Questions about Reclast for osteoporosis.

Welcome to Connect. Please know that your post is quite appropriate given that you are encountering a very important decision in your life. I don't know enough about you to make any decisive comments. Both of these medications have been selected by quite a few Connect members. I will start with myself.

Fosamax was my endocrinologist's choice for me after two years of successful bone-building with Tymlos. It seems to fit my body's preferences and I will find out if it has helped maintain my Dexa scores in a few months. I have had no side effects for almost two years.

My very close friend, Patsy has been a Reclast patient for several years. She just turned 70 last week and will soon find out if her bone density has remained satisfactory.

It does seem like we all have slightly different response issues. The only caution I might share with you is to think ahead. If you need or want to have significant bone growth, you should probably not start with either of these options. Tymlos, Forteo, and Evenity are the three medications that foster bone growth and based upon your age and your Dexa scores may be helpful at this point.

May you be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.

Chris

Hi Chris,
Thank you so much for your quick response! Before my appointment, I did a little research and asked my doctor about the three meds you mentioned. He told me they were more for people in more advanced stages. I was curious about them because they seem to have fewer side effects. I'll be curious as to how my urine results and blood work come back. It is such a difficult decision. He also was very thorough in his questions about my health. It was a Zoom call but he spent at least 45 with me to get a complete history. My bone scan came as a result of my breast cancer diagnosis. Thank God everything turned out fine and I opted not to go on Femara or Aromasin due to the osteo diagnosis

I've had 3 Reclast infusions (2019, 2021, 2023) and was sick for a few days after each. Mostly mild flu-like symptoms (none of the rare reactions). Reclast did improve my T scores (bone density), but I had minor osteoporosis to begin with (69 yo). I also take calcium and magnesium citrate, D3, and lift weights to increase bone density. I have a friend with severe osteoporosis that has been taking Reclast pills for some years; it reversed or stopped the progression but had the side effect of losing her smell and taste. Don't know why she opted for pills rather than the infusion.

My gynecologist wanted to put me on a liquid medication that she wouldn't name but she said she doubts my insurance would cover it. I told her they would. She said it would help stop bone loss and actually help to grow bone. I'm tired. Thank you for responding. Pamela

What do you mean that she "wouldn't name it"?
Make sure that you know exactly what the name is then do the research!

Did you stop taking the Fosamax and did your pain issues go away? I'm curious what route you took after your Dec post such as whether you started on a different medication? I am considering starting Fosamax, hoping to avoid Reclast and the side effects I've read about. This would be the first osteo drug for me.

What did you decide to do about getting another Reclast infusion?

I am trying to decide which medication to start with for my osteoporosis. My recent DEXA scan was not good showing -3.9 at lumbar spine. First endo recommended Reclast, but said I could take Fosamax to see how I respond as far as side effects. My blood calcium levels are in the high-normal range, so are a concern with Tymlos or Forteo. Plus I only have one parathyroid gland so am concerned about taking drugs that are a form of parathyroid hormone. Evenity was mentioned, but I think I should check with a cardiologist first? I read that Reclast and Fosamax have similar results with BMD. I read they build bone too?
Why are these not recommended if you want to take a bone builder later? I read the bone building drugs are usually reserved for people that have had fractures. I have not, as far as I know. Does anyone recommend some type of scan to look for silent fractures, before beginning osteo meds? I see a new endo in a couple weeks to get a 2nd opinion.

Is there a specific reason why you are not starting with a bone building med? I have learned so much from this support group
From what I have learned so far is that there seems to be consensus that the wisdom now is to start with a bone builder except in very specific situations

Regarding Tymlos and Forteo, my reservations about these drugs are that my blood calcium levels are in the high-normal range and my endo said these drugs raise calcium blood levels. Also, I only have one parathyroid gland so am concerned about taking drugs that are a form of parathyroid hormone. That leaves Evenity. I will discuss all this when I see a 2nd endo Dr soon.