Prescribed Tymlos after Evenity

Posted by hollygs @hollygs, Nov 17, 2024

I completed a one year course of Evenity in September 2023. I switched endocrinologists afterwards, and he prescribed Fosamax after a brief discussion. I contacted the doctor who had prescribed Evenity, and he advised that I come to the office. He prescribed Tymlos, which I have now been on for 8 months. I changed my medical insurance to Medicare, and the doctor who prescribed both Evenity and Tymlos doesn't take it. I went back to the doctor who prescribed Fosamax after Evenity and he freaked out and said Tymlos is NEVER given after Evenity. His colleague in the same office concurred. He then ordered Prolia. I contacted the manufacturers of both Evenity and Tymlos, and they were very considerate and informed me that to their knowledge, there have been no studies about using Tymlos after Evenity. I am currently on a wait list for a new endocrinologist. I have a history of vertebral fractures and I need dental work, and I don't want to be on Prolia. I can finish the remaining months of Tymlos, or switch to Fosamax and wait and see what the new endocrinologist recommends. Needless to say, the situation is not ideal as I'm winging it. That being said, I know that treatment for osteoporosis is complicated and we patients have to be our own advocates and do a lot of research. I'm not opposed to that, but I'm not finding any information for protocols that have a progression of Evenity to Tymlos and then? If anyone has any information to share, I'd really appreciate it.

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@hollygs

@pami Thank you so much for the kind words. My next Dexa will be in March, and I'll come back here to report my results. I sure hope you have amazing gains from Evenity, and best of luck with whatever you and your doctor decide. To answer your question, I don't feel like a lab animal as I feel that I have agency to actively participate in my care. I've learned a lot, and as you can see on this site, there's a lot of very helpful information. I've also chosen to remain positive and strong so that I can make good decisions moving forward. Best wishes to you.

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Thank you for your optimistic attitude! I am grateful that there are now more options for osteoporosis care. I look forward to seeing your results! I will have a bone scan in February. I will need to start a new drug in March.

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@pami

Thank you for your optimistic attitude! I am grateful that there are now more options for osteoporosis care. I look forward to seeing your results! I will have a bone scan in February. I will need to start a new drug in March.

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@pami I'm grateful that there are more options too! That being said, it can be daunting to navigate through the seemingly murky waters when it comes to treatment options. I'd like to suggest that you post your questions in a separate thread as you're much more likely to get answers. "Has anyone gone from Prolia to Evenity to Forteo?", etc. Best wishes to you moving forward!

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@hollygs

@sunny65 Thank you for your reply. My heart goes out to you. Just remember, you are not alone in this and we are all rooting for you and want the best for you. I hope that gives you some comfort which you are sorely in need of. You're far more resilient than you give yourself credit for, and you've struggled for a long time and that takes a toll. Have you spoken with Amgen? I found their customer support to be excellent. Perhaps they can provide you with some helpful information regarding the timing of introducing a new medication after Evenity. Btw, I'm 105 lbs and have not experienced any issues with injecting Tymlos. The needle is very short and very fine, and the cartridge makes it very easy. Hope that allays that particular fear! Take care.

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I may have to go on Tymlos and I’m feeling very anxious. I’ve been have gum/jaw issues and was tested for Oseonecrosis and the test came back negative, but my mouth still hurts. The Prolia stopped working and my dr thinks I need something more and is concerned about putting me on Evenity with my jaw issues. They are applying for my insurance and I hope they will cover the meds. I’m also thin and thank goodness haven’t had any broken bones. I know the clock is ticking after stopping the Prolia and everything I’ve read I need to start something soon. I’m happy to read you have no side effects.

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@laujodrik

I may have to go on Tymlos and I’m feeling very anxious. I’ve been have gum/jaw issues and was tested for Oseonecrosis and the test came back negative, but my mouth still hurts. The Prolia stopped working and my dr thinks I need something more and is concerned about putting me on Evenity with my jaw issues. They are applying for my insurance and I hope they will cover the meds. I’m also thin and thank goodness haven’t had any broken bones. I know the clock is ticking after stopping the Prolia and everything I’ve read I need to start something soon. I’m happy to read you have no side effects.

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@laujodrik I certainly understand your concerns. As I've mentioned, you can start out on a lower dose of Tymlos if your doctor is amenable to that. Have you looked into Radius Assist? I don't know if you would be eligible, but they do offer financial assistance for those who meet their criteria for eligibility. Best wishes to you!

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@hollygs

@laujodrik I certainly understand your concerns. As I've mentioned, you can start out on a lower dose of Tymlos if your doctor is amenable to that. Have you looked into Radius Assist? I don't know if you would be eligible, but they do offer financial assistance for those who meet their criteria for eligibility. Best wishes to you!

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I’m not rich, but too rich to go on assistance. I can handle the cost. I heard that Forteo has a genetic now. When I checked online the Tymlos would be close to $3,000 a month and the Forto was $600 with GoodRx. It’s going to be a bit of a struggle considering I am retired. Thank goodness I was a saver. I owned a travel agency. I don’t have a choice and without a bone density meds I’ll start breaking bones. I will ask my dr if I can start on a lower amount for now. When I get anxious my heart rate goes up and I heard with these meds they go up too.

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@laujodrik I would ask your doctor these questions:

1) Do they think Tymlos (or Forteo) will handle Prolia rebound? (I forget how long you were on and how long ago you stopped.)

