Articles
Register for Osteoporosis Ask The Expert |
|||
Questions
this month have been answered by:
|
|||
Q:
Information on Actenol. |
|||
|
|
|||
| A: Actonel is approved for post-menopausal osteoporosis. It is not for use BEFORE menopause, which you appear to be. Although your bone density appears to be lower than average, that does not mean that you have a disease. It would be important to re-measure your bone density when you begin menopause; at that time your physician may recommend a treatment to prevent postmenopausal bone loss. | |||
|
|
|||
| Q:
Hormones that help the
fight of bone loss. I am a 59 year old currently taking Premarin and progesterone plus Synthroid azulfidine (for colitis) calcium and toprol. I recently had a bone density scan and it showed some bone loss, My Gynecologist has recommended that I take Fosamax 10mg. and Evista 60mg. I am concerned about the side effects mainly blood clots with Evista and also the effect with the other drugs I am now taking especially with the Synthroid which I usually take at breakfast time. I know that the Fosamax must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I have been taking the hormones for approximately 7 or 8 years now and have not had a period for 2 years other than a little irregular spotting for which I recently had an internal sonogram and biopsy. I would very much appreciate another opinion and your advice. Sincerely, Glenda |
|||
| A: Taking Evista along with Premarin and progesterone makes little sense. Adding Fosamax to your hormones makes good sense if you indeed have some bone loss. It seems from your letter that this was your first bone density study. If that is so it is impossible to say that you have had any bone loss. A low (ish) value may simply mean that your peak bone density value was not very high and that your hormone therapies have been working just fine. One way for your doctor to find out is to check the biochemical markers of bone remodeling which should be normal if your hormone therapies are effective. Whether your doctor does these tests really depends on how low the bone density was. If its only a bit low and you are comfortable on your hormones you might well do nothing different for now and just repeat the bone density in 2 years. |
|||
|
|
|||
| Q:
Drugs approved for the prevention or treatment of
Prednison induced bone loss
Hi, you answered a question I asked about
miacalcin about a year ago. Do you think 600 mg. of ipriflavone daily
would help my bone loss? My clinical indication is severe
osteopenia due to over 3 years on Prednison, but I am premenopause, age
47. I don't want to take fosamax, etidronate, nor Actonel due to a
history of acid reflux. I take calcium, D, and magnesium. Thank you
very much.
|
|||
|
|
|||
| A: The only drugs approved for the prevention or treatment of Prednison induced bone loss are Fosamax and Actonel. Taking anything else is taking unproven therapy. Do not be concerned about your acid reflux. When taken properly as prescribed (on an empty stomach after an overnight fast with a full glass of water and not lying down for at least 30 minutes after the tablet) the acid reflux side effect is very uncommon. Don't forget to eat breakfast 30-60 minutes after your tablet! |
|||
| Q:
Side effects of Fosamax for
osteoporosis. I have been given samples of Fosamax for osteoporosis. No pamphlets were included with possible side effects, etc. I would really like to know what they are before I proceed. Thanks J. L. |
|||
| A: I would suggest that you go to www.merck.com and read the product information section concerning Fosamax. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
**Note: Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only and, as such, do not constitute a physician patient relationship. This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options and/or interventions. Click here to see Previous Ask the Expert Questions and Answers |
return
