Calcium tablets

Hello everyone, I have just started on a daily tablet of inbandronic acid, I already take letrozole. I had a WLE in October 15 and CT and RT, everything is Ok at the moment but when I was talking to the oncologist at my last appointment about my fears of recurrence he suggested that I could try bisphosphonates. I am post menopausal and my DEXA scan showed osteopaena and I already have osteoarthritis in my   knees.  I was also taking Accete D3 calcium tablets. My calcium level was 2.5 at the last blood test, which he said was a 'bit high', he has changed me to a different calcium tablet called Adcal D3. I am only on the second day of all of this and feeling a bit groggy to be honest. I am also finding the Adcal difficult to take. Due to my throat cancer 10 years ago I dont make much saliva and chewing tablets in difficult for me. I was managing OK with the Accrete. I wondered if anyone knew what the difference was between these two calcium supplements, as I would be happier taking the Accrete. Also I live alone and feel a bit vulnerable to be honest and I would really like to hear from others how they are managing these medications. I have managed OK with staying upright for an hour but I missed my wake up coffee. I also take Omeprazole as I have always had problems with an acidy tummy, wondered if I may need to take more ? Any help advice would be great.

Sorry I can't answer all your points but I take a tablet bisphosphonate and was prescribed Adcal. My oncologist never mentioned Adcal it was the radiotherapy check the oncologist I saw there asked if I was on a calcium tablet and was surprised when I said no so quickly wrote a prescription. I did wonder if my calcium should be checked first. I hated not being able to have my morning cup of tea hubby always made me it and it felt another thing I couldn't enjoy now stupid of me really but it really upset me. Now I have a large glass of water take the stupid tablet as I call it ! And then get shower and dressed by then I can usually eat and drink as normal. I find the Adcal ok but I take an iron tablet and they all have to be taken with gaps between them which is a problem. The Adcal is a Big tablet though the family liaugh at me and think it's a dog tablet. I can chew it fine but maybe you could break it up take it in stages as I don't think there's a need to take it all at once. Anyway I've asked about the bisphosphonate infusion think it takes 50 mins every six months bit like how chemo is delivered I think. I was told it wasnt funded in my area but after a bit of pushing have been approved for it and should get it next few weeks. I have got used to the tablet now to be honest as I said at first I was upset it seems such a performance every morning for three years but I think the 6 month infusion will be so much easier. Cup of tea again and easier to take my other tablets maybe you could ask about it. Sorry I can't help with all your points.  Good luck x

The Adcal-D3 can be taken in Caplet form if you have trouble with the chewable version. My M-I-L didn't like the chewable one so they gave her a tablet version which is about the same size as a multi-vitamin pill.

I take Adcal-D3 (2 per day) and I have the bisphosphonate infusion every 6 months. My hospital asks me to get a blood test the week before which includes a check on calcium levels - i'm not sure what they are testing but I've been ok so far.

Hi Nina .......tablets become a nightmare don`t they ! you take one and need another for the side effects !  Oral bisphosphonates can cause acid damage in the oesophagus , so it is good you are on omeprazole .....when I was put on this I was told that " long term " omeprazole causes bone thinning .....so I am taking one tablet for weak bones that has side effects that mean I take another tablet that causes weak bones.....Good luck with it all and best wishes   xx

Thanks for all your replies it's really useful to know all of this. My next appointment with the onco is in early October so I will ask him about infusions etc then. I am going to see my GP this week so will ask about other forms of Adcal. I have given up a bit already in trying to chew them so I will just leave it until I see the GP this week.

I like the terminology of the 'stupid tablet '

I am having a very bad day today and I am really worried. Today if the fifth day I have been takeing the bisphosphonates by mouth. My stomach has been really acidly all day I have taken extra omeprazole but I am quite sore around the middle. I noticed that it says that If I get indigestion symptoms I should stop taking them. I don't think I am going to take it in the morning and phone oncology. Really not feeling good at all and very worried.

Sorry you're still struggling. I hadn't realised the possible effects of the stupid tablet !  but just googled it and found it can effect the stomach. I have Ibs which causes me stomach upsets in the mornings. I've been ok for a while but has really flared up this week I'm taking Imodium. I wonder if it's coincidence or the bisphosphonate. Hope you're ok be interested in what they say. 

Thanks for replying . Always good to be able to share things.

I found the chewable adcal d3 made me heave so the doctor now perscibes me the swallowable caplets I’ve found them to be much better I also take anastrozole x 

Hi hope you get answers you need and feel better soon . 

Sorry for  jumping in but I will follow with interested as my plan includes 6 monthly infusions . These are not due til after chemo and herceptin so anther 18 month . 

As I have IBD ( Diverticular ) and onco already removed those meds . I think a discussion may be had . 

Take care