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Hesitant to begin drug treatment for my osteoporosis
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Oct 20 10:56am | Replies (73)Comment receiving replies
How did you find out about Forteo & Tymlos and the parathyroid glands? Are those drugs known for damaging those glands? I also only have one parathyroid gland left because the others were removed during two thyroid surgeries. At my last thyroid surgery in 2023, the surgeon had to remove one of them and could only find one gland remaining so assumes two were removed during my first thyroid surgery. Anyway, at first my endo was hesitant to prescribe Forteo or Tymlos because my blood calcium is in the high-normal range, but said we could try them if we keep an eye on my blood calcium. He didn't mention anything about those two drugs possibly damaging the parathyroid gland I have left. I am still trying to decide what drugs to take. It's difficult because I couldn't get a follow-up appt with my endo until Sept. My lumbar spine is at -3.9. My endo recommends Reclast but the side effects of acute phase reactions scare me.
Regarding Evenity, would you suggest a consult with a cardiologist before starting that drug? I had a coronary calcium test a few years ago and my scores were good.
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Hi, Ripley,
It was my endocrinologist who recommended I not use any of the drugs that are parathyroid hormone based, e.g., Forteo and Tymlos. "Abaloparatide (Tymlos) is a daily injectable parathyroid hormone..." (from the AAFP website). She didn't want the medication to essentially confuse my parathyroid. I think her thinking is that if the parathyroid senses parathyroid hormone in the body, it will stop doing its work (that's my interpretation of what she said - it's been about six months since we discussed it, so my memory isn't necessarily precise).
Have you discussed using Evenity with your doctor? It might be a better choice in your situation, as the Tymlos website itself says you should talk with your doctor if your calcium levels are too high. If you do go forward with it, make sure you are aware of the side effects associated with the high calcium level, so you can alert your doctor if you experience them.
I spoke with my cardiologist regarding Evenity as there are potential heart/stroke related side effects associated with it (very small risk). My coronary calcium score is very high, which is why we had the concern. It's never a bad idea to make sure that all of your doctors know that you're planning to start one of these drugs.
By the way, my doctor plans for me to start Reclast as soon as I stop Evenity. If I don't, then whatever gains I get from the medication will be lost. Like most folks here, I feel that I am between a rock and a hard place. I've never broken a bone in my life (knock on wood), and I'm still relatively young (66), so having to take such serious medications to protect my back is a tough pill to swallow.
Good luck with your journey!