AboutEric Brandt Expertise I am a practicing pharmacist.On my drug information website, I have answered hundreds of questions to date. The articles posted on my site include Parkinson`s disease. depression, menopause, diabetes, sleep and aging, congestive heart failure, calcium channel blockers, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, ADHD, multiple sclerosis an more.
Experience I have experience in retail as well as hospital pharmacy pracice. Currently working in a hospital pharmacy. I am experienced in drug information. Over the last 6 years I have developed a successful web site for drug information.
The addressfor my drug information website is http://www.druginformation.bc.caThere you can read articles on varios areas of health interest. You can also leave me questions which I will personally answer. I also have a free health information newsletter called The Caplet. To subscribe send e-mail to
thecaplet-subscribe@topica.com
Question Hi Eric!
I am wondering if I can take Actonel and 20mg doxycycline for a combo treatment so that I will maintain and not lose anymore bone? Do you know of a better treatment? Is it true that I can only take Actonel for 5 years. I am a 51-year old female and I haven't had a menstrual period for 3 months. Both of my parents have osteoporosis. I am small boned. I had to insist on the bone density test with my doctor. She wanted me to wait another 2 years before taking Actonel, but has now agreed to prescribe it. I may not be able to convince her of the 20mg doxycycline, for osteoblasts and osteoclasts activity, but I could get it possibly from the dentist that I work for because I am a dental hygienist. Also, what is your belief on calcium intake prior to taking the Actonel? I don't know much about Forteo either, but some dental patients tell me they can only take it for two years. Thanks!
Answer Hi Teresa,
There is some ecvidence that low dose doxycycline can help prevent dental disease due to osteoporosis in post menopausal women. I have not seen a lot of literature regarding its use in preventing bone fractures in the spine etc. Since most bone loss occurs within the first 7 years of menopause drugs such as Actonel are most beneficial in early menopause to prevent bone loss. It is still beneficial beyond that period but does not necessarily restore lost bone. It can prevent further loss.
There is still benefit beyond the 5 year period. If a person is at risk the drug is likely a lifelong treatment.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
