Rare side effect causes intense pain

March 27, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: This is to warn people with poor bone density of the severe side effects of taking a Reclast injection.

I have poor bone density and was advised by my doctor to have a Reclast injection. This would supposedly help rebuild my bone density. I was provided with a pamphlet that said a person might get fluid symptoms or joint pains that might last from one to two weeks. As of today, four months later, the pain remains and has turned my life into a living hell and me into a recluse. I was once an active 83-year-old woman who enjoyed going on trips and riding my stationary bike five miles, three times a week. Now, I am an 83-year-old who is limited to making short trips to the store, doctor and church and can no longer ride my bike because of the amount of pain I am in. [Read more...]

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33-year-old stricken with degenerative bone disease

February 11, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My 33-year-old son has been diagnosed with permanent bone degenerative disease in his lower spine, possibly due to an old injury in high school. He’s been told there is nothing that can be done to stop the continuous damage.

What’s the difference between his condition and osteoporosis which is reversible? He’s in great pain with no hope. Thank you for any suggestions.

DEAR READER: Degenerative disc disease refers to the normal changes in spinal discs as a person ages. Healthy spinal discs are flexible, cushioned and can withstand compression. These discs can be compared with shock absorbers on a car that help ease bumps and bends in a road. [Read more...]

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Fosamax substitutes

November 17, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been taking Fosamax for years to treat post menopausal bone loss. About three weeks ago my femur bone broke and I also had a benign tumor at the site of the breakage. I spent two weeks in the hospital getting that repaired. They put a steel rod in my leg and I developed severe post surgery colitis.

My question is — is Prolia a good alternative for Fosamax?

DEAR READER: Prolia (denosumab) is a monoclonal antibody designed to identify and destroy only certain body cells. It is prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at high risk of bone fracture by working to slow bone loss and increase bone strength. [Read more...]

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Strontium for osteopenia

October 11, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 60-year-old female with a BMD of -2.1. My doctor wants me to take Fosamax but I am reluctant to do that. Would taking Strontium be safe and helpful for osteopenia? I can’t find much research about it beyond word of mouth.

DEAR READER: Let’s take this one step at a time. Your bone density test placed you in a category indicative of having osteopenia, a term used to indicate that your bones have become less dense than normal. The condition is a precursor to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs when the normal buildup and breakdown of minerals in healthy bone fall out of balance.
[Read more...]

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Some GERD drugs may cause bone loss

September 16, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Is it safe to take Prilosec daily as long as I am taking calcium citrate to protect my bones?

DEAR READER: Drugs such as Prilosec are used as acid suppressors and are believed to be the second-leading-selling medication worldwide. In May 2010, the Food and Drug Administration determined that Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix and Aciphex might include a warning on their labels regarding the possibility of fracture risk, stating proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may interfere with the ability of our digestive tracts to absorb calcium.
[Read more...]

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Atelvia joins ranks of osteoporosis treatments

March 16, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently saw a television ad for Atelvia, a new osteoporosis treatment. Since I’ve never heard of it before, can you tell me anything about this product?

DEAR READER: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Atelvia (risedronate sodium) for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is essentially a delayed-release form of Actonel. It is available in pill form that should not be crushed or chewed and is to be taken once a week with at least a half cup of plain water immediately following breakfast. A person may stand or sit but should not lie down for 30 minutes following ingestion. If antacids or calcium supplements are taken routinely, they should be consumed at a different time of day than the Atelvia.
[Read more...]

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Calcium plus D helps osteoporosis for some

September 9, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and am presently taking two calcium tablets and one multivitamin for mature adults. Would this help my condition?

DEAR READER: Osteoporosis occurs when the normal buildup and breakdown of minerals in healthy bones falls out of balance. The condition is difficult to detect in its early stages, but the first clue is often a bone fracture, loss of height, back pain, stooped shoulders or through a routine bone density (X-ray) study.

There are a number of prescription medications; however, as you may be aware, several can lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw and other serious complications.
[Read more...]

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Medication may trade osteoporosis for diabetes

July 18, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m an 83-year-old female. I take a weekly 70 milligrams alendronate sodium tablet for osteoporosis, 50 milligrams of blood-pressure medicine and 20 milligrams of a cholesterol medication. My doctor also has me on 600 milligrams calcium plus vitamin D two times a day to help build strong bones. My blood sugar since before I started taking alendronate was 108. Now it has jumped to 115. Do you think the medicine is the cause? I’m not too fond of that 70 milligrams sodium, and I don’t want to take it anymore. I figure it’s my body, and I say no.

I will see my doctor in August. She will not be happy, but I really do not care.

DEAR READER: The medication you have been prescribed (Fosamax) and the calcium with D supplement are both in the proper dosage to combat osteoporosis. [Read more...]

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Patients allowed to refuse meds

May 15, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I don’t want to take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. My doctor insists. Can I refuse? He discounts the heavy-duty resistance exercises I do daily.

DEAR READER: Yes, you can. Your physician can strongly recommend a medication or course of treatment and indicate why he feels it is necessary, but the bottom line is that it’s your body. I am sure that he has your best interests at heart, but perhaps a calcium plus vitamin D supplement will suffice. Therefore, before getting into any shouting match, I suggest you speak with him and review all options.

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Necrotic jaw needs attention

April 3, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I was diagnosed with dead bone in my jaw in June 2009. It is actually in the large torus palatinus, on the roof of my mouth. My oral surgeon is convinced it was caused by my taking Actonel or Boniva for osteoporosis for seven years. My family physician wasn’t so convinced the Boniva caused this.

The first step by the oral surgeon was to take me off Boniva. He said we would only watch the exposed bone for six months, that there was a chance the bone would fall out on its own. When he wanted my family physician’s permission to go off the Boniva and I got it, I learned my physician was not so sure about it.
[Read more...]

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