Tymlos vs. Evenity

Posted by eliz4142 @eliz4142, Mar 8, 2024

Hi all. I experienced a compression fracture at L1 about 4 weeks ago and this is how I learned I have osteoporosis. I'm "only" 57 and, after having a lot of blood work done, there is no explanation for my bone loss. I was adopted, so I don't have a lot of information about my genetics. Seems it's just an unusual (though not unheard of) situation. Since I've experienced a fracture already, my doctor has advised me that I need an anabolic agent. I'm trying to decide between 24 months of daily Tymlos or 12 monthly injections of Evenity. The doc assures me both are really effective. Evenity seems to have some serious (though unlikely) side effects, but definitely seems like a more palatable regimen. Any thoughts or experiences that might help me decide would be appreciated! Thank you!!

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@cdetjen3

During the first three months I experienced pain in my quads especially when I climbed stairs. Sometimes when I ran, my right hip would have a shooting pain. I was able to walk it off.
Around the ninth month I had heart pains. An EKG indicated no problem. This pain recurs. It is similar to the pain I used to feel when I consumed caffeine. I have dense breasts and no longer consume caffeine.
I have three months left.

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What med are you on, cdetjen3?

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@joelaurie1

I was looked at for a Spinal Fusion about 6 months ago. After my surgeon looked at my Bone Density ( which was very low) and put me on Evenity. Have been on it for 7 months and my bone density has improved dramatically.
If my bone density continues to improve, my Surgery is schedueled for April.
Can anyone comment on this Surgery, and what will i be getting myself into?

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I had a spinal fusion L5-5 six months ago. It has been a long recovery but definitely worth it. My surgeon did a TLIF type surgery which has minimal cutting to the support muscles and usually a faster recovery. I was on Tymlos at the time because my bones were not great either. The first 2-4 weeks were the most painful. I wore a back brace 24/7 for 6 wks due to the osteoporosis.
After 3-4 weeks I took 5-10 min walks in the driveway with my walker increased time gradually. I started PT at 4 mos out and now at 5 months , I graduated PT and have been released by MD. If you want more details let me know.

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@4deborahrb

I had a spinal fusion L5-5 six months ago. It has been a long recovery but definitely worth it. My surgeon did a TLIF type surgery which has minimal cutting to the support muscles and usually a faster recovery. I was on Tymlos at the time because my bones were not great either. The first 2-4 weeks were the most painful. I wore a back brace 24/7 for 6 wks due to the osteoporosis.
After 3-4 weeks I took 5-10 min walks in the driveway with my walker increased time gradually. I started PT at 4 mos out and now at 5 months , I graduated PT and have been released by MD. If you want more details let me know.

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L 4-5. Sorry- I wrote this without my reading glasses!!!

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@4deborahrb

I had a spinal fusion L5-5 six months ago. It has been a long recovery but definitely worth it. My surgeon did a TLIF type surgery which has minimal cutting to the support muscles and usually a faster recovery. I was on Tymlos at the time because my bones were not great either. The first 2-4 weeks were the most painful. I wore a back brace 24/7 for 6 wks due to the osteoporosis.
After 3-4 weeks I took 5-10 min walks in the driveway with my walker increased time gradually. I started PT at 4 mos out and now at 5 months , I graduated PT and have been released by MD. If you want more details let me know.

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@4deborahrb
Thank you so much for this!
Im still not totally confident i want to have the surgery, but, my back is not getting any better.
Im 74, very active and teach Part-Time. Your time-lines help me think what i may have to go through!
If you think of anyting else, please let me know!

Joe

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I’m 72, also active physically all my life. I had a fall which displaced L4 and my spinal cord opening at that level was very compromised though I had minimal to moderate pain 10 mos. After injury. The surgery provided a “cage and screws” to stabilize the joint and a spacer between L4-5. The surgeon placed bone grafts at the site to encourage fusion. I was in hospital 2 nights, discharged on day 3. For my set up at home I had a shower chair, extended reacher to pick up things, a walker and my favorite- a bed handle to help me turn over in bed. No BLT- bending, lifting or twisting!! I still use the bed handle- very helpful. Also since you won’t be able to shower until the incision is healed- I had some fantastic no soap cleansing clothes for daily use. You can find on Amazon- SCRUBZZ bath cloths. I was off work for 4 months, mostly because I had bad side effects from Tymlos and didn’t feel better until I stopped it at 4 months. I started PT at 4 mos. Even when you are feeling good after a few weeks you need to be so careful- I walked too far one day and set myself back a couple weeks due to a recurrence of severe pain. Frightening! I was pretty much pain free unless I moved!

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@4deborahrb many of us are able to stay on Tymlos by doing a lower dose and moving up slowly to whatever dose we can tolerate.

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Thanks. Unfortunately I didn’t know that last summer. If I ever have to go on it again I’ll heed this advice.

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@sbcher

Hi, I can share about Evenity. My osteoporosis started when I was 59. Took a once a week pill for one year. The following bone density test was worse. My doctor highly recommended Evenity, how this drug strengths your bones.
I started 10 months ago. No serious side effects except headaches. Well my current bone density was a lot worse. In fact its now under Frank osteoporosis. 33% T score 4.3. Very bad, if I fall I'm screwed. So beyond upset fighting to get this drug covered , high co-pays. Family history yes, my Mom had osteo but later in life (80's).

One thing I had a hysterotomy at 48, took hormone patch for 10 years. Once I got off the patch is when my bones started to weaken.
Wish I had better news. I'm going holistic for Osteo.

SBCHER

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Hi, upon reading your comment, would Tymlos be something you would consider?
My endocrinologist seems pretty high on this treatment. I, myself am torn as to whether to use Tymlos or Evenity. Injection each day or two injections once a month. Um?! I'm thrilled to have found this group to bounce ideas around. I realize we are all different, but we all want to maintain our health. I'm certain osteo starts after menopause. I personally didn't take hormones. Not sure why, but at 63 yrs of age just decided to get my first bone density test! I was shocked to learn that I had osteoporosis!!! I'm super active, work full time, and in relatively good health. Really hit me hard! My dr said, "Just do not fall"!!! She put the fear of God in me. She further insisted that I start treatment ASAP!! That brings me to where I am now.....torn between Evenity or Tymlos.

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