topic Re: Boniva in Wellness

Boniva

Winkk — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:59:04 GMT

Does anyone take Boniva? After my recent dexa scan my doc suggested I start taking it. My forearm is where the osteoporosis is the worse. I'm always leary about taking new drugs.

I was just wondering if it works or if you had any side effects?

Thanks.

Re: Boniva

Effie54 — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:09:56 GMT

I took Actonel a few years back and wish I hadn't. It gave me reflux (and stomach ulcers) that lasted for years. It's a common side effect. Also, many dentists will not work on patients who have taken Bisphosphonates. It can disintegrate your jaw bone (in some people). I've had osteoporosis/osteopenia for years and have gone to a naturopath for treatment, which actually worked. No side-effects. Be careful if you decide to take it. When I took the Actonel, and had a DEXA scan, it did not grow any bone. My scan was no better. It did improve after treatment with my naturopath.

Re: Boniva

CelticCrafter — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:16:47 GMT

@Effie54 wrote:
I took Actonel a few years back and wish I hadn't. It gave me reflux (and stomach ulcers) that lasted for years. It's a common side effect. Also, many dentists will not work on patients who have taken Bisphosphonates. It can disintegrate your jaw bone (in some people). I've had osteoporosis/osteopenia for years and have gone to a naturopath for treatment, which actually worked. No side-effects. Be careful if you decide to take it. When I took the Actonel, and had a DEXA scan, it did not grow any bone. My scan was no better. It did improve after treatment with my naturopath.

@Effie54 that happened to a neighbor. It was a number of years back and I don't remember which one she had been taking.

Re: Boniva

Desertdi — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:28:57 GMT

Weight lifting also strengthens bones. Google for info!

Re: Boniva

SilleeMee — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:45:10 GMT

Boniva, a bisphosphonate, will only slow bone loss. It will not build new bone tissue.

I've been getting monthly injections of the newest bone drug called EVENITY. Not only does it prevent bone loss, it also builds new bone tissue. Only drug that can do that.

EVENITY is a biologic.

Re: Boniva

LTT1 — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:29:14 GMT

@SilleeMee

Do you notice any side effects? Thx

Re: Boniva

SilleeMee — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:47:20 GMT

@LTT1 wrote:
@SilleeMee

Do you notice any side effects? Thx

@LTT1

The EVENITY makes me feel tired for about two or three days post-injection. Maybe some tinnitus but I'm also on another med which can be the cause of that. Other than that, nothing else.

Re: Boniva

rockygems123 — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:19:44 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
Boniva, a bisphosphonate, will only slow bone loss. It will not build new bone tissue.

I've been getting monthly injections of the newest bone drug called EVENITY. Not only does it prevent bone loss, it also builds new bone tissue. Only drug that can do that.
EVENITY is a biologic.

@SilleeMee

Have you any side effects? I'll have to ask a newly met friend if she has any also, she's been taking it for 2 months.

Something to consider vs Fosamax which my doc has prescribed, have not taken it.

Re: Boniva

rockygems123 — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:20:18 GMT

Ooops sorry @SilleeMee I see @LTT1 asked the same question

Re: Boniva

grandma2pkmh — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:30:19 GMT

@Winkk I have not taken Boniva recently but did in the past. I don't remember why I stopped but it was probably due to teeth issues.

I started Fosamax several months ago but stopped last month when I found out it was the reason for my terrible Acid Reflux. It got so bad I was afraid to eat because I was fearful of the consequences. Thank goodness I am almost back to normal. I am not sure if I want to take anything at this point and just take my chances.

Re: Boniva

Winkk — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:52:27 GMT

Some good points were mentioned that I didn't think about. I'm going to take my time and think about.

Re: Boniva

on the bay — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 20:31:44 GMT

@Winkk,

Please read the boxed warning for Evinity as reported on fda dot gov website and others.

Increased risk for heart attack stroke and death. Wonderful.

I've tried them all including Boniva. All except Prolia and this newest Evinity. I won't try anymore due to all the side effects I had. With Boniva, after a year of infusions they were called, the osteoporosis in my hip or neck, can't remember which, got worse.But other than that for that one I don't remember side effects. I did have to get a special xray before going to the dentist to make sure my jaw bone was not deteriorating.

My mother was on Boniva and then Prolia. In that time she broke 8 ribs. There is also increased risk for hip fractures.

Scary stuff and I hope the doctors advise patients of these risks but of all the ones who have suggested these drugs, I've never had drs talk about the side effects as much as they just prescribe it because so many take them.

