I am six weeks post lumpectomy. 5 days radiotherapy begins next week. I have just started on letrozole. I have coeliac disease and a recent Bone density scan showed osteopenia close to osteoporosis levels. SO I also need to take alendronic acid and calcium/Vitamin D supplements. Recent research and advice (e.g. Tim Spector) says don’t take Calcium supplements because it can affect vascular health. I also don’t understand how the alendronic acid works and its side effects seem troubling too. Please advise. Thanks!
Hi I was on Alendronic acid and calcium/d3 for about 7 years. I had widespread osteopenia when I started and my latest dexa scan showed that I only had osteopenia in the right side of my neck, so for me the combination really worked. I am off Alendronic Acid now (still on calcium) and will have another dexa scan in three years to see how I am coping withour the alendronic acid
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Sorry didn’t manage to finish the post. I had no side effects at all with the alendronic acid. I know everyone is different but kit worked for me.
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I was prescribed alendronic acid and Adcal D3 in my late 30’s as my DEXA scan showed osteopenia. I was on treatment for 5 years and all my subsequent scans have been fine. I’m now 56.
I did get sick of the taste of the tutti frutti calcium tablets so switched to a lemon effervescent alternative. Have had to restart it as part of my BC treatment but it’s a more palatable mint flavour.
The alendronic acid caused heartburn which was unpleasant every week so I was switched to a ibandronic acid which was a monthly tablet. That was easier to manage.
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Hi @mrsjelly @Lizaki
Interesting read, could you tell me which brand/strength of calcium and D3 tablets you were taking please?
Hi I am still taking the calcium and it is theiCal-D3 1000 mg/880 IU chewable tablets. Hope that helps,
Thank you @Lizaki. I’ll take a look at them
Thanks everyone for helpful and positive comments. Yes, I’m on the i-CalD3 too. If I understand it right, the alendronic acid won’t work unless there’s enough calcium in your system, so you need supplements. It’s just worrying when other experts say don’t take such huge amounts of calcium in each supplement, but then we have to just trust our BC consultants etc. Hopefully I’ll be like Lizaki with few side effects and a better Dexa scan next time. Fingers crossed. Thanks again.
Morning
I’ve been prescribed Natecal D3 this time which is calcium carbonate and cholecalciferol, 600mg/400IU
Taking one tablet twice a day.
Thank you for replying @mrsjelly
Much appreciated xx
Hello sadiemel,
Thanks for your further post.
It’s understandable to be concerned about the side effects of the medications you have been advised to take.
It’s important the benefits of any treatments outweighs possible drawbacks. Many women are recommended to take calcium and vitamin D supplements after breast cancer This is to reduce the risk of losing bone density (osteoporosis). This can happen naturally with aging but also as a side effect of hormone therapy. You mention a recent DEXA scan showed you have some osteopenia.
There has been some concern that calcium supplements can affect heart health, particularly an increased risk of heart attacks. This information about calcium from the Royal Osteoporosis Society explains there is not the evidence to prove this.
Alendronic acid belongs to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are also prescribed for bone health, and some women will be advised it to have it to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back (recurrence). There is information on the link about how bisphosphonates work.
Again, these do have side effects and we’re not sure if there were any you are most concerned about. As you can see from @lizaki and @mrsjelly replies side effects will vary from person to person
You may be interested in the range of free support services you offer where there are different opportunities to connect with other women.
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