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Undecided choice of drugs for Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Sep 8 8:12am | Replies (393)Comment receiving replies
I am so happy to have found this forum. I am struggling with the available treatment options for osteoporosis and appreciate the shared experiences of women who are in this same predicament.
I am 74 years old, and my recent Scan for lumbar spine T score is -2.7, left hip T score -2.6, left femoral neck -3.3. That, along with a recently diagnosed sacral spine fracture and degenerative disc disease has left me anxious about how to regain and maintain bone strength. My osteoporosis was diagnosed at least 10 years ago, but after a brief attempt at Fosomax and several years on Calcitonin I decided to go for the diet and exercise route. I am now at the point where I've reconciled the need to start medication but am having difficulty deciding between my doctor's suggestion of weekly Fosomax or the annual Reclast infusion. My body generally has difficulty with medications, and I'm reluctant to start any of the available treatment options. I don't think my doctor is the best source of info, and it's interesting to read that many of you see rheumatologists, which I may ask for referral to.
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kar50,
hi, welcome to the party.
There aren't a lot of medications to choose from. There are two basic types antiresorptives which stop your bones from growing adapting or repairing themselves. And anabolics that encourage the growth of bone by repairing fissures and changing alignment in accordance with your activities.
Both of the medications you have been offered are antiresorptive. Both Fosamax and Reclast are part of the larger group of bisphosphonates including alendronate, risidronate and others.
The anabolics are Tymlos and Forteo. They build a stronger, more resilient bone. I would guess that you haven't seen a bone specialist because the current thinking is that the anabolics work better if you take them before you take the antiresorptives.
There are two other drugs coursing osteoporotic bodies these days. Prolia which is an antiresorptive and Evenity which seems to be a combination--anabolic for the first three months and antiresorptive after.
I'm in the anabolic court, with the opinion that they give you better bone and faster
protection.
All of these medications have potential side effects. I'm taking Forteo for a year and a half now without any side effects. One nice advantage of Forteo and Tymlos is that if you have side effects the drug clears the system within 24 hours and you can quit the drug without suffering for an extended period of time.
Some of us see rheumatologists some see endocrinologists. I've only seen endocrinologists--lots of them. You might look for someone with an interest in osteoporosis because it is difficult to keep up with literature on so many diseases.
I have little experience but there are many wonderful characters here and a vast amount of practical knowlege.
A plus is that the unspoken rule is respect for each others opinions and the ultimate respect for what will be a very personal decision.
We're happy you found us, too.