Medication

Hi StillinShock,

Sorry you find yourself here and I guess most of us wouldn't have believed that we would get breast cancer either.  I know I certainly didn't even contemplate it before my first ever mammogram, only to find myself getting a call back.  Even then, I wasn't concerned, just thought it was routine and toddled off to it on my own without a care in the world!

I was ER+ too, had Anastrozole and Vit D & Calcium, but not Ibandronic Acid.  I didn't have osteoperosis but scans just said osteopenic, so I am guessing you might have weaker bones hence the Ibandronic Acid?

I was advised by my dentist to use Corsodyl mouthwash, rather than the other brand I was using and she prescribed some specific toothpaste to use whilst having radio.  It was high concentration fluoride toothpaste - Duraphat, I seem to recall. You can get it on prescription from your doctor or the dentist.

Although I can't help with the Ibandronic Acid, I notice your post has slipped to the second page, so by answering it will put your post back to the top of page one and hopefully someone else who has taken it, can give you more information.

Kindest wishes, Lesley

Hi, I have bone infusions every 6 months - zoledronic acid - and am also taking hormone treatment and calcium. I went to the dentist before I started, though to be very honest, I had to have a wisdom tooth removed during treatment, fingers crossed so far no jaw issues,

In terms of the bone infusion, after the first one I had flu symptoms for about 24 hours, after the second one I was fine.  The hormone tablets (Letrozole) do give me some minor bone aches and occasional stiffness but it's very manageable and walking usually helps keep this under control

hope this helps, best wishes 

Hi all.

I had my left sided IDC removed and 15 nodes , one Of which was cancerous , removed. On the 20th July. ( oncotype result 19 so no chemo , Her negative, ER 8/8, PR 5/8 )  I have been taking Letrozole for 5 weeks now and so far side effects bearable  . Do they get any worse as time goes on ? I was prescribed ibandronic acid, 59 mg daily for 3 years. I have delayed taking these until after my radiotherapy in case the side effects were uncomfortable. I have 4 more radiotherapy sessions to go. I have to do the breath hold technique so did not want to take the chance of having bad indigestion whilst taking them as this is a possible side effect. 
I have an issue with taking them as they have to be taken on an empty stomach and 1 hour before any other medication /food/drink but I also have to take a tablet with the same rules applied for my underactive thyroid each morning. This would mean it is going to be one and a half hours each morning for Three years I have to keep this routine up. I’m not sure I can do that although I do know I have to take it . My pharmacist has told me there is also a monthly tablet . Does anybody else take this one ? 
the infusion is not an option as I am led to believe that is more for osteoporosis or pre menopause women. I am 70 years old . 
there may be a good reason why I have to take the daily tablet but I though I would ask on this forum before I go back to my oncologist. 
I also visited the dentist and was given the duraphat toothpaste but she told me not to use corsodyl mouthwash . Such conflicting advice from all these professionals it’s no wonder we get confused . 
Good luck to everybody . I hope between us we can make each other feel a little better and know we are not alone . I am in the U.K. by the way . I know there are some members from overseas and treatment can  be slightly different. 

take care, NannaJ xx 

Thank u Lesley. The results of my bone density scan are not back yet. I think because I'm post menopausal the Dr is putting me on this ibandronic acid as a preventative measure. It reads like it will do more harm than good. Hate the thought of having to take it but think I should wait and take it after my radiotherapy is finished.

I am having Zoledronic acid - another form of bisphosphonate- to reduce the risk of my cancer metastasising  into my bones. It’s given every 6 months via IV. I am continuing to see a hygienist regularly. 

Hi Coddfish

can I be cheeky and ask your age please . No problem if you do not want to share the information. I wondered whether it was age related as to how they administer the bisphosponates. I am 70 years old . I will go back to my oncologist and ask if it is possible to change my one a day tablet if we are a similar age .

thank you for sharing the info. 
take care, NannaJ 

Mid 60s. I was offered the choice of tablets or 6 monthly IV. I don’t have osteoporosis. It seemed a no brainier to have the IV. 

Many thanks. I will now approach my oncologist . 
take care