Hi
I'm 57 and diagnosed with osteoporosis. I'm very anti medicine and really didn't want to take anything but was advised that I really need to. First I was prescribed once weekly Actonel. I had terrible side effects. First awful muscle pains and a pain in my chest. Then after about a month. I had vision problems-extreme sensitivity to the sunlight. I stopped taking the Actonel and went to a specialist. He told me since I had the bad reaction, I couldn't take any of the biophosphates (actonel, boniva, fosamax-all similar). He prescribed Evista. This is the second tier of drugs they use for osteoporosis if there are problems with the biophosphates. He said potential side effects were leg cramps, hot flashes and blood clots. He wasn't too concerned about the latter since I am very active. I have been on the Evista for 6 months. I do notice that I have night sweats but no hot flashes during the day and no leg cramps. I am very concerned about long term effects and do they really work and is it really necessary. I do feel that we are being over-prescribed but a nurse friend of mine convinced me to try the Evista. Her mom has osteoporosis so bad that she is completely stooped over and is in constant pain.
I also make sure that I do weight bearing exercise, eat right and take my Calcium and Vitamin D. (I lift weights and do yoga). My doctor advises that yoga is excellent since it is both good for strength and for balance.
I hope that the Boniva works for you. |