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• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Jenny - Interview 17 >> Over several years Jenny’s medication regime changed from Fosamax to Actonel to Boniva but she still experienced indigestion and stomach problems. She

Diagnosed in 2003. She has been on several medications: Fosamax, Actonel and Bonviva. She has experienced side effects with all of them. Now off medication and waiting for her next DXA scan. Considering taking the newly licensed once a year drug Aclasta (zoledronic acid).

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Ann - Interview 35 >> When taking Fosamax, Ann had severe heartburn and problems swallowing so she changed to Bonviva. But after a year her difficulty swallowing returned.

Diagnosed in 2001. Ann has had side effects from several of the osteoporosis treatments; problems with swallowing, heartburn and pain. She is currently on Bonviva (ibandronate) once monthly orally, but she is changing to the intravenous injection form administered every three months. She was also diagnosed with coeliac disease.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Susannah - Interview 04 >> The side effects she may experience put Susannah off taking her medication.

Susannah was diagnosed in 1978. Over the years she has had many fractures; to her spine, wrists, toe, ribs, etc. She describes her condition as “extreme osteoporosis”. Susannah does not take any medication. She is concerned about the side effects of drugs.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Joan - Interview 10 >> Alendronate gave Joan severe acid reflux so she started taking Strontium ranelade and has no problems with it.

Since her forties Joan has had several wrist fractures that were not investigated for osteoporosis. It was only when she fell and fractured both her arms that the diagnosis came about. She was put on medication; alendronic acid but due to side effects it was changed to Strontium ranelate.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Linda - Interview 21 >> Although Linda’s bones have become stronger with Fosamax, she is concerned about the long term effects of taking it.

Diagnosed in 2005 and prescribed Fosamax 70 mg, once weekly and calcium tablets twice daily. A bone density scan in 2007 revealed that her bone density has improved and that she is osteopenic rather than osteoporotic. Linda continues taking her medication.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Neville - Interview 26 >> Neville had stomach cancer and underwent an ileostomy three years ago. He said that he stopped taking Fosamax because he is forgetful but it was also

Medication; Didronel and later Fosimax but he did not stick to his treatment. In 2005; diagnosed with rectal cancer, had surgery and now uses an ileostomi bag. Neville wants to find out about non-oral medication for osteoporosis. Takes painkillers every day because he suffers from severe back pain.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Keith - Interview 38 >> Keith took HRT in the form of Testogel to improve his testosterone level and prevent further bone loss but he has experienced side effects and has red

His diagnosis came about in 2007 after medical investigation for a lump on his breast. The lump proved to be benign but the blood tests indicated that he had low testosterone levels and a DXA scan revealed mild osteoporosis. He was put on HRT treatment (testogel).

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Susan - Interview 11 >> Susan felt that she hadn’t received enough information from her doctors about the side effects or the effectiveness of her medication.

Susan was diagnosed in 2005. She was put on alendronic acid but started having a severe burning sensation on her throat. She stopped taking the medication. She is very concerned about the possible side effects of pharmacological treatments.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Keith - Interview 38 >> Keith’s medication makes him irritable. He tries very hard not to be irritable at work.

His diagnosis came about in 2007 after medical investigation for a lump on his breast. The lump proved to be benign but the blood tests indicated that he had low testosterone levels and a DXA scan revealed mild osteoporosis. He was put on HRT treatment (testogel).