Allergic reaction to Alendronic Acid

[LadyVik]

I went to the GP yesterday, 40mg steriods for a week to start and then for another 2 weeks if it works, if not being addmitted to hospp... fun easter!!
Anyway my question is...
I got given some medication to help my bones as I've been on steroids on and off for awhile. Alendronic acid and some calcium supplements that you chew or suck on, well I haven't tried the supplements as I hate meds you chew or suck on.. Blugh so I will try them when I'm feeling less nauseousness, My question is I took the Alendronic acid at 1:30pm, its now 9pm and at first my sister noticed my cheeks looked a bit flushed, now their swollen a bit and my top lip is swollen (looks kinda nice lol!! I've always had a small top lip) and my throat is feeling a little heavy on at the back, like near my uvula. Does this sound like an allergic reaction? A mild one, or do you guys think it might get worse?? I'm staying my Mums just incase, but I don't want to go to the A&E if it isn't necessary as there is a D&V virus and I'm on Humira and the steroids now, so I don't want to catch that, plus I'm fed up with hospitals. But what are the signs of an allergic reaction?? Can I check somehow without going anywhere or ringing the doctors? And is there any thing I can take that's not an allergy medicine? I don't have anything like that here. My skin feels kind of tingly and itchy now, and I seem to be getting a bit worse every half hour or so, but now I'm getting a bit scared so I don't know if I'm making it worse?? Oviously if I can't breath or it gets ten times worse and I swell right up I'll go to A&E but I've had a mild reaction before and didn't get given anything, not even some Benadryl or anything. I've looked it up on the net but not too much information on what I want to know? The only thing new I've taken today is the Alendronic acid. I'm really slowly starting to get peed off as everything seems to be going down and down and down, and so far in the past year I've only had 2/3 months of up!! It would be just my luck to get something new!! Please reply.
Thank you
Vicky

 

[Nyx]

I found this online...not sure if it's helpful or not...


Warning!

* It is very important that the instructions for taking these tablets are followed completely. This is because when alendronic acid is taken by mouth it can cause irritation and ulceration of the foodpipe (oesophagus). Following the instructions below minimises this risk. If you are unclear about anything ask your pharmacist for advice.
* Your tablet should be taken in the morning at least 30 minutes before the first food, drink or medicine of the day. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of plain water (at least 200ml, not mineral water) while you are sitting or standing in an upright position. Do not chew or suck the tablet. You should not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet. You should not eat or drink anything other than plain water for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet. This is because food and some drinks (including mineral water) can interfere with the absorption of the medicine from the gut and hence make it less effective.
* You should not take any other medicine by mouth at the same time as this tablet, or for at least 30 minutes after taking the tablet. See the end of this factsheet for more details.
* If you experience any signs of irritation to your foodpipe during treatment with this medicine, for example new or worsening problems with swallowing, pain on swallowing, pain behind your breastbone, or heartburn, you should stop taking these tablets and inform your doctor.
* Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor the level of calcium in your blood while you are taking this medicine.
* The class of medicines that alendronic acid belongs to (bisphosphonates) has been associated with a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Most of these cases have been in cancer patients treated with bisphosphonates by injection into a vein and many of these patients were also having treatment with chemotherapy or corticosteroids. However, the condition has also been seen in people taking bisphosphonates by mouth. The risk may be increased by poor oral hygiene, dental problems, teeth extractions and oral surgery. For this reason, your doctor may want you to have a dental examination and, if necessary, appropriate preventive dentistry, before you start treatment with this medicine. Discuss this with your doctor. It is important to look after your mouth and teeth as much as possible while you are receiving this medicine. Invasive dental procedures such as tooth extraction or surgery should be avoided if possible. If you need to see a dentist during treatment, make sure they know you are receiving this medicine.
* There is an increased risk of stress fractures in the thigh bone when alendronic acid is used long term. It is important to see a doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort in the thighs whilst taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

* Decreased kidney function.
* Active disorders of the upper part of the digestive system, such as difficulty swallowing, disorders affecting the foodpipe (eg reflux disease), ulcers, inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis), inflammation of the small intestine (duodenitis).
* People who have had major disorders of the upper part of the digestive system in the last year, eg peptic ulcer, bleeding from the stomach or intestines, or surgery on the stomach or intestines.
* Disorders of the parathyroid gland (gland that produces hormones responsible for regulating calcium metabolism).
* Vitamin D deficiency.

Not to be used in

* Children.
* Abnormalities of the food pipe (oesophagus).
* Conditions causing delayed passage of food through the foodpipe (oesophagus), eg narrowing or obstruction of the foodpipe.
* People who cannot stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
* Low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcaemia).
* Pregnancy.
* Breastfeeding.
* Rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption (Fosamax tablets contain lactose).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)

* Headache.
* Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, flatulence, acid reflux or abdominal pain.
* Pain in joints, muscles or bones (musculoskeletal pain).

Uncommon (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people)

* Nausea.
* Vomiting.
* Inflammation of the food pipe (oesophagitis).
* Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis).
* Ulceration of the food pipe (oesophagus).
* Dark coloured, tarry stools, due to the presence of blood altered by the intestinal juices (melaena).
* Skin reactions, such as itching, rash and redness.

Rare (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people)

* Ulceration, bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestines.
* Low blood calcium level (hypocalcaemia).
* Inflammation of the front parts of the eye (uveitis).
* Osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Very rare (affect less than 1 in 10,000 people)

* Severe allergic reaction.

Unknown frequency

* Dizziness.
* Vertigo.
* Hair loss.
* Swelling of joints.
* Swelling of hands and feet.
* Stress fractures of the thigh bone.

 

[Guest]

hi - it sounds like you're having a definite allergic reaction, and if your throat is swollen, lips etc... it's not a mild reaction.

you need an antihistamine, like benadryl or something similar, or you may need medical attention. don't wait until you get more severe signs like you can't breathe - get some advice straight away.

 

[LadyVik]

Uncommon (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people)

* Nausea.
* Vomiting.
* Inflammation of the food pipe (oesophagitis).
* Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis).
* Ulceration of the food pipe (oesophagus).
* Dark coloured, tarry stools, due to the presence of blood altered by the intestinal juices (melaena).
* Skin reactions, such as itching, rash and redness.

I'm too sure because of that. It could be just that?? I don't know? I'll probably just wait it out. Or try to get someone to go to the shop and get some Benadryl or something if it doesn't get worse.

 

[Jerman]

I really hope that you do not try to wait it out. I had an allergic reaction to a sulfa med (had no clue previous). In a matter of only a few moments I broke out in hives nad could start to feel my throat closing. the ambulance driver told me if they were like 3-5 minutes later i would've been gone. Better safe than sorry please get checked out.

 

[Jennifer]

Allergic Reaction

Some individuals may have a sensitivity or allergy to Fosamax. Side effects of serious allergic reaction include hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, swelling of the lips, swelling of the tongue and/or swelling of the throat. This severe reaction can lead to anaphylaxis from the closing of airways.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/39889-fosamax-side-effects/

Alendronic acid = Fosamax

Get some help right away.