osteopenia/osteoporosis have worsened also vit d defic.While on peg/cop can I treat with bone building drugs?

[hopeful587]

I had hoped that the bio-identical hormones and vit d would protect me. But like this old liver of mine has not been properly absorbing it.  Have any of you post - menepausal ladies started any bone-building tx while on peg/cop?   I know that my internist will want me to get started right away.  Anyone exp'd this?
Hopeful587

[Kristina538]

I don't know anything about 'bone-building' meds but I was diagnosed with a Vit D deficiency some years ago, and assume it was to do with the HCV.    I was prescribed a monthly tablet.   The more I look into Vitamin D, the less I would think of 'self-prescribing' this particular vitamin.   It can be taken in many forms, and if incorrect, I think it can affect other areas, particularly around calcium absorboration, thyroid (and I would assume liver).

Peg/cop is a new drug relatively speaking, so there aren't huge studies on contra-indications;   the best person to as would be your specialist.  

[pigeonca]

I took Fosamax, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D - along with multivitamins - throughout treatment without any adverse effects.  

[susan400]

I've done 10 treatments of various kinds and I've been diagnosed with osteopenia of the lower lumbar spine and hip.  My Vit. D test is still within normal limits, although on the low side of normal and I'm on a multivitamin and a small amount of calcium citrate with Vit. D (in addition to multivitamin's calc/Vit. D).  I am to be retested on that level in June and if it's holding it's own, Dr.'s going to keep me on that same regimen, but if it's lower, he'll increase my Vit.D.    I will probably be getting a repeat on the bone densitometry in another year to 1-1/2 yrs from now.

Susan400

[justme53]

I had a normal bone density scan prior to tx that was normal, but my Dr. ok'd me to keep taking my Calcium and Vit.D-3 throughout tx. One thing I learned here though is to take the calcium at a different time than the Riba so it doen't adversely effect the absorption of the Ribavirin.

I'm not familiar with bone building drugs other than these.....Pam

[hopeful587]

Thank you all so much for all your input.  Glad to hear that you've been able to tx bone issues while  on tx. There is no doubt that hepc has interferred with my Vit D absorbtion.  I was diagnosed twenty yrs ago with osteopenea, following a complete hysterectomy at 37.  Didn't do well on synthetic hormones.  Then came low-thyroid problems.  It was a blessing that I live. in a city where there was a pioneer in the field of bio-identical hormones, thyroid tx, allergies, and the connection between allergy/infection/antibiotic/improper diet and suppressed immune system.  My immune system was zapped...just as I the above was under control, a prolonged period of intense stress followed.  It was shortly after that I was diagnosed with hepc.  Only in the last several yrs have I been diagnosed with the vit d defiency.  He has adjusted my hormone levels, increasing progesterone, increasing vit d3 to 5000IU per day.

  I have had to discontinue my regime of natural supplementation during tx.  Have noticed that some of you take milk thistle, and a few others. But my Dr say NO.  I am allowed to continue vit d3, B12 injections, natural fatty acids, vitc.  I have found it difficult to find a food grade multi-vit that contains no iron nor vit A.  Many nutrients are involved in the building and keeping of strong bones and at the moment. Currently I'm not taking enough vits and minerals. Also concerned about cellular destruction and rebuilding, read about lipid replacement therapy.   I'm going into 5th wk of tx and still trying to get some education and get my bearings.  Thank you for researching and sharing.  These forums have been more helpful than I am able to express.
Blessings,
Hopeful

[frijole]

hopeful
I started taking Fosamax about a month before I began treating for hep C and did not seem to have any bad side effects.  A bone density test done after tx showed slight improvement.  If your doctor wants to you go on one of the bone density drugs, I think it is a good idea.  Having osteopenia for that many years without it slipping to osteoporosis is a good sign that all your supplements were helping.  I was (and am) also supposed to take calcium but I juct couldn't force another pill into my regime while treating.

[hopeful587]

That's encouraging..I feel same about taking more pills.  And the water is not going down as easily.  Skin looking older and dryer already.  Not urinating as much-- feel like I just can't get hydrated.  First sores on tongue, dry lips even with moisturing often.  
44 weeks to go...with God's help.  His grace to you...