[majolica]

fosamax

by majolica on Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:52 pm

I was prescribed fosamax for my mgus related osteoporosis. Do you agree with this and how long do I have to be on them? My GP prescribed it after dex scan said high risk for fractures.
thanks

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: fosamax

by Dr. Edward Libby on Thu Sep 22, 2011 1:06 pm

This sounds appropriate.

[majolica]

Re: fosamax

by majolica on Thu Sep 22, 2011 1:50 pm

Thank you for the fast response. So why do others recommend other bone meds for mgus?

The guidelines also recommend bisphosphonates such as Aredia (pamidronate) or Zometa (zolendronic acid) for MGUS patients with osteoporosis.

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: fosamax

by Dr. Edward Libby on Tue Sep 27, 2011 12:49 pm

To quote from a recent expert opinion and review article on MGUS and SMM....."In 2011, the cornerstone of managing multiple myeloma precursor disease involves a prudent “watch and wait” strategy. Outside of clinical trials, there are no current standardized treatment options for MGUS or SMM."

In 2010 a panel of experts reviewed the literature (published in the British Journal of Haematology) and agreed that MGUS patients who have evidence of vertebral compression fractures or who are osteoporotic be initiated on anti-bone resorptive therapy, and that MGUS patients with osteopenia be strongly considered for this type of treatment. Anti-bone resportive therapy would include oral or the intravenous bisphosphonates. There is no "gold standard" in 2011.

[majolica]

Re: fosamax

by majolica on Tue Sep 27, 2011 5:33 pm

That was kind of you to reply again. However, I am still confused about the bone meds. So why was I not started on any bone meds when they discovered some lucencies and osteopenia back in 2006 from the first skeletal survery? Wouldn't that been wise to start bone treatments then before it became severe osteoporosis? I don't think the GP's are putting the pieces of the puzzle together when it comes to my complicated case. I guess your saying.....as long as I am on some kind of bone meds it doesn't matter what kind!
Thanks

ps....If you ever need a guinea pig for multiple myeloma complicated cases. I am the one for you!