My Dr wanted to put me on Reclast, which I talked him out of.

Some meds can simply be discontinued with no continuing side effects. Reclast is an infusion with about 20% of patients reporting some level of ongoing pain.

As with any medication, weigh the benefits against the risks for your situation. Neither are assured.

I decided against doing a biophosonates, it was a once month shot or IV. It was after I read about the side effects on two different web sites I decided not to have those meds.

I follow the same supplement routine that Nanny has posted several times. I do believe they are working.

I'm also hoping a new drug gets through clinical trials in the next year or so. No side effects so far.

Hope this helps.

Hi, littlemart. One of my doctors prescribed once-a-month Actonel for me. After taking the first dose (per instructions), I began having side effects 2 hours after ingestion, i.e., headache and dizziness. Then I started getting nauseous. From there it was downhill. By the 4th day, I was extremely sick, in tons of pain, and couldn't get up from a chair without assistance. The next day the "deep freeze" kicked in, and I couldn't get warm no matter what I did--5 blankets, heated rice bags, and another quilt. I was miserable for weeks. It took 4 weeks before the symptoms subsided, and by then it was time for the 2nd dose. At that point, I chose not to take any more Actonel.

A couple months later I had to change doctors. My new doctor said she wouldn't put me on Fosamax or Boniva, because they were in the same family as Actonel. So she suggested taking calcium, magnesium, vitamin d3, and vitamin k2 each morning, and taking strontium citrate each evening. So I started that regimen. That was mid-2010, and I still take these supplements--with no bad side effects. My first dexa was December 2009, and my second dexa was August 2013. During that time my bone density increased. Other good side effects were that my bone pain greatly subsided, and my back feels stronger.

Of course, in addition to the supplements, other things that probably helped my bone density are: (1) doing gentle exercises, (2) eating gluten-free, and (3) weaning off long-term prednisone in mid-2011.

My doc suggested biophosonates as an alternative to surgery to remove parathyroid glands but I refused that too. Those drugs stop the breaking down of old bone which can cause you to have weaker bones since the old worn out bone tissue just stays around. I'm not sure if it works by slowing down the parathyroid gland hormone production which actually might make a little more sense for me but I still am leary of messing with my already out of whack endocrine system.

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the age of 49. I had been very active but went through menopause by age 47. It started with a little burning in my lower back & has continued to get worse over the last 8 yrs. I assumed it was caused by my mildly overactive thyroid gland & had a thyroidectomy Dec 2006. Biggest mistake of my life! I did try Actonel & the generic Fosamax to no avail. I now have the best endocrinologist. But I have taken the 6 month Prolia injection 4 times now with no improvement. And it is very expensive. This week I have had unbearable lower back pain. Just don't know what to do about it any more! cc22 - I also have an out of whack endocrine system. My body struggles daily with the many symptoms of an endocrine hormone imbalance.

Have you ever heard of OsteoStrong? They use whole body vibration and osteogenic loading to rebuild bone and muscle.The visits are only 10 minutes once a week. Google it and see if you have a location near you. Just a suggestion for people who do not want to take meds, there is another alternative.

@strongbones
Never heard of this, but I will do research on it. Always glad to hear another opinion and/or option to consider.

Hi There. I just joined this support group and find it very interesting. I am 55 years old and other than the dr telling me I have osteoporosis I am very healthy. I have a friend who has taken the drugs and to me so scary all the side effects. I found out I had osteoporosis when I was only 47. Since then I take glucosamine and chondroitin and coral calcium. I had some tests the other day and my vitamin D and also my b12 is low so I will be taking more vitamins. I am almost afraid to have a bone density test. I have some aches and pains but not sure If they are related to osteoporosis or not. I feel the same as you about the meds. I am too afraid and think things might get worse if I start them:( Take good care!!