1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Is it common to switch from one osteoporosis drug to another?

Posted by brandysmom @brandysmom, Feb 5 10:32am

I honestly thought most people worked with their physician to choose a drug that felt right for their circumstances, and stuck with it. I also assumed, from everything I'd read, that most women were taking bisphosphonate pills. The internet says that's the "gold standard."

I was on Prolia for six years, until it stopped working for me. I didn't even know that could happen!

I'm now in month #10 of Evenity. My doctor has mentioned switching me to daily injections for two years, which I presume means Tymlos or Forteo.

I'm 67, otherwise very healthy and active. Each time I switch drugs, my fear of the side effects takes over my life. Am I destined to always be taking something? And to always be changing prescription drugs? This just feels like a never-ending nightmare.

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

gently | @gently | Feb 5 11:37am

Brandysmom, hi.
osteoporosis is