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Alendronate (Alendronate) - Reviews, Ratings, Comments by Patients

 
 



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Below are Alendronate reviews, ratings, comments submitted by patients and caregivers. Based on a total of 4 ratings/reviews, Alendronate has an overall score of 5.50. The effectiveness score is 5.50 and the side effect score is 6.50. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst. This information is not vetted and should not be cosidered as clinical evidence.
 

Alendronate review by 49 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   osteopenia
Dosage & duration:   1 tab per week taken once a week for the period of 2years and ongoing
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Increased bone density by 11% first year.
Side effects:   Mild stomach discomfort.
Comments:   Once a week Fosomax, taken on empty stomach with plenty of water. Ability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking is required. My phyisican prefers this to once a month options, saying it is more effective.

 

Alendronate review by 62 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Moderately Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   osteopenia
Dosage & duration:   70 mg taken 1/wk for the period of 4 years
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I have taken this drug for four years, with a hiatus of about 1 year because I was afraid of dire side affects that had been widely advertised, having to do with the deterioration of jaw bone. The alendronate did not seem to stop the slow progression of my osteopenia, as measured by yearly bone density scans. I tried a regular exercise program, using a vibration machine (powerplate) and that stopped the progression of my osteopenia. I stopped the alendronate medication, thinking the exercise was more helpful and I was afraid of side effects. However, the exercise alone did not work. I have re-started the alendronate medication and am hoping that the combination of the medication and exercise will help.
Side effects:   I have a bad taste in my mouth the day I take the alendronate medication and worry about side-affects, including long-term side affects which are undetectable currently.
Comments:   I take the medication 1/wk. I also run or walk daily.

 

Alendronate review by 63 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Marginally Effective
Side effects:   Moderate Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Bone density tests showed early osteo.
Dosage & duration:   70 mg. taken one morning per week. for the period of 10 years.
Other conditions:   Acid reflux related to alendronate.
Other drugs taken:   HCT, vitamins, Nexium
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Very limited for the amount taken. New bone density showed slight improvement, ie 2 years ago spine was -3.3, now is -2.9.
Side effects:   The feeling of a lump in my throat, due to reflux. Had to take meds to counteract. Muscle pain, leg cramps, joint pain. IBS. I plan to stop taking it, and research natural ways to manage bone loss.
Comments:   Bone density studies were done every two years. Very slight improvement. After 10 years, I am still not at normal bone density.

 

Alendronate review by 61 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Ineffective
Side effects:   Severe Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   osteoporosis
Dosage & duration:   1 tablet weekly 70 mg taken once a week for the period of one year approximately
Other conditions:   mild depression
Other drugs taken:   effexor
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   No benefits that I can see. My doctor said it was not useful to do another bone scan to see if there had been a change in a year so I have no idea if there was any benefit. I have been experiencing fairly severe leg pains for the past year and could not find out what they were from. Did numerous tests, no results. Then I saw on the insert that side effects could be muscle, bone or joint pain and when I read a comment on here describing dull aching in one leg in particular radiating down from the hip and below the knee. I thought...that is me!!! So I am stopping this drug and waiting to see what happens with the new aches and pains. Maybe it is this drug. I hope so.
Side effects:   See above.
Comments:   Took alendronate for osteoporosis for over a year.
 


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