What to do about my Osteoporosis? 78 ... - Osteoporosis Support

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What to do about my Osteoporosis? 78 years old, Last DEXA scan shown severe osteoporosis. Did not like what the doctor said to do.

Charlottejoan profile image
8 Replies

My rheumatologist suggested I take a shot in my stomach for two years of a medication called FORTEO, Sorry about the spelling of the medication. Some thing about taking a shot in my stomach every day for two years and then going onPreolia.. I have decided to do nothing. My daughter is upset with me she works in the healthcare and rehab and she sees all the patients with osteoporosis and other injuries. She’s an occupational therapist.. Anyway I I just don’t know what to do. I have had two fractures in the past but nothing in the past two years. I stopped taking the Priola. That’s when my bone density went down. I stopped because I didn’t like taking the medication and was worried about the side effects. any suggestions?

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Charlottejoan profile image
Charlottejoan
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baxternoni profile image
baxternoni

After being on Prednisone for 14 months for GCA, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. After a lot of reading I have decided not to take any drugs for it. I am currently on some strong meds and I didn’t want to add another. I am taking supplements instead. Good luck and blessings.

M3745 profile image
M3745

I’ve been taking Forteo since November. I give my self the injection in my thighs which is an option for you. I feel very fortunate to be on this drug. I believe it is the best drug out there for osteoporosis. I have no side effects at all and feel better and stronger. Since it is a daily injection, you can stop it at any time if you do have any side effects that you just can’t deal with. It not only improves density, but also your bone quality. I didn’t want to take a chance with a fracture that could change my quality of life forever. My problem will be at the end of my two years when my doctor wants me to go on prolia. That is a drug that I absolutely refuse to take, for many many reasons, one of which is that he would want me on it for the rest of my life. I’m only 63. The risk of rebound fractures is very high without careful management of another relay drug with careful timing.

in reply to M3745

I heard that Eli Lilly had received approval for Forteo to be used for an additional 6 months if needed in certain patients. This may depend upon your insurance and also on whether the medication still is effective (it often wanes in efficacy after 18 months or so in many people - but your provider can check bone turnover marker labs to see if it still seems to be working for you).

M3745 profile image
M3745 in reply to

There are those on another group I am on whose doctors have them on Forteo for an additional 3rd year now that the black box warning has been lifted. The hard part will be finding a doctor in my area to work with me on that and also to find one that does bone markers. They look at you like your nuts for even asking about it. I will have to do my homework when I’m in my second year.

in reply to M3745

I totally get that. After my fractures, a rheumatologist only ordered labs for me when I practically begged the provider to do so - I wanted some "baselines" (though my baselines were with multiple active fractures). Since then, another provider I see who does my DXAs w/TBS is the one who orders my BTM labs 3 times a year or so tomonitor treatment. Best wishes to you along this journey!

Kaarina profile image
Kaarina

Unfortunately, taking Prolia for a time and then stopping it without taking an alternative OP drug, does bring on fractures. Something not all medics inform their patients about. I am sure your daughter is upset that you are not following the usual pattern of taking drugs when diagnosed with OP. It is you taking the drugs, not her, so it is easy for her to say. ;)

Forteo is from what I hear a good drug for OP. Unfortunately there is a time limit of 2 years before it is stopped and one has to take another OP drug or else all the good work of the Forteo is lost and more fractures occur.

I am sorry I do not have any suggestions for you. It is a very hard decision to make. I would only take OP drugs as a very last resort. I have tried AA and Risedronate and they did not agree with me. I was prescribed Strontium Ranelate and found this drug great. It was withdrawn and then brought back some time later. Medics in the counties near where I live will not prescribe it now.

I exercise daily and take supplements, have enough calcium in my diet and am prescribed Vitamin D3.

Painterinpg profile image
Painterinpg

I just started taking Forteo. The shot is nothing. The directionshave you give it in different sites. Abdomen and thigh. It's hardly a shot. No pain at all. Unless my shot is defective.

I recently completed 2 years of Tymlos, which is very similar to Forteo (but does not require refrigeration after opening the pen). Tymlos is supposed to have fewer possible side effects than Forteo according to my provider. I had no side effects and the injections are given with a very small pen needle (like an insulin needle) - I did not find it painful at all. I had 5 fragility fractures (I am in my late 50s) so needed to try to build some good bone. Unfortunately, I did not get an increase in my bone density or quality (DEXA w/ TBS) but just stayed stable. I have now just started on Evenity, which is the only other medication that is considered to have anabolic action besides Forteo & Tymlos. It has a 12 month limit as that is when efficacy wanes. I too will have to take an antiresorptive after completing Evenity, but I do not plan on taking Prolia. I will consider Reclast.

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