Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I have 4 more Evenity treatments. My question is, after finishing up all 12 treatments, at..."
To me, an important question would be what is your T score as you complete Evenity. Your next text step might be different if you are still have osteoporosis than if you are now in the osteopenia range.
@susanew As @gravity3 asked I am wondering what your doctor recommends?
After I completed 12 months of Evenity my endocrinologist ordered a DEXA scan. I made significant gains in bone density in both my hip and lower spine. He explained that the gains with Evenity "fall off" if not "locked in" with another medication so within 6 weeks of completing the Evenity I had a Reclast infusion. My endocrinologist said the time frame between finishing Evenity and getting the Reclast infusion should be brief - no more than 6-8 weeks. The plan is for me to have another DEXA scan one year after the Reclast infusion (that will be in December, 2025) and then re-assess.
By the way, I had no side effects with Evenity or with Reclast.
@naturegirl5 As I answered above (to wrong 😑 person) I had a very poor Dexa prior to taking Evenity. I had a rheumatologist who dropped my insurance … so now my PPO is handling the Evenity referrals. When my Evenity comes closer to finishing, I will need a referral to an endocrinologist? for my continuing osteoporosis journey. So right now, I need a new doctor referral.
I started weekly Alendronate 1 month after ending Evenity.
Yes, good idea. 💡 Certainly will request the referral a few months before finishing Evenity.
I finished treatment with Evenity last month after 12 monthly doses. Post treatment DEXA showed 12% increase in BMD at lumbar spine and 2%increase in BMD in total hip. T-score at lumbar spine went from -2.5 to -2.3 (osteoporotic to osteopenic). My rheumatologist recommended I take Prolia or Reclast within 3-4 weeks after completing the Evenity treatment to lock in the gains.I ended up taking Prolia because my Medicare Advantage plan removed Reclast from their formulary.
My only issues with Evenity were bruising and swelling at the injection site in each arm after each treatment and body aches and pains which have resolved with cessation.
My after insurance cost were $485 for each dose of Evenity (two injections) X 12 months for an out of pocket cost of $5820 for the drug and another $1200 or so for the administration fees. The Prolia injection was about $325 for the drug and $135 for cost of administration. Will have another Prolia injection in August.
First question: what does your endocrinologist or other bone expert recommend?
So many of us with very different drug sequencing.
You'll get great information about sequencing experience. In the meantime do plenty of research. It will help you develop a list of questions for your provider, such as
What is your rational for this drug recommendation and what would follow. What can I expect in terms of possible outcomes and possible side effects based on my medical history? etc