Alendronic acid for osteoporosis?

I take alendronic acid every week. I haven't noticed any side effects related to this drug.

I spoke to my dentist about necrosis of the jaw. This is when the gum doesn't heal following something like an extraction. They had seen one case of this and it eventually resolved itself and the gum healed.

So if you have dental surgery planned get it done before starting on alendronic acid.

I must admit I was a bit apprehensive before starting this medication but since I started using it I'm quite happy with it.

I guess its the better of two evils the risk of bone fracture vs possible side effects of the drug.

Good afternoon Worriedwife 

When my OH was put on HT our oncologist gave us a letter to hand into GP for Adcal and alendronic acid . He has had no side effects up to date and been on it for over a year .  He goes to a private dentist and he explained that if he needed an extraction he would need to speak to our Oncology Team but has worked with other men in the same position.  

OH takes flavoured AdCal either tuttie fruitie  or lemon as he boaked on the non flavour.  Good luck on whatever you choose & hugs 

Liz & OH xx

Thank you for your reassurance. I’m glad you have found it ok. I think he should check with our dentist first before starting the drug. We always joke because at night he has to take his glasses off and his hearing aids off and I always say that at least he doesn’t have to take his teeth out as well!

Hi Liz, he’s had no problems with Adcal, fortunately. He didn’t ‘thrive’ on ht and took quite some time to get back to normal ( a new normal) . In the midst of it all he had a really scary reaction to two other drugs. It has taken Gp him a long while to get back to ( a new normal) acceptable normal. Neither of us want to see him struggle with more side effects of more drugs when we know he is only borderline with osteoporosis. I think he needs more advice than drugs turning up unexpectedly on the doorstep yesterday! But thank you very much for your reassurance and I do hope your OH continues to do well,

Hi Worriedwife , I have been on Risedronate Sodium for 5.5 years to help absorb the AdCal D3.  I recently stopped taking it as I exceeded the recommended 5 year timescale, but have been diagnosed osteopenia (pre osteoporosis) and put back on it.  I don’t have any noticeable side effects.  I needed 2 teeth to be extracted and was referred by my dentist to an oral surgeon.  As the teeth were at the top he explained that there was a very small risk of necrosis of the jaw but I didn’t have much choice.  Had it been lower jaw, the risk is significantly greater but still not massive.  I understand ordinary dental treatment is ok.

Thank you for your reply, David. We obviously have the dental concern but the list of other side effects is concerning us also - especially as this has not been discussed with any health care professional. He doesn’t have an oncology appointment until September. I am feeding back to him the comments we receive here. It’s so kind of you to reply and we both really appreciate it.

HI WW.

I was on alendronic acid for over a year for osteoporosis, I now have chronic osteoporosis, dysphagia, and lower gastro-intestinal problems.. A recent switch to an IV bisphosphonate, has helped with the stomach issues, and hopefully help with the micro fractures in time. 

Thank you, Eddie. The oncologist first spoke of IV bisphosphonate but it was agreed to avoid it for the time being. Have you had repeat dexa scans to see if your bone density has improved? It was the sentence we read in the information leaflet that it could take a long time for improvement that worried us. Also, the scanning department  don’t recommend a repeat Dexa scan for 3 years? 

Morning  WW, I  had been having DEXA scans every 6 months since my cancer diagnosis in June 2022, primarily to monitor any mets, but my bone profile was included, which was good till, June 2024, when my lower spine, sacrum and pelvis showed  marked thinning, microfractures, and stenosis, so l was started on alendronic Acid, which not only takes 6 months to start working it is only effective in 40% of patients, so my 1st DEXA 6 months on, which showed thinning and microfractures, in my shoulders, wasn't a big concern as bisphosphonates take a long time to work, and the tumours in my spine were the priority, I was now having 3 monthly DEXA's, the March 2025 one confirmed alendronic Acid was not only ineffective, but causing "rare," but serious side effects, so I was put on IV Zolendronic acid, which after my last DEXA in June, had not only improved bone density,"it's only effective in 60%of patients", symptoms from side effects caused by my previous treatment were so much better, I will be having 3 monthly DEXA's, though I'm sure my cancer plays a big part in this. WW,I have my bloods done every 3 weeks checking for many things, a few of which can indicate thinning bones, but my doctors have always said, a DEXA scan is the best/only way to accurately monitor bones, so 3 yearly scans don't make sense,"to me".

Eddie 

Hi Eddie, thank you so much for telling me this! I did think to wait for 3 years was too long. I think my husband now needs to have a serious conversation with his medical team to determine the best way forward him.im so very greatful for the info from you all.