Ibandronic acid and eyes

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1

Hi,
I was put on ibandronic acid tablets 6 weeks ago. I am also on letrazole. My dexa scan showed osteopenia. Last week, i developed severe eye pains. My gp referred me to the urgent care optician. They did a thorough examination and sent me to the regional eye hospital. I was there 9 hours, having dozens of tests. They said it was optic neuritis and had to do tests to rule out MS! Anyway, they think the ibandronic acid is causing this. I will contact my oncologist on monday.

I expect I’ll have to stop the bisphosphonates now.

Is there another way to prevent me developing osteoporosis? Or do I have to choose between my bone health and my eye health?

Thank you

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2

Hello bluesatsuma

Thanks for posting. It sounds like you’ve been having a really difficult time with your eyes. It’s understandable you’re wondering if you are going to have to choose between your bone health and your eye health.

Weighing up the risks and benefits of different treatments can be difficult. However, in many cases it may be possible to make adjustments to treatments rather than choosing which condition to treat.

Your treatment team will be able to talk to you further about whether you need to stop the bisphosphonates and what other treatments might be suitable for you so it’s good that you’re going to be contacting your oncologist.

Our information about the diet, exercise and different treatments for osteoporosis might be of interest to you and the Royal Osteoporosis Society has more detailed information.

Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.

You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.

You are welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes

Val

Breast Care Nurse

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