Boniva - Page 3

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@SilleeMee -- Thanks for this information. I'm learning a lot from everyone here.

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

Another bit of information I've recently discovered is that steroid inhaler use for managing asthma can increase odds of osteoporosis by 60%.

That's a huge increase.

Eleanor55 · ‎10-28-2018

Retired nurse here. Was on Fosamax for about a year. Developed heartburn which I never had before. One night I woke up at 2am with chest pain. Went through all the heart attack symptoms (I had no others) & realized soon after it was heartburn. My doctor's PA verified that a few hours later but told me to continue taking it. Needless to say, I changed doctors.

Tried Actonel next. Severe heartburn every day even if I drank only water. Never took it again.

Doctor then gave me Boniva. I was ok for a few months & then heartburn came back again.

None of them improved my DEXA scan so I stopped them.

I have been on Prolia injections every 6 months the last few years. My DEXA scan improved significantly after just 3 doses. The doctor that prescribed the Prolia told me that the oral drugs are acids so that's why many people get heartburn.

I am happy with the Prolia but you have to get labs the week before the injection to ensure your calcium level is normal. Apparently the Prolia takes calcium from your blood & sends it somehow to your bones (I really don't understand all the mechanisms on how it works but, for me, it works better than anything else). Another word about Prolia: you cannot take a vacation from it because your scans will start going backwards again. If you want to be off it for a "break", you have to take something else. With the oral drugs, you can take a year or so off, then restart them.

Take the info other posters have given you & discuss with your doctor. Above all, do what you feel is right for you. And remember to take your calcium daily & do some form of strength training or even just go walking.

Best wishes to you. It's a lot of info to think about.

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@Eleanor55 -- I'm really glad I posted this. There is a lot of good information to look into. I'm not sure what I'm going to do now.

Thanks for your input.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

If you've been on certain antidepressants for a long time then chances are you might have significant bone loss. One in particular is Prozac.

D Kay · ‎04-20-2010

What supplements were you advised to take by a naturapath?

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

@D Kay wrote:
What supplements were you advised to take by a naturapath?

I have a real problem with any kind of supplement. I have malabsorption so they don't go where needed. Malabsorption is half my problem when it comes to osteop. I take several bone health supps but most of it doesn't get used.

lovesallanimals · ‎03-11-2010

I was petrified to take any of these drugs as I took Fosamax years ago and the heartburn was so bad I stopped. I have been putting off taking anything but my bone scans are not getting any better no matter what vitamins or exercises I do. My Dr. suggested Boniva and I was so afraid of the side affects. He told me I will only be taking it for 1 year and then get tested again. Also, the limit for this drug is 3 years. He said that years ago the Drs. did not know that these drugs should not taken for years that is why so many people developed jaw problems, bone problems, etc. I checked with my dentist before I started taking Boniva and he said it was safe for my jaw and teeth but if I need any kind of work done, i.e., bridge, crown, etc. I would have to stop for a certain period of time. I have only been taking Boniva for two months, and I feel fine. I will see what happens after 1 year.

Effie54 · ‎09-08-2010

@rockygems123 wrote:
@Winkk.
Another bit of information I've recently discovered is that steroid inhaler use for managing asthma can increase odds of osteoporosis by 60%.
That's a huge increase.

Any steroid will do that. Many medications have terrible side-effects that may not be disclosed by the doctors. I've learned the hard way to do extensive research on any pharmaceutical.