Scared to start new medication

Everyday living
1

Sorry this will be long and boring.

I have RRMS,currently taking 10mg Baclofen twice daily and inject Plergidy once a fortnight.

I take Adcal x 2 and Magnesium supplements plus Omega 3 and paracetemol as required.

I also have Osteoarthritis so take 500mg Naproxen twice a day to help with the pain and Omeprazole to combat the side effects of the Naproxen.

A few weeks ago I had a DEXA scan (MS Nurse arranged it) and it turns out I also have Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. Plus high colesterol, so GP has now prescribed Alendronic Acid (70mg) to help strengthen my bones - one tablet a week. And Atorvastatin to get colesterol down.

Having read the Alendronic Acid leaflet re side effects I realised I already suffer from most of them so I am scared to start the new medication (a) in case these get worse or (b) in case my existing symptoms mask any adverse reaction.

GP just says try it and see. She’s not very sympathetic. I know I’m over-thinking things but I’m scared. Does anyone have any advice/thoughts or even the same combination of conditions?

2

hi ang

i was taking alendronic acid on the advice from the people who gave me a bone density scan.

my gp took me off it though (maybe a cost cutting exercise?).

i never noticed any side effects.

my densa scan also showed osteopaenia which is a worry as i have a tendency to fall a lot.

follow the advice of your gp and give it a try.

if you get bad side effects tell her you are coming off it.

good luck

carole x

3

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in the bottom of my spine not bad but had gone over from osteopaenia. I was put on AA and it made me feel horrible, so i stopped it.

I have a regime now i drink everyday a fortified calcium coconut drink with added D, and one of the yoghurts with calcium and D in, and my latest Densa scan last year showed my osteo had improved and was reclassified. I have blood tests every year and my calcium levels are good.

Oh i had the tablets to suck off doctor but they made me feel sick for some reason lol.

I think you have to suck up and bite the bullet to be honest, if there are side effects you stop. Dont forget these leaflets have to show the worse case scenarios.

4

Thank you for your replies, I’ve taken my first dose this morning so I’m hoping there’s no reaction. I’m not usually a wimp with these things, just had a wobble with this for some reason.

It really helps to get other peoples experience and opinions, so a sincere thank you

x