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Can Risedronic Acid Be Taken For Osteoporosis?
Question: I a 71 years old and I suffer from severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and all myriad of symptoms that it brings! Also Coeliac Disease, Hypertension, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Dry Eye, Dry mouth, Oesophageal Reflux, Oesophageal Spasms, Osteo-arthritis of the neck and spine and have now been diagnosed with Osteoporosis. I have been advised to take Risedronic Acid. Since I already suffer from many of the things which are listed as side effects of this drug, I am very tempted to tell the practitioner to stuff the drug "where the sun don't shine", in the nicest possible way, of course. Currently I seem to be managing my CFS and to be honest I do not want to rock the boat. I seem to be between a rock and a hard place. Advice would be appreciated. Thank you, XXXX
Brief Answer:
Trial to look for any additional side effect, if any would be better option
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. I can understand your concern. At this age, medications sometimes can be more than food intake.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. I would be tempted to say - Do not rock the boat. However, osteoporosis is a very serious issue.
2. The risk of fracture would indeed be high and its progressive. Risedronic acid would halt further osteoporosis. It wont reverse it, but any fall and injury and serious life threatening fracture will be a low possibility.
3. I would suggest you to start Risedronic acid. You are already on treatment for most of the side effects, it might give. If you feel, it is getting worsened and management is difficult, then alternative methods can be thought of.
4. Alternative methods include mild exercises (with weights), Calcium and Vit D rich diet, sun exposure and staying as actively as possible. Too much rest, low calcium diet can accelerate osteoporosis.
5. Other option would be, you can start alternate methods and repeat bone mineral density test after 6 months. If non-progressive can continue with this. If progressive, you will need to start risedronic acid. As I said earlier, it wont reverse osteoporosis, it will maintain the bone mineral density at same level, once its started.
As you have already said, its sort of difficult times. Avoid any risk of fall. Make sure lighting is proper and floor is never slippery. Use support wherever necessary. Dependence on things is not bad, but a fracture is dangerous, however mild it may be.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Trial to look for any additional side effect, if any would be better option
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. I can understand your concern. At this age, medications sometimes can be more than food intake.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. I would be tempted to say - Do not rock the boat. However, osteoporosis is a very serious issue.
2. The risk of fracture would indeed be high and its progressive. Risedronic acid would halt further osteoporosis. It wont reverse it, but any fall and injury and serious life threatening fracture will be a low possibility.
3. I would suggest you to start Risedronic acid. You are already on treatment for most of the side effects, it might give. If you feel, it is getting worsened and management is difficult, then alternative methods can be thought of.
4. Alternative methods include mild exercises (with weights), Calcium and Vit D rich diet, sun exposure and staying as actively as possible. Too much rest, low calcium diet can accelerate osteoporosis.
5. Other option would be, you can start alternate methods and repeat bone mineral density test after 6 months. If non-progressive can continue with this. If progressive, you will need to start risedronic acid. As I said earlier, it wont reverse osteoporosis, it will maintain the bone mineral density at same level, once its started.
As you have already said, its sort of difficult times. Avoid any risk of fall. Make sure lighting is proper and floor is never slippery. Use support wherever necessary. Dependence on things is not bad, but a fracture is dangerous, however mild it may be.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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