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← Return to Prolia black box warning?
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Christine,
Since you started your Prolia in September 2022, that means your 4th shot is due next month. So you are in a critical moment where you need to decide if you are proceeding or transitioning off Prolia. Critical because every additional Prolia shot makes it that much harder and more dangerous to stop. For 2 and prob 3 shots, Alendronate should be effective enough as a relay drug to ease off Prolia but for 4 and above, you will need the more potent Reclast infusion(s). And after 4-5 years, even Reclast is not always effective in mitigating the rebound effect.
If you decide to stop Prolia, you should do BTM tests before starting on your relay drug to monitor the effectiveness of the transition. For Alendronate, i have also come across advice to start on the 5th month after the last Prolia shot instead of waiting till the 6th month - something which makes sense to me as resorption activity ramps up very quickly once the Prolia wears off and it could be advantageous to have Alendronate already activated and on hand.
Oh, Prolia does affect the immune system so it may have a hand in your respiratory infections
Replies to "Christine, Since you started your Prolia in September 2022, that means your 4th shot is due..."
Good Morning,
This is my update on my progress following my GP appointment of yesterday.
Today, I will get my Osnuvo medication, and will commence on Saturday morning! Insurance coverage for the drug cost is AOK, and bone density ordered.
On the issue of getting the baseline bloodwork of the CTX and P1NP, I was told that "since my osteoporosis is not a result of metabolic disease, these tests are not necessary." It is felt that my problem is due to the heavy overuse of Prednisone for about 15 years [which stopped 6 years ago when I moved to this part of the country.]
Osnuvo is the approved biosimilar for Forteo, [which my drug insurance company had denied.]
Also, I asked the pharmacist about 'Gemlife' as suggested by my Connect buddy in India. Apparently, this drug is "not for Canada, only for overseas". [there is no doubt a long story of the whys and wherefores on that topic - but that's for another time]
So, I am relieved to be at this point. This was a struggle after being so ill for so long. It seemed a long process of consolidating my doctors and doing the research on all things. This would not have been possible without the wonderful support and high calibre information and suggestions from my 'learned" Connect buddies. I would not have accomplished this without you.
I thank you all so much.
Sending my best to all for continued success on this long road!
Christine
This is an update to my too long saga of "Coming off of Prolia".
After much research and discussion with all specialists and G.P. the dec ision was made to go to Forteo. My drug insurance company, Canada Life would only cover the biosimilar, Osnuvo.
So with great anticipation , I commenced this on Monday evening the 22 April.
Initially, I experienced the expected headache and light-headedness, which can occur during the first "several days".
Yes, I had light headedness, and a slight headache. So, no driving, stayed at home, lots of rest...
Then, on Friday, I was taken out for a light lunch - my first outing.. all was well, until one hour past and the light headed-ness returned and quickly increased until I realised I was in trouble. I was brought home and lay down... but soon I could not raise my head without this symptom, my headache worsened and when the ambulance arrived my blood pressure was also found to be "unstable" [ worst reading was 192/71, with irregular heartbeat- my normal is 110/60 ].
Conclusion from ER: Stop Osnuvo. Commence Sero. See prescribing physician on Monday.
Two things: Important to point out that I often have had weird and extreme reactions to medications. This reaction is "rare". [lucky me!]
Also, in the Patient Education paper, it clearly states "if dizziness or headache increases, to seek medical care immediately".
So now, I will return to the doctor on Monday and will need to start on another drug to prevent re-bound.
So, the story continues.
Thanks again to those who have followed this adventure.
Connect
Thank you formisc for your info and support.
Yes, I am realising just how critic my timing is at this very moment... but I cannot get an appointment until 13 March.
I am very thankful for the Connect buddies who have educated me on this problem and my arthritis specialist who picked up on my track record since the Prolia started. --- the timing of the past 1 1/2 years is suspicious, when even for me that is a lot of infections, when I am practising such high levels of lung hygiene and isolation from people and masking at all times!
May I ask another question: What are the BTM tests that you are mentioning??
Thanks again for your input. [isn't Connect great?]