My Experience on Evenity for Treating Osteoporosis

Posted by arlene7 @arlene7, Jul 7, 2020

Thought I would share for those considering or on Evenity for osteoporosis:
Afer much research and discussions with my GP and Cardiologist, I have decided to start my treatment with Evenity injections. As with all drugs, there are many side effects. My biggest concerns were stroke and heart attack. However, considering that I do no have any history for either, for me personally, the benefits outweigh the risks. As my GP said to me, "if everyone only thought about the side effects of the drugs, no one would be taking them".

I had my first injections (subcutaneously in the back of each arm) on June 30th. The nurse that administered the injections discussed the drug in depth, along with all the possibilities that may occur. She also mentioned that for all the patients that she has seen, none has had any side effects.

The injections are once a month for only one year, so I'm hoping that this works well for me and I can improve my bone density, especially in my spine, where I need it the most.

My endocronologist has also prescribed Hydrochlorthiazide for my idiopathic hypocalcemia. I have an appointment with an allergist this month to confirm whether I still have an allergy to sulfa drugs, since this drug contains sulfa. Apart from this I take D3 orally and try to obtain additional calcium through foods not supplements. Trying to walk 3-4 times a week and will begin with a few weight bearing exercises.

My journey began September, 2019 when I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. After waiting to see three doctors, receiving three denials from insurance company for Evenity, which took several months, I am hopefully on my way for a favorful outcome.

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

@gravity3

It takes awhile for an appointment with my doc too but when I was coming into his office for my injections I had no problem getting in at all even on short notice. Are the nurses that booked or do you have to go to an infusion center........have you discovered yet if it presents an issue going so long between. Does your doc know about difficulty getting appointments for your Evenity ?

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It's Reclast that's booked far past my last Evenity shot (a week short of three months) – am all finished with the year of Evenity. From what I read here many were told by their doctors to get it soon / within a month ideally to not lose gains from Evenity. Tried to find cancellations but no luck. My doctor didn't seem to mind. I read a study saying you lose (I think it was) 60% of the gains after a year so it may take time to lose my gains but after 12 months getting this stuff in my system I want to hold on to all I have! Oh well... it's next week so going with that.

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@spiderplant

It's Reclast that's booked far past my last Evenity shot (a week short of three months) – am all finished with the year of Evenity. From what I read here many were told by their doctors to get it soon / within a month ideally to not lose gains from Evenity. Tried to find cancellations but no luck. My doctor didn't seem to mind. I read a study saying you lose (I think it was) 60% of the gains after a year so it may take time to lose my gains but after 12 months getting this stuff in my system I want to hold on to all I have! Oh well... it's next week so going with that.

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When you mentioned a study about losing 60% of the gains after a year on Evenity -- is that only if you don't take a bisphosphonate or something similar afterwards?

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@osteoresearch

Have you tried really hydrating with minerals? It “might” help with the headaches if you haven’t tried it.

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What minerals? I have even consideted getting CBD. Right now I just took ibuprofen 3 because my head and neck are in so much pain..

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@ripley

When you mentioned a study about losing 60% of the gains after a year on Evenity -- is that only if you don't take a bisphosphonate or something similar afterwards?

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Yes, that's if one doesn't take anything / do anything afterwards.

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@spiderplant

It's Reclast that's booked far past my last Evenity shot (a week short of three months) – am all finished with the year of Evenity. From what I read here many were told by their doctors to get it soon / within a month ideally to not lose gains from Evenity. Tried to find cancellations but no luck. My doctor didn't seem to mind. I read a study saying you lose (I think it was) 60% of the gains after a year so it may take time to lose my gains but after 12 months getting this stuff in my system I want to hold on to all I have! Oh well... it's next week so going with that.

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@spiderplant my doctor was okay with a two month gap between Evenity and Reclast. He said it "takes time for Evenity to mineralize."

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@sugamama23

What minerals? I have even consideted getting CBD. Right now I just took ibuprofen 3 because my head and neck are in so much pain..

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I personally put a pinch of mineral sea salt in my water. Usually up to 1 tsp for the day. It gives the water flavor. Also, I put apple cider vinegar in my water b4 eating anything. As for cbd, I have taken a 1:1 Cbd/thc (1/2 edible-5mg) ever since I was diagnosed with cancer at night and I sleep like a charm with no hangover or ill effects. May not be for everyone but with this regime (good hydration/anti-inflammatory, no sugar, and good sleep) I haven’t had a migraine in years. Also, if you are taking an anabolic your body needs extra support for bone growth so minerals, water and nutrients to help support the goal of the meds just makes good sense. And nothing that derails it (sugar, inflammatory foods, or not enough water!). Add in some movement to keep the system primed and muscles strong. We all know this but sometimes hard to follow. I hope this might help a little -just keep trying things to see what works for you. I wish you painless days….

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@windyshores

@spiderplant my doctor was okay with a two month gap between Evenity and Reclast. He said it "takes time for Evenity to mineralize."

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When in doubt check the amjen website.

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I just recently was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 56 and my doctor has recommended Reclast infusions. I have never heard of Evenity or Forteo or any of the other drugs I've been reading about on this website because they were never offered as options by my doctor. So I am just trying to learn. How does Evenity differ from Reclast? And should I be discussing other options with my doctor rather than Reclast. I am set for an infusion the first week of January, but I tend to have all the side effects from drugs and the list for Reclast is a bit daunting.

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@katgirl

I just recently was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 56 and my doctor has recommended Reclast infusions. I have never heard of Evenity or Forteo or any of the other drugs I've been reading about on this website because they were never offered as options by my doctor. So I am just trying to learn. How does Evenity differ from Reclast? And should I be discussing other options with my doctor rather than Reclast. I am set for an infusion the first week of January, but I tend to have all the side effects from drugs and the list for Reclast is a bit daunting.

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Hi, @katgirl You are asking a great question. I suggest watching this video by Michael Lavacot for an introduction to the different drug options.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4uXAsnhSaA
I’m also attaching an OsteoBoston video with Benjamin Leder which I found to be helpful when I was first navigating my diagnosis.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pV5maUhAjOA
The order in which we take osteoporosis drugs matters. Evenity, Tymlos, and Forteo are all anabolics that build bone, and they are most effective prior to treatment with an antiresorptive like reclast. The videos I’ve included will provide good information on this, and you can find more information using search terms: osteoporosis treatment sequence.

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@newenglandtransplant

Hi, @katgirl You are asking a great question. I suggest watching this video by Michael Lavacot for an introduction to the different drug options.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4uXAsnhSaA
I’m also attaching an OsteoBoston video with Benjamin Leder which I found to be helpful when I was first navigating my diagnosis.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pV5maUhAjOA
The order in which we take osteoporosis drugs matters. Evenity, Tymlos, and Forteo are all anabolics that build bone, and they are most effective prior to treatment with an antiresorptive like reclast. The videos I’ve included will provide good information on this, and you can find more information using search terms: osteoporosis treatment sequence.

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Thank you SO MUCH!!!!

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