How long should alendronate be taken?
How long should alendronate be taken?
D. Bisphosphonates, the most common type of osteoporosis medications, are typically taken for at least 3 to 5 years. After that, your doctor will consider your risk factors in determining whether you should continue to take these or other osteoporosis medications.
Can you take alendronate for more than 5 years?
These results suggest that for many women, discontinuation of alendronate for up to 5 years does not appear to significantly increase fracture risk. However, women at very high risk of clinical vertebral fractures may benefit by continuing beyond 5 years.
Can alendronate be taken long term?
It is hypothesized that long-term alendronate use results in over suppression of bone turnover (a state of frozen bone), leading to an accumulation of microdamage and increased susceptibility to low trauma fracture. This has been shown in animal studies.
Should alendronic acid be stopped after 5 years?
Treat with bisphosphonate for 3–5 years, then stop. The ‘drug holiday’ can be continued until there is significant loss of BMD (i.e. more than the least significant change as determined by the testing centre) or the patient has a fracture, whichever comes first.
When do you stop taking alendronate?
Thus, some of the skeletal effects of alendronate and other bisphosphonates may last for years after treatment stops. These findings suggest that stopping treatment after 4 to 5 years might result in residual clinical efficacy, but the magnitude and duration of this effect remains uncertain.
How many years should you take Fosamax?
Fosamax comes as 70-milligram (mg) tablets that you take by mouth, typically once a week. It’s not known exactly how long treatment with Fosamax should last. In clinical trials, the drug was only studied in people for up to 4 years. Your doctor may have you stop taking Fosamax after 3 to 5 years.
How long should you take alendronate sodium?
Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine. Alendronate is often given for only 3 to 5 years.
What happens when you stop taking alendronate?
If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: If you don’t take this drug, you may have a higher risk for bone breaks. If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely.
Is it OK to stop taking alendronate?
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. Tell your doctor if you do weight-bearing exercises, smoke or drink excessively. Your doctor will need to take these into consideration in deciding your dose.
Should you take a break from alendronate?
Before stopping Fosamax or any medication, it is important to consult your doctor. Based upon your medical history and individual health risks, your doctor may suggest taking a break. If you do decide to stop taking Fosamax, doctors recommend having regular bone density tests to monitor your status.
How many years can you take alendronic acid?
You’ll usually take alendronic acid long term, for at least 3 to 5 years. Your doctor will then review your ongoing need for it.
Can I stop alendronate cold turkey?
It may affect the way this medicine works if you do not. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor.
How long can you be on alendronate?
You’ll usually take alendronic acid long term, for at least 3 to 5 years. Your doctor will then review your ongoing need for it. If you’re having long-term treatment with steroids, you’ll usually take alendronic acid until your steroid treatment stops. Your doctor will then review whether you need to carry on.
Can I stop taking alendronate?
Muscle and bone pain: This drug may cause severe bone, joint, and muscle pain. If you have these symptoms, stop taking alendronate and call your doctor right away. Osteonecrosis of your jaw: This drug can cause poor blood supply to your jaw. This may lead to osteonecrosis (bone death) of your jaw.
How long to take alendronate for osteoporosis?
Alendronate/administration&dosage*
How long should you take certain osteoporosis drugs?
These bone-building drugs can be taken for only one or two years and the benefits begin disappearing quickly after you stop. To protect the bone that’s been built up, you’ll need to start taking a bone-stabilizing medication such as a bisphosphonate.