For Osteopenia, after Bone Density Testing

lilsister · 03-17-2007, 12:05 AM

My brother's Endocrinologist (no SCI exp) called and wants to start him on Ergocalciferol 50,000u, one tablet/month. This was after we told them Fosomax wasn't recommended for Tetraplegia not using FES. Has there been any success that has been documented that you know of? When Googling this, I could find no SCI indications. I know that it is for low Vitamin D levels, but not sure if it would be effective for SCI and if there is gastric upset. Deb

SCI-Nurse · 03-17-2007, 01:12 AM

Ask him for the articles that show this is effective in SCI before starting this medication. These drugs are not without side effects, and personally I don't feel there is enough evidence that they are of any benefit (in those with complete injuries not using regular FES or vibratory standing) to warrant the risks of the medication.

http://fdb.rxlist.com/drugs/drug-904...alciferol+Oral

You should discuss this with you SCI physician (physiatrist) and ask that they discuss this with his endocrinologist.

(KLD)

lilsister · 03-17-2007, 02:15 AM

Thank you for the information. Deb

03-17-2007, 12:05 AM	#1
lilsister Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Madison,Wisconsin, USA Posts: 1,481	For Osteopenia, after Bone Density Testing My brother's Endocrinologist (no SCI exp) called and wants to start him on Ergocalciferol 50,000u, one tablet/month. This was after we told them Fosomax wasn't recommended for Tetraplegia not using FES. Has there been any success that has been documented that you know of? When Googling this, I could find no SCI indications. I know that it is for low Vitamin D levels, but not sure if it would be effective for SCI and if there is gastric upset. Deb

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03-17-2007, 01:12 AM	#2
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,334	Ask him for the articles that show this is effective in SCI before starting this medication. These drugs are not without side effects, and personally I don't feel there is enough evidence that they are of any benefit (in those with complete injuries not using regular FES or vibratory standing) to warrant the risks of the medication. http://fdb.rxlist.com/drugs/drug-904...alciferol+Oral You should discuss this with you SCI physician (physiatrist) and ask that they discuss this with his endocrinologist. (KLD)

03-17-2007, 02:15 AM	#3
lilsister Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Madison,Wisconsin, USA Posts: 1,481	Thank you for the information. Deb