Forteo weight gain & no bone improvement

I have been on a biosimilar to Forteo for 3 months and have gained weight as well. I haven’t had a bone density test since being on it, but I wonder if your results will improve after the new bone has had a chance to calcify?

I watched a video on how teriparatide works and it creates little “canals” in your bones, in effect creating “branches” while also laying collagen (new bone). The new bone takes a long time to harden, so fingers crossed your DEXA next year will show improvements. Let’s hope so! But I have read in Dr. McCormick’s book that 5%? of people who take teraparatide don’t get improved DEXA scores. When I mentioned that to my endocrinologist, she said the drug will still help strengthen the bones and help prevent fracture. I’m just going to wait and see for myself, since I’m not getting any side effects anymore.

Thank you for your response. My situation is I’m having back surgery in August and gaining a lot of weight will make my surgery and recovery worse. As it is, my back is so bad that I will have 2 surgeons working on me. Two of my vertebrae have already crumbled and several more have to be repaired. I feel caught between a rock and a hard place.

Oh my …. I’m so sorry to hear this. What has your team of doctors said about continuing treatment up to and after your surgery?

My neurosurgeon doesn’t handle the med. My primary doctor used to, but she’s left the practice and I don’t have anyone definite right now. It’s a big mess. She had been my dr for about 20 years. The office she was with is becoming an urgent care facility. She is not practicing anywhere else. When I heard my DEXA had gone from -3.2 in October to -4.1 in June I was disappointed. Having a weight gain made it worse. I worked hard to lose 70 lbs and to have 13 pop back on was also disappointing.

Hi Lynn59. Hope your still doing well on biosimilar Forteo. Do you still have a link to the video on how teriparatide works?

I started on Tymlos in June of 2023 and gained almost 15 lb the first 6 months, primarily in belly fat, and it was very distressing. However, I told myself it was the price I had to pay for stronger bones and, hopefully, no more fractures

My doctor says it takes a year to see the improvement.

It’s unfortunate you don’t have anyone to look after you right now. Have you considered a phone consultation with Dr. McCormick to get this thoughts? If you lost the 70 lbs over the past year, that may have contributed to your bone loss? I wish you the best of the luck.

The weight loss was over several years. Very slow and I was able to keep it at a fixed level for the last 3 years. Thank you for your response and thoughtfulness.

Been on forteo for 14 months and recent dexa showed minimal gains in spine and femoral neck, the hip didn’t budge from -2. I’ve gained 13 lbs and the jelly roll around my waist is uncomfortable, depressing, and definitely a result of the forteo.
We are all different and this med seems to work great for some, mediocre for others, and not at all for the rest. Lily denies there is weight gain or belly fat. This is one of two forums that I follow and it’s irresponsible of the drug mfr to ignore the hundreds of postings with this complaint.
I’d say try Tymlos or jump to Prolia. Wishing you good luck!