Medication

now278
now278 Member Posts: 1
in Chat to our Helpline Team

Hi, I am new to this site and wondered if anyone had experienced a flare in their rheumatoid arthritis after taking Alendronic Acid (prescribed for osteopenia). This has happened to me twice now, 2 days after taking it, particularly affecting my hands. I am now on a decreasing 4 week course of steroids. I am aged 64 and diagnosed with RA 9 years ago and take Hydroxychloroquine.

Comments

  • annabanana
    annabanana Moderator Posts: 157
    edited 3. Jun 2025, 11:24

    hi @now278 and welcome to the online community, it’s great to have you here!!

    I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing pain after taking Alendronic Acid, I can’t imagine that’s easy. Have you mentioned this to any of your doctors? Having a look at the NHS website for Alendronic Acid, it does list joint pain as a potential side effect but I would always advise to speak to a medical professional as every person is different.

    I hope you manage to get relief from these flare ups and please do continue to keep us updated!

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,978

    Hi @now278,

    Thank you for posting on the Helpline Online Community. I'm sorry to hear you've experienced flare up symptoms following Alendronic Acid treatment requiring a course of steroids.

    Alendronic acid is known as a bisphosphonate medication sometimes prescribed for osteopenia to slow down how quickly your bones get weaker and help to maintain bone strength and if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis. This medication can have side effects of joint pain and swelling of the hands (and legs), similar to a flare up of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

    I would suggest talking with your Rheumatology Team about what's going on. It may also be worth reviewing whether the Hydroxychloroquine is enough to keep your Rheumatoid Arthritis under control. There are other Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) available if not.

    I hope you will find the following information helpful.

    https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/alendronic-acid/side-effects-of-alendronic-acid/

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

    You are also welcome to post on our Living with arthritis - Versus Arthritis forum if you haven't done so already. This is a positive and supportive space where you may receive more responses to your post.

    Best wishes,

    Helen,

    Helpline Advisor

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