discomfort. How should I take my bisphosphonate and do they interfere with any other medications? Generally, bisphosphonates should be taken first thing in the morning. You should remain upright for half an hour after taking them; but you may walk around. Calcium supplements and oral bisphosphonates should be taken several hours apart, as the absorption of one can interfere with the other. How long should I stay on medication for my bones? You will probably have to take medication long-term. Currently, clinical trials looking at preventing fractures only extend for 5 years. If you are at high risk of fractures (e.g., have a prevalent fracture or osteoporosis on BMD T-score criteria) you are likely to be advised to continue treatment beyond 5 years. Your doctor may need to monitor the effect of treatment by repeating DXA scans and other tests at various stages. I am 50, have rheumatoid arthritis and am on high doses of corticosteroids. What should I do for my bone health? It is generally recommended that people commencing corticosteroid therapy for more than 3 months should be placed on a bisphosphonate at the same time to prevent bone loss and fractures. A calcium supplement should also be considered. I am a 75 year old woman and becoming very hunched over in the top and middle part of my spine - do I have osteoporosis or is this just part of ageing? Changes in your spinal posture as you describe are not just part of ageing. You may