2) Do they think Tymlos (or Forteo) will be effective after Prolia ? (Again I forget when you stopped.)

Basically will these meds at least prevent further loss while you deal with dental issues?

After reading Keith McCormick's books "Great Bones" and watching various videos, including those of Dr. Ben Leder (MGH researcher and endo) I am passing along those concerns. Both say that Forteo and Tymlos are not especially effective after Prolia but your doctor should be up on the latest. Not sure if that means bone loss or staying at the same level.

And for Prolia rebound, bisphosphonates are recommended by my doctors (though Evenity has been posted here as a possibility). With dental issues after Prolia folks are truly in a between a rock and a hard place position. Sorry to raise troubling questions and of course rely on your doctor for discussion and answers.

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@windyshores

@laujodrik I would ask your doctor these questions:

1) Do they think Tymlos (or Forteo) will handle Prolia rebound? (I forget how long you were on and how long ago you stopped.)

2) Do they think Tymlos (or Forteo) will be effective after Prolia ? (Again I forget when you stopped.)

Basically will these meds at least prevent further loss while you deal with dental issues?

After reading Keith McCormick's books "Great Bones" and watching various videos, including those of Dr. Ben Leder (MGH researcher and endo) I am passing along those concerns. Both say that Forteo and Tymlos are not especially effective after Prolia but your doctor should be up on the latest. Not sure if that means bone loss or staying at the same level.

And for Prolia rebound, bisphosphonates are recommended by my doctors (though Evenity has been posted here as a possibility). With dental issues after Prolia folks are truly in a between a rock and a hard place position. Sorry to raise troubling questions and of course rely on your doctor for discussion and answers.

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Unfortunately, I’m not sure if I have a choice. I still have osteoporosis being on Prolia for 4 years. Mainly in my forearms. It’s difficult, or so I’ve been told, to have an accurate bone density of your spine once arthritis kicks in. My hip is osteopenia. I’m usually an avid reader about the meds I go on. I didn’t do much research transitioning from Prolia to Tymlos/Forteo. I was always a healthy eater, and worked out for hours. Osteoporosis runs in my family and I have read that it is genetic. My mother was a dancer and a swimmer all her life and she had osteoporosis as well. Not given a choice I may have to take my chances that I’ll some success on one of those drugs. Getting older is challenging. I’m always optimistic, this has gotten me a bit down. I’ve been off Prolia 2 weeks. It will be a total of 5 when I have an appointment. I will ask her about the rebound you expressed. They have found a cyst on one of my sinuses which can be my cause of my jaw hurting. If that’s the case she’ll put me on Evenity. I have an appointment with an ENT Dr Tuesday. I can’t take the chance if it effecting my jaw if it’s from the Prolia. Thank you for responding. I’m very pleased with all the responses I’ve received.

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@hollygs

@laujodrik I certainly understand your concerns. As I've mentioned, you can start out on a lower dose of Tymlos if your doctor is amenable to that. Have you looked into Radius Assist? I don't know if you would be eligible, but they do offer financial assistance for those who meet their criteria for eligibility. Best wishes to you!

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I don’t think I would qualify for Radius Assistance. Who are they affiliated with? I saw with Forteo years ago I couldn’t have more than an adjusted income $37,000.00.

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@laujodrik

Unfortunately, I’m not sure if I have a choice. I still have osteoporosis being on Prolia for 4 years. Mainly in my forearms. It’s difficult, or so I’ve been told, to have an accurate bone density of your spine once arthritis kicks in. My hip is osteopenia. I’m usually an avid reader about the meds I go on. I didn’t do much research transitioning from Prolia to Tymlos/Forteo. I was always a healthy eater, and worked out for hours. Osteoporosis runs in my family and I have read that it is genetic. My mother was a dancer and a swimmer all her life and she had osteoporosis as well. Not given a choice I may have to take my chances that I’ll some success on one of those drugs. Getting older is challenging. I’m always optimistic, this has gotten me a bit down. I’ve been off Prolia 2 weeks. It will be a total of 5 when I have an appointment. I will ask her about the rebound you expressed. They have found a cyst on one of my sinuses which can be my cause of my jaw hurting. If that’s the case she’ll put me on Evenity. I have an appointment with an ENT Dr Tuesday. I can’t take the chance if it effecting my jaw if it’s from the Prolia. Thank you for responding. I’m very pleased with all the responses I’ve received.

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@laujodrik I seriously hope you will go on YouTube and do a search for "Ben Leder Combination and Sequencing Approaches to Osteoporosis" or get Keith McCormick's book "Great Bones." Please let me know if you do. Much better than a forum and the risks of various plans are explained well.

Others can chime in. I myself have not used Prolia but have read that taking a break can be risky. I am not sure if 5 weeks poses that risk for a drop in density and increase in fracture risk but I hope you can check on this.

Can you get a cancellation at your endo?

!I have arthritis, scoliosis and 7 spinal fractures but I still have a DEXA of my spine. They omit the fractures. Hip and forearm are cortical. People seem to be posting lately about forearm scores!

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@laujodrik

I don’t think I would qualify for Radius Assistance. Who are they affiliated with? I saw with Forteo years ago I couldn’t have more than an adjusted income $37,000.00.

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@laujodrik Radius Assist is provided by Radius Health which is the manufacturer of Tymlos. I believe they may have a sliding scale available. They suggest that you contact them to see if you're eligible. The # is 1-866-896-5674.

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