Cancer risks of Tymlos

Posted by loh @loh, Oct 27 10:24am

I am 62 and have osteoporosis. The doc suggested Tymlos and between side effects and risks of cancer I’m petrified to start this process. It is a huge leap for me to take something like this, I barely take aspirin or Advil. For those who have taken it, was there a huge benefit? Did the benefits continue after stopping or did it just buy you a little time with bone density?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

njx58 | @njx58 | Oct 31 5:03pm

In reply to @loh "That's helpful, thank you. The doctor said not until 2 years, but can't hurt to check!" + (show)

If you can spare the money, and there's a location that accessible, you could get the Echolight scan in the meantime.

arlene1958 | @arlene1958 | Oct 31 8:37pm

In reply to @loh "Same here as far as being scared to death. My doctor said insurance only pays for..." + (show)

When I went for my scan they said insurance covers every year if dx with osteoporosis. I will have to check again maybe I misunderstood.

arlene1958 | @arlene1958 | Oct 31 8:41pm

My son told me today to think positive and I am going to try to do that. I feel if I have too many side effects then I will stop the use and figure something else out l. But at this point, I need to do something! I will start mine on Monday and do these injections towards pm. What about you?

arlene1958 | @arlene1958 | Oct 31 8:45pm

In reply to @arlene1958 "I will start tymlos on Monday and scared to death. I am 66 and very active...." + (show)

Thanks for all the hugs !

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 1 4:14am

In reply to @arlene1958 "My son told me today to think positive and I am going to try to do..." + (show)

@arlene1958 if the side effects feel too much with a full dose, you can go down to 1/2 or even 1/4 dose and move up as your body gets used to it.

I started in the evening but did better doing the shots in the morning. That is another thing to try if you have side effects. We are all different!

Tymlos is a really helpful medication !

gently | @gently | Nov 1 5:37am

In reply to @arlene1958 "When I went for my scan they said insurance covers every year if dx with osteoporosis...." + (show)

The provider I see tells me that most insurers will pay for dxa every year with osteoporosis. Primary Medicare pays mine twice a year. Some offices avoid the hassle of challenging an insurance refusal.
Bone markers are another way of determining if a medication is effective. Medicare pays for those every three months.

loh | @loh | Nov 1 5:39am

In reply to @njx58 "If you can spare the money, and there's a location that accessible, you could get the..." + (show)

I haven't heard of that, I'll have to look it up. Thanks!

njx58 | @njx58 | Nov 1 6:38am

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/echolight-sonogram-scan-for-bones/

loh | @loh | Nov 1 7:17am

In reply to @njx58 "https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/echolight-sonogram-scan-for-bones/" + (show)

The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. Thank you njx58 for this information. I need to do more homework!

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Nov 1 7:31am

In reply to @loh "The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. Thank you njx58..." + (show)

Me too. The learning is seemingly endless however I feel more confident questioning my docs and citing what I am learning. They can't know everything and I want to be the best possible advocate for my health.