Some people don't have side effects, but they may have fractures or other things down the line that they might not even attribute to these meds.

Drs seem to be very freely prescribing these for all, even with just osteopenia.

As with any med or even supplement, they are not for everyone and not always safe or worth the risks. Just my experience with it all. And no one needs to agree or disagree with mine as they may have a completely different experience.

Re: Boniva

Winkk — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:05:42 GMT

@on the bay. Thanks for the information. I'm going to take my time and do more research.

Re: Boniva

Winkk — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:09:23 GMT

@grandma2pkmh -- Thanks for the feedback. Ladies are mentioning issues I never thought of. I'm taking my time before deciding on what to do.

Re: Boniva

Shelbelle — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:29:00 GMT

Older drug, maybe some of the newer ones are improved.

Re: Boniva

SilleeMee — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:47:25 GMT

@Winkk

If there is an osteoporosis treatment center where you are then I would ask for a referral to go there. I am currently going to one and my NP has taught me so much about available treatments and who they might work the best for. You have options and it takes some extra blood tests and risk factor numbers to get you the best drug for your particular needs.

Re: Boniva

Effie54 — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:29:43 GMT

@on the bay wrote:
@Winkk,
Please read the boxed warning for Evinity as reported on fda dot gov website and others.
Increased risk for heart attack stroke and death. Wonderful.

I've tried them all including Boniva. All except Prolia and this newest Evinity. I won't try anymore due to all the side effects I had. With Boniva, after a year of infusions they were called, the osteoporosis in my hip or neck, can't remember which, got worse.But other than that for that one I don't remember side effects. I did have to get a special xray before going to the dentist to make sure my jaw bone was not deteriorating.

My mother was on Boniva and then Prolia. In that time she broke 8 ribs. There is also increased risk for hip fractures.
Scary stuff and I hope the doctors advise patients of these risks but of all the ones who have suggested these drugs, I've never had drs talk about the side effects as much as they just prescribe it because so many take them.
Some people don't have side effects, but they may have fractures or other things down the line that they might not even attribute to these meds.

Drs seem to be very freely prescribing these for all, even with just osteopenia.

As with any med or even supplement, they are not for everyone and not always safe or worth the risks. Just my experience with it all. And no one needs to agree or disagree with mine as they may have a completely different experience.

I couldn't agree more. My doctor never warned me about the side effects of the Actonel. I never had such terrible reflux as I did with starting that drug. And it's forever....sometimes it's better, sometimes terrible, but it never went away. What made me angry was the medication did absolutely nothing for my bone density. After seeing a naturopath, my bone density increased due to the right supplements and exercise.

Re: Boniva

SilleeMee — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:41:40 GMT

I took pics of my brochure given to me at the osteoporosis treatment center. This gives some info about the latest drug options and how they are classified.

Re: Boniva

DJK1003 — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 23:21:23 GMT

I took the generic form of Boniva (1 pill a month) for almost 10 years. One side effect I had was achy bones for a day or two after taking the pill. My best friend who was also supposed to take it, told me she could not tolerate the painful side effects and stopped taking it and took vitamin D instead. I began to research Boniva and discovered you should only take it for 3 - 5 years. No doctor ever questioned me on how long I had taken it.

My cousin, who is the same age as I (72) was getting Prolia injections every 6 months for years. She takes good care of herself, exercises and weighs the same as she did in high school. Earlier this year she was closing her window shutters and suddenly fell. Long story short, she fractured her femur and now has 2 metal rods supporting her leg permanently. She switched doctors and was told she never should have been getting those injections for so long.

That terrified me. I immediately stopped taking the Boniva generic and began taking Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K. I informed my doctor of this at my yearly checkup and he had me get a bone scan. My bone scan came back negative for osteopenia and he told me to continue taking 5,000 mg of Vitamin D3 and the Vitamin K. I take ProCaps from HSN.

This is my experience. I would never advise anyone what to do medically, but I will say this: do your research! These drugs may do more harm than good.

Re: Boniva

SilleeMee — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:28:36 GMT

I have an AI disease (scleroderma) and it has caused me to have osteop terribly. I will never be able to go w/o medication. I'm in it for the rest of my life unfortunately. I'm 68. Osteop never goes away for anyone. Once you have it, it's your's forever.

My AI disease wrecked my GI tract so I can't take osteop pills. I have to get injectables or IV. It's either that or break bones. No choice for me.