Osteoporosis and Forteo (teriparatide): What to hear experiences

A bone specialist has recommended that I start Forteo (teraparatide )treatment because I’ve had 6 stress fractures in 2 years all occurring in my lower legs. I also have a diagnosis of osteopenia & osteoporosis. My overall health is good however I was diagnosed 4 years ago with Thrombocytosis ( too many platelets) . I’m 71, very active and until the stress fractures started I was very fit. Exercising is a challenge now as I am non weight bearing on my R leg while a navicular fracture is healing. Thanks for any help.

I’m sorry your situation is so difficult. I hope you’ve been able to figure something else out. The freezing of the injector … I’ve heard that before and have wondered if you have traveled to another state like how do you remedy getting another injector quickly to keep up with the day to day dose. And also, I wondered about cost , so as I’m wrapping my head around do I take this medicine I called my insurance company. They said it would be $1980.00/ month . Pushing a bit they said Forteo has a coupon available if you qualify . I called them and they indicated it would be $4.00 per month till you hit $9,000 annually . After that you have to pay. So that would cost be near $18,000 for the remainder of that year. Then you do that all again the next year. WOW!!! I have a commercial insurance , so am not on Medicare yet. Kind of wonder what the difference would be. Thoughts??

Wow, pricey med I have found. 1st month alrdy put me in the "donut hole" in my Medicare Adv plan and went from $3.00 a montn to 234.00 a month and not sure after that. I also applied for Medicare extra help but havent heard anythig yet. I need this medicine as I have 5 broken vertebra after lifting a couch with undiagnosed osteoporsis. This sucks as I have been in pain for 6 m. nonstop. I only been on this drug a month and just ordered my refill holy cow! as 67 who was active and now feel like 100. Hope this med works! Good luck

Wow ..that is so expensive...alot of people cannot afford that.....that is why I pay the price for algaecal..I know it is expensive but if I can avoid osteoporosis drugs. ....

Have you looked into financial assistance from the company? I got Radius Assist or Tymlos. Both Forteo and Tymlos are reputed to help healing and I had dramatic gains on Tymlos, which is similar to Forteo.

I have a lot of fractures too. The pain does improve over time but I have relapses if I do even minor lifting! I am very careful. Walking and tai chi help me.

A generic version of Forteo is now available. I am not on Medicare so I can't provide insight into whether it's covered or how much it costs.

I was on Tymlos for four months but Cigna is forcing me to move to the generic version of Forteo. It will cost me $45/month for the co-pay.

I applied for Medicare extra help online (3 wks) but haven't heard back from them yet as there is an income limit. I also have the LILI cares app that I am going to take to Rheumatologist and have him fill out his portion and fax to them and from what I hear , no1 gets that for income subsidy either. I will keep pluggin away tho . thank you . Hope the med kicks in as I am only going on month 2. 🙂

Radius Assist's income ceiling is $45,180 for a one person household and $61,320 for a two person household. Lilly Cares is the same https://www.lillycares.com/how-to-apply#check-eligibility

Does generic Forteo have a patient assistance program?

yes they do but it looks like if you have Medicare with part D, you may not qualify for assistance. I did check out Radius Assist's but it is for another drug Tymlos and doesnt include Forteo . I am going to give the Forteo applicatin from lili cares a try and have it filled out to give to my Rheumatologist osteo Dr. and let them fax and see what happens. Next year there is a change to Medicare out of pocket. Will see!! Thank you.