Forteo vs. Tymlos: Which did you choose?

Posted by suze317 @suze317, Oct 17, 2018

I have to make a decision on Forteo vs. Tymlos and am not sure what to choose. Forteo has been around a lot longer, but has to be refrigerated. Tymlos only around 1 1/2 years but is shelf stable and seems to have less side effects and less issues with calcium. Can anyone offer their perspective? Thank you!

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@mawhsp

I hadn’t heard about the calcium, but have been taking it an hour or two afterwards because that’s when I regularly take it. Yes, about drinking water. I forgot to include in my previous reply that I find I need to drink more water since starting Tymlos and feel better when I drink more throughout the day and evening (though trying not to drink too soon before bedtime so I don’t have to get up more than once during the night…).

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Are you taking your calcium without food or is you nighttime calcium from food?

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@bluebonnet242

Are you taking your calcium without food or is you nighttime calcium from food?

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I usually take my second “dose” of calcium from supplement an hour or two after my evening meal.

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One other random thing. I took 3,000 units D3 during Tymlos because I read it "eats D3." My Vitamin D level stayed stable at 52. Since stopping, I have been doing 2,000 units/day and the level has risen to 62. So I will go down again to 1,000 units.

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@windyshores

One other random thing. I took 3,000 units D3 during Tymlos because I read it "eats D3." My Vitamin D level stayed stable at 52. Since stopping, I have been doing 2,000 units/day and the level has risen to 62. So I will go down again to 1,000 units.

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Thanks for the info. What level do you like to keep your Vitamin d?

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@bluebonnet242

Thanks for the info. What level do you like to keep your Vitamin d?

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50's seem perfect...80 is too high....my concern is that it started going up and could get too high. Without Tymlos 3,000 units was too much and now I am finding even 2000 is too much.

We are all individuals but it does signify the importance of testing D3 levels and adjusting intake.

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Is Forteo better than Tymlos?

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Does Medicare cover Forteo or Tymlos or only prescription drug coverage?

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@cheesegrits

Is Forteo better than Tymlos?

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There were trial studies comparing the two, 80mcg tymlos vs 20mcg forteo - results appeared to be better with tymlos over that of forteo by a small margin. But it is hard to say which one will be better for a particular person. Either drug has a clinical failure rate (small) as well as tolerability issues, at each individual level.

Most of us choose one out of the two after discussion with our doctors. Then insurance coverage might dictate the selection. Some people had to switch due to unbearable side effects.

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@cheesegrits

Does Medicare cover Forteo or Tymlos or only prescription drug coverage?

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Your medicare part D might have coverage depending upon the plan you choose. Medicare part B only covers medications that are administered by the medical professional Evenity, Prolia and Reclast are covered under part B.
If you are low income there are programs that might cover all or part of your prescription for Forteo or Tymlos.

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@lalee

Hi
I am in the exact position! However Forteo for me is the cost. With insurance my cost is $900 a month. Impossible for me. Have u found that to be true for you?

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Yes both Forteo and Tymolos would cost me $900 per month and I do not qualify for help according to both their sites.

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