Alendronic Acid, Stomach Pain

[Tilly2]

I took my first AA pill on Sunday, following the instructions to the letter, and felt fine. Since last evening, however, my stomach has been hurting and I am in discomfort.

Is there anything I can take to stop the discomfort? Would antacid tablets work?
I can't take aspirin tablets either. They cause me considerable pain. Any link between the two medications?

[mallyh]

can't offer any help but I do hope you feel better soon xx

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Mallyh. x

[Patsy33]

I looked it up Tilly. I immediately thought of PPI's . Unfortunately, they would make you more susceptible to fractures...
How about some milk before you take it. Or maybe, occasionally, Gaviston tablets? Hope you can get something to sort it out soon.

[calmck]

Try with some bio yogurt before and after

[Tilly2]

Patsy, thank you, but you are not supposed to take any food or drink before taking the tablet. I have some Gaviscon but don't know if I should take that either as, I don't have indigestion. My stomach hurts.

I'm off out soon and will speak to the pharmacist, to see if he can help.
I actually don't want to take any more of them. It's only once a week but I don't think they suit me.

[Tilly2]

I can't do that, Calmck. Thank you, anyway.

[gingejbee]

...seems stomach pains and gastro-intestinal disturbances are common side-effects....

[Patsy33]

Some medications cause more harm than good..

[Tilly2]

Yes, Ginge. I am hoping for something that will lessen the side effects.

[pastafreak]

I can't offer any help...but it appears stomach pain is a common side effect along with other intestinal issues.

[pastafreak]

Ooops...ginge beat me to it. I'm on my phone.

[Tilly2]

I was sure I had posted this in Body and Soul.

Anyway, just seen the pharmacist who has assured me that it's early days with this 'big gun' medicine and told me that I can take both pain relief tablets and antacids. I have also made an appointment to see my doctor in two weeks time, so I'll try the tablet for two more Sundays and see how it goes.

Thanks to those of you who responded with helpful suggestions.

[corylus]

All the best Tilly keep going!

[margarettom]

I have just started on Alendronic Acid - 4 weeks now, but I was prescribed the effervescent tablets by the specialist and I have had no problems (touch wood!). Perhaps you could try these.

[Tilly2]

Thanks, Corylus. :-)

Margaret, I had no idea about those. I will ask the GP about them. Thank you.

What are they called?

[margarettom]

Just the same as the ordinary tablets i.e 70mg Alendronic Acid but effervescent ones. I just ordered a repeat prescription from my GP and there was no problem, despite the fact the original prescription had been a hospital one, but she did warn Boots may have to order them in.

[Tilly2]

Thanks again, Margaret. I shall ask about them. I guess they are easier on the stomach lining as they're in liquid form. Do you have to go through the same rigmarole, before and after?

[nailit]

//I have also made an appointment to see my doctor in two weeks time//
Could you not bring the appointment forward if you're in discomfort Tills?

[Tilly2]

She's on annual leave, Nails. Two weeks will be ok, as I can monitor the situation, as Sqad would say. :-)

[nailit]

//as I can monitor the situation, as Sqad would say. :-) //
Ibuprofen out of the question though I suppose ;-) ?
Hope things settle down a bit Tills. x