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.

@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.

Jump to this post

My story was very similar to yours. Diagnosed at 57 (had to convince doc to prescribe dexa), referred to an endocrinologist who said I needed Reclast. I also am very susceptible to drug side effects. Doc didn't really discuss any other options, I was sleep deprived and freaked out and it takes me awhile to process information so I didn't really know what questions to ask. After some grief and a lot of reading I decided to take a step back. Changed diet, gained weight, started weight lifting and balance training. Took a year of talking to various doctors until I found a specialist and decided on HRT instead of osteo meds. I was a bit worried about that too as I am 8 years past menopause. But I feel a lot better, wish someone had told me about hormones earlier. Next dexa in March, we'll see. Good luck to you!

REPLY
@hmb72

Self pay estrogen blood test at a national lab showed estrogen less than detection limit. I showed that to my GYN and she was ok with hrt. I asked for estrogen patch because patch has much less side effects. Prescribed dose is 0.025. I am also taking 100 mg oral progesterone, compounded, since I have a gelatin allergy and could not use generic protmetrium. Patch is every 3.5 days, progesterone is nightly. Continuous treatment.

My blood test after 10 weeks on this regime showed 0.6 estrogen, at 12 hours post new patch. This is higher than manufacturer's expected of 0.5. (I am smaller woman). Progesterone was 2.0, lower than if I was using generic prometrium.

My only side effect is tender breasts (minor), and much improved sleep and skin. I hope it works on the bones! Estrogen patch is relatively inexpensive through goodrx. My insurance declined and recommended options which had greater risk (IMO) - pill, iud. I know that I do not have any clotting factor issues, by the way.

Jump to this post

Need to correct numbers: Estrogen at 12 hours was 60, not 0.6

REPLY
@hmb72

Need to correct numbers: Estrogen at 12 hours was 60, not 0.6

Jump to this post

wish I could type: manufacturer Estrogen was to be 50, not 0.5

So - my estrogen became 60, higher than manufacturer estimate of 50.

REPLY

I started with Giant cell disease November 28 th 2023 taken into hospital put on a drip of 100mg of steroids. 6 weeks later allowed to visit NZ and got Toxic Epidermal narcosis where my immune system attacked itself so in hospital for three weeks horendous symptoms. Currently back in the UK and am working to be off steroids by next August. On a weekly injection to help my immune system then two months ago was given eventy to help my bones as I had a spinal collapse in September. I have started aqua robics last month and am trying to improve my health. Question has anyone else had their hair go very curly and the new growth return dark not grey. Also I have constant respiratory cough and wheezing my specialist said it’s due to the drugs I inject myself with. Anyone else have the same. Brenda

REPLY
@lamay

My story was very similar to yours. Diagnosed at 57 (had to convince doc to prescribe dexa), referred to an endocrinologist who said I needed Reclast. I also am very susceptible to drug side effects. Doc didn't really discuss any other options, I was sleep deprived and freaked out and it takes me awhile to process information so I didn't really know what questions to ask. After some grief and a lot of reading I decided to take a step back. Changed diet, gained weight, started weight lifting and balance training. Took a year of talking to various doctors until I found a specialist and decided on HRT instead of osteo meds. I was a bit worried about that too as I am 8 years past menopause. But I feel a lot better, wish someone had told me about hormones earlier. Next dexa in March, we'll see. Good luck to you!

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for responding! We sound very similar. I am a delayed processor as well which is so difficult in a medical setting. I didn't realize until I had gotten home that my doctor had muttered something under her breath about a consultation at an osteoporosis clinic, but that they would say the same thing (reclast).

Do you mind if I ask what your t-scores were?

I would love to hear what your dexa scores are in March!

What really has me a bit irritated at the moment is that when I asked about trying to make lifestyle changes, she said that if I went that route, the soonest I could get another Dexa would be two years from now and what if I got way worse in that time. And yet, if I get reclast, then I get dexa a year later. It's all down to the insurance company apparently. But the other very real problem is it takes nearly a full year to even get an appointment once your doctor puts the order in. Side bar, but by the time I get my colonoscopy in June, I will have been waiting almost TWO years from the time my doctor put the order in. (OK, rant over)

I have rescheduled my infusion from January 3 to January 30th to allow me to have another appointment with my primary to ask about the osteoporosis clinic and to see my dentist to make sure my teeth are OK. Depending on what happens at those two appointments I may push it out again.

I feel ridiculous even typing this, but the problem I'm facing currently is finding a vitamin D that I tolerate. Years ago I took prescription vitamin D and had absolutely no problem with it. I couldn't even tell I was taking anything. So why I'm having problems with over the counter vitamin D has me flummoxed. It's hard finding supplements when you are a celiac. So many are contaminated with gluten. Anyway, I stopped trying over the holidays because didn't want upset stomach or diahrea. My next attempt will be a vegan formulation.

REPLY
@katgirl

Thank you so much for responding! We sound very similar. I am a delayed processor as well which is so difficult in a medical setting. I didn't realize until I had gotten home that my doctor had muttered something under her breath about a consultation at an osteoporosis clinic, but that they would say the same thing (reclast).

Do you mind if I ask what your t-scores were?

I would love to hear what your dexa scores are in March!

What really has me a bit irritated at the moment is that when I asked about trying to make lifestyle changes, she said that if I went that route, the soonest I could get another Dexa would be two years from now and what if I got way worse in that time. And yet, if I get reclast, then I get dexa a year later. It's all down to the insurance company apparently. But the other very real problem is it takes nearly a full year to even get an appointment once your doctor puts the order in. Side bar, but by the time I get my colonoscopy in June, I will have been waiting almost TWO years from the time my doctor put the order in. (OK, rant over)

I have rescheduled my infusion from January 3 to January 30th to allow me to have another appointment with my primary to ask about the osteoporosis clinic and to see my dentist to make sure my teeth are OK. Depending on what happens at those two appointments I may push it out again.

I feel ridiculous even typing this, but the problem I'm facing currently is finding a vitamin D that I tolerate. Years ago I took prescription vitamin D and had absolutely no problem with it. I couldn't even tell I was taking anything. So why I'm having problems with over the counter vitamin D has me flummoxed. It's hard finding supplements when you are a celiac. So many are contaminated with gluten. Anyway, I stopped trying over the holidays because didn't want upset stomach or diahrea. My next attempt will be a vegan formulation.

Jump to this post

Please don't feel ridiculous about any of it, your feelings or reactions, which are justified and very understandable. I can't recall at the moment but lowest numbers in femoral necks, between -2.6 and -3, around that in hips too, oddly no osteoporosis (as of 2023) in spine, or very little if I recall. I too asked about going to physical therapy and she said PT is for when you have an injury. I read so many conflicting reports and advice, became kind of obsessed, then hired a personal trainer close to my age and happened to find a physical therapist (went initially for a labrum tear) who knew a lot about osteoporosis and I got a script to see him for exercises, so at least partly covered by insurance unlike my personal trainer, though she is well worth it. I've also been very low in Vit. D over the years, have some absorption issues but not celiac, and take 7,000 most days. I'm so sorry about the celiac, that is just an insult to injury. Have you looked into Vit. D drops? I don't want to presume your financial situation but it sounds like Dexas aren't very expensive (relatively speaking) and you could get one self-pay. The fact that they don't give us Dexa at our last period is particularly outrageous when you hear that it's not a terribly expensive test. I felt I was too young for osteo meds since they can only be taken for a few years, not sure what I was going to do in say 10 years if my numbers decreased substantially. I don't know if you can access this site but I check them regularly since supplements aren't regulated and random people on the internet will recommend all kinds of things, https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/how-can-i-find-supplements-that-are-gluten-free-on-consumerlabcom/gluten-free-supplements-consumerlab/ Feel free to reach out privately too, there must be a way to do that on here.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.