Darlene I took Fosamax for years before I had RA, and still take it post-diagnosis. No joint or back pain as a result. But I'm confused by your subject line. Fosamax and Actonel are treatments for osteoporosis (bone density issues) not osteoarthritis. Yes, you are right. My bone density tests in the past have not been good. It was the doctor's suggestion that I go on Actonel to slow down the bone loss process. However, as I remarked earlier, more pain from the Actonel added to the pain I already was having, just did not make sense to me. I have read that Fosomax also causes joint pain, etc. Just wondering where this leaves some of us. Just to note, I have scoliosis also which can be very painful at times. Darlene Gotcha. Well, I can only say that Fosamax has not caused any pain for me. It's a tough call, because osteoprosis is such an awful thing, and I can imagine that brittle bones couldn't make dealing with RA any easier. Have you considered asking your doctor to switch you to Fosamax or Boniva, to see if perhaps your reaction would be better? And are you taking prednisone for the RA? Are you aware that it does damage to your bones with long term use, actually causing osteoporosis? All the more reason to find something you can take to prevent further bone damage. BTW--I think you might be able to edit your subject line by going back to your original post and hitting "edit." Might get you some more helpful responses... Welcome, I forgot to say.
Oh, I do not have RA, but I do have osteoarthritis in my spine and right hip. I have heard that there are less side effects from Actonel than with Fosomax, but I suppose it is an individual thing------for some they do fine and others not so. As for Boniva, it seems that many insurances are not covering this new drug as of yet. Perhaps I will try glucosamine and chondroitin. It certainly can't hurt. Darlene
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com