It was a relief to finally read something positive about taking Relast. I am a 1 year cancer survivor and also deal with arthritits, iincluding side effects with joint and nerve pain from chemo and radiation. The good news is that I am currently cancer free, but my bone density test now shows that I have osteoporois. My concern is which osteoporis drug do I consider taking that will give me the least amount of possible side effects, particulary anyting related to addtional joint/muscular pain. I might add here that I have never been on any prescription medication and find that the few times I've taken antibotics my body doesn't tolerate them very well. I also have an allergey to Ibuprophen.
My oncologist is suggesting Reclast. I would be interested in receiving some feedback from women with similar backgrounds.
If you are a person that has had joint and or muscle pain from an oral osteoporosis medication, you are just as likely to have it with Reclast. Meds like fosamax, boniva, Actonel, and Reclast are in the same class of medications. These drugs have been known to cause joint pain in a very small percentage of people. That being said this class of drugs is the most effective medicine available at reducing the risk of fractures. As far as the bone and joint pain are concerned, I have had a rheumatologist compare the joint pain to growing pains, because the bones are "re-modeling"
I took fosamax many years ago under the brand name without side effects during a prolonged course of prednisone treatment. Recently, I was prescribed the generic version of fosmax for osteopenia issues. On the third week of taking this weekly pill, exactly as directed, I experienced extreme gastrointestinal distress. Two days later, I am still in discomfort and my doctor has advised switching to Boniva. I am wondering if this reaction was due to the generic difference.
"Alendronate MK" 70 mg was recommended by a local pharmacist here in Costa Rica, as 'Fosamax' is not available in this country. According to the tablets package, the drug is manufactured in El Salvador by 'Corporacion Bonima, s.a. de C.V.' MK Pharmaceuticals name is prominently stamped on the front of the package.
Being a rather cautious type (especially where drugs are concerned) I would appreciate any information relating to this product, or MK Pharmaceuticals.
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so far everyone I know that has taken foxamax except one person has stopped due to gastric problems.
One person still takes it but has to take another med the night before so that she can take it in the morning. Previcid. there is no reason you have to take another acid drug the night before you have to take your osteoporosis med. What a rip off and what does that do to your stomach? 3 of my friends needed MRIs and Upper GI series before they insisted their doctor stop the drug.
I told my doctor since gastric problems run in my family and I was born w/o enough digestive enzymes that he had to do his homework on these drugs before giving me one.
My father died because the gastric problems ate his esphogus up. NOW their commerical states that this affect is present in many cases.
I wouldn't take fosamax if you paid me.
I have had my doubts about the safety and effectiveness of fosamax.
As they say-"The proof is in the pudding!"- I took Fosamax for over 10 yrs in my late 50's and had an increase in bone density(it usually takes 8 yrs to see good results). I would wait 1 hr to eat after taking it(for better absorption) as opposed to one half hr as recommended. Recently,just for convenience (was in a clincal study)I took Boniva monthly and had 2 fractures while taking it those 3 yrs. I'm back on generic Fosamax again with NO digestive upsets-just follow the directions. Every one can react to any med however-just don't lie down after taking it. As a nurse I saw a video of what can happen to one's esophagus when not following this important rule.
I took Fosamax and went from having osteoporosis to having perfect bone density after using it. When my insurance would only pay for the generic, I changed to I tried it and had such severe intestinal problems I never took it again. As stated, the active ingredient is the same but the bonding agents are not. So I am in the process of getting prior approval to get the Fosamax which caused me absolutely no distress in the years I took it.
I wish all of you well : )