I just had a bone scan done last week and now the dr says I shd start Fosamax as I am boderline for osteoporisis and being on prednisone increases the risk...sigh. I read the package insert today and it says not to use w/ibuprofen. I don't know if I can get through the day w/o ibuprofen to help me along with the pain. Is anyone else out there on Fosamax who can share their experiences? Thank you!
At first, I wasnīt prescribed anything against osteoporosis, but when I told my doctor that it said on the prednisone description that osteoporosis was a side effect, I was precribed Calcichew D3 or Calcichew D3 Mite. At the moment I have a similar tablet called Ideos (seems to be made in France). I have understood that even men (I am 69 and male) should take calcium and vitamin D3 for the side effects. It seems to me that this should be the normal prescription for everybody. On the description for Calchichew D3 as well as Ideos, it says that one should check the blood and urine for calcium values if you have a long time treatment.
Ragnar
Thank you, Ragnar...I have been taking 1200mg calcium w/400mg D every day for quite a while because of my age (71) but I don't know if it is D3. Fosamx costs for a months supply...yikes! Have you ever had a bone scan? Do you need to take something for pain along w/the prednisone? I haven't been pain free since I was on 12.5 (now on 9) and don''t expect to be but the ibuprofen takes the edge off, especially in the morning.Yup!! I have Fosamax since the last three months because of osteoporosis in my hip, spine, wrists and hands. I was also prescribed Ibuprofen 4 hrly as needed at the same time to try and avoid putting my Prednisone back up again- but that's now changed to Brufen (the slow release one) once daily in the morning.
Hope this helps
Hi Gmama
No, I never had a bone scan, and as I have been taking calcium and vitamin D3 all the time I have had prednisone, I must be OK. What I wonder sometimes is if I can reduce the calcium and D3 when reducing the prednisone dose. I was once told no. I am one of the few lucky ones who doesnīt have any pain with PMR, so I donīt need to take any pain relief.
Ragnar
Thamk you, Jeanne...is the Brufen a non prescription drug? I feel relieved to know I can take the Ibuprofen...hooray...am down to 8mg/prdnisone this week and keeping my fingers crossedI do get it on prescription, but I believe my Dr. had to apply for it, cos I got a prescription from the Dr. and in the mail a Ministry of Health permission slip for that & the Fosamax (for my Pharmacy). But that may have had to do with the charges - not sure really whether it is available over the counter.
Hang about, I have just checked the containers. The Ibuprofen pack says Pharmacy Medicine, so that's OTC, but the Brufen Retard container says Prescription Only Medicine. But the laws are so different for each country so I dunno.
Thabk you so much for the warm Hawaiian wishes. They will keep be warmer. It is freezing here again this weekend, we haven't had Autumn yet!! Big Southerly, rain wind and Cooooooold. We have a saying here, someone left the back door open in the Antarctic!!
Deep in my bones I feel it aching - don't need this, do we?? So, maybe I need to change my signature to First to get the winter!!
Stay warm
Jeanne...how kind of you to check all that out about the ibuprofen and brufen! After I got your email I asked a local pharmacist about brufen and he confirmed that it is a presciption drug so when I see my dr in a few weeks I will ask him about getting some for me. It sounds like a good idea to take an extended release at night for coverage. Today I took my granddaughter out and about to hear "Papa"" (my husband) play the bagpipes at one of the hotels here and then watched his band march in the St.Patrick's Day parade. Iwas a bit weary when we got home but the aches and pains are not totally unbearable so will wait until this evening for my boost of ibuprofen. I am so thankful to be on 8mg, aren't you