but it works for some people. Also, rheumatoid arthritis is a complicated disease and not a "hidden infection." Antibiotics may give some relief but that is because there is some anti-inflammatory action. They do nothing to halt the disease. Reputable doctors do not prescribe antibiotics for RA.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Aleta145

Excuse me for correcting you on this, Ron, but if you're talking about Actonel or Fosamax, it is imperative that you NOT take it with food. In fact, you can't eat or drink anything except plain water for at least 30 minutes after taking it. I know this because my husband has been taking Fosamax for 5 years.

Hi Aleta,

I understand the mechanics of taking fosamax, but it does burn the esophagus.
IF IT GETS STUCK. One must try to prevent it from getting stuck.
That is why the weekly fosamax is much less likely to cause gastric trouble.

Why is your husband taking this med when there are other "more effective)
treatments with better outcomes?

Another article I read, states that the effect of fosamax peaks at about three years. It may not be as effective after that. Are his bone density scores being maintained?

Here is a quote from an MD's site. Have his doctor look up the referrence
in the NEJM

"If you suffer from osteoporosis, you can take Fosamax, Actonel, or Didronel. If these pills upset your stomach or you are in hurry to strengthen your bones, a single intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid will strengthen your bones as much as taking pills for a whole year.

New England Journal of Medicine, March 13, 2002 "

[Aleta145]

Originally Posted by Ron

Why is your husband taking this med when there are other "more effective)
treatments with better outcomes?

Another article I read, states that the effect of fosamax peaks at about three years. It may not be as effective after that. Are his bone density scores being maintained?

Here is a quote from an MD's site. Have his doctor look up the referrence
in the NEJM

"If you suffer from osteoporosis, you can take Fosamax, Actonel, or Didronel. If these pills upset your stomach or you are in hurry to strengthen your bones, a single intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid will strengthen your bones as much as taking pills for a whole year.

New England Journal of Medicine, March 13, 2002 "

My husband is on Fosamax because that has been the standard medication for men who have osteoporosis. He has had no side effects from it at all, but he is very diligent about drinking a full glass of water with it, making sure he doesn't lie down after taking it and doesn't eat for at least 30 minutes afterward. The first year he was on it showed some gain in bone density, but since then his results have been mixed. He is seeing a new endocrinologist who thinks Forteo may be a good alternative for him now. They did blood tests already and he did the 24-hr urine test last week. Next week he'll go in for the results and another consultation with the endo.

Zolendronic acid (Zometa) is another biphosphonate like Fosamax and Actonel. The upside is that one 15-minute infusion lasts for 6 months or a year and there are no gastric problems with it. The downside is that it can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. It is recommended that patients on Zometa not have any oral surgery. That's not always something you can plan. Also, the way Zometa is administered requires equipment that most doctors don't have access to. It is used primarily to treat bone cancer patients, so you would find it at chemotherapy departments in hospitals, not in endocrinology offices.

[olivep]

Thanks Ron for your message. Will have to quiz my Doctor re this..whether it is available in Australia etc.

Again many thanks Olivep