Nasal Calcium Spray ??

[annekat]

Thanks for that, Lilly. I obviously need to get another bone density test and see what the current status of my osteopenia is and if the Fosamax has made a difference. One person on here claimed that with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements and weight bearing exercise, but no Fosamax, she was able to see an improvement in her bone density test. She said that Fosamax makes bad quality bone. That is just one of the negative things said about it on here, but I know there are people on here who take it. I'm not forming an opinion either way and will try to do better about remembering to take it, until such time as someone convinces me I should stop. My doc says after 5 years, and by the time I get to 5mg. pred it will be about 5 years. But the bone density test seems very important at this point.

[pberggren1]

I was surprised that my test a few months back came back normal so my doc said I didn't have to go on the bone loss drug.....

[Alysia]

I was surprised that my test a few months back came back normal so my doc said I didn't have to go on the bone loss drug.....

not surprising at all, after all, you are talking about Batman

[D.B.]

I am wondering what the benefit is to nasal absorption. i have a hard time swallowing big pills, but also fearful to introduce anything to my nose. i.take fosamax now but worry about long term effects. just another dilema due to prednisone. how to maximize positive benefits of drugs versus their dangerous side effects.

[gilders]

Nasal issues is probably the most common issue with WG so I would love to know if this calcium spray is fine for use with us all. I was first prescribed Calcium +Vit D tablets about 15 years ago. They're very chalky, large and must be chewed or sucked before swallowed. I really didn't mind them for the first 10 years, but now I really struggle with them. They stick to your teeth and really make me feel sick for a short while. It's the only meds that I occasionally miss. I know it's ridiculous of me and if I break a bone I'll realise how stupid I've been missing a tablet due to them not tasting nice, but I really struggle with them now.
I had never heard of a calcium nasal spray and would much prefer this.

[Debbie C]

They have flavored chewable calcium tablets that might be better than those huge nasty tasting ones. I cancelled the test, I will reschedule when I come back from Fl.,maybe the sun will make my bones better !!!

[Pete]

Be sure to bring back warm weather!!

[windchime]

Nasal issues is probably the most common issue with WG so I would love to know if this calcium spray is fine for use with us all. I was first prescribed Calcium +Vit D tablets about 15 years ago. They're very chalky, large and must be chewed or sucked before swallowed. I really didn't mind them for the first 10 years, but now I really struggle with them. They stick to your teeth and really make me feel sick for a short while. It's the only meds that I occasionally miss. I know it's ridiculous of me and if I break a bone I'll realise how stupid I've been missing a tablet due to them not tasting nice, but I really struggle with them now.
I had never heard of a calcium nasal spray and would much prefer this.

I think they come in a gummy chew also. Check with your pharmacy. You might tolerate that one better.

[annekat]

Heck, I just swallow a couple of 1000mg. calcium tablets and I don't think it says on the label to chew them. They have magnesium and zinc in them, too. And then I take a 2000mg. Vit D3 gel tablet at the same time. Didn't know anything about chewing any of them.

[drz]

The last time I had a bone density test, I was found to have osteopenia in a part of my spine, I think in the "buffalo hump" part. This was before I knew I had Wegs or was using prednisone the way I have been for the last 3 years. Apparently the term indicates some loss of bone density, but not enough to call it osteoporosis. I started taking Fosamax after this scan and still do, or am supposed to, though I often forget. I'm not sure how I feel about it. My doc says I should take it but not for longer than 5 years and that if I get down to 5mg. pred I can quit taking it. I take Calcium and Vitamin D3 and I do get weight bearing exercise. I'm just throwing all this out there in case anyone has any response.

I have also been on generic Fosomax for over three years and will take another bone density x ray this week to see if I can safely stop it. I have read that after it a few years it can make your bones more brittle which sort defeats the purpose of taking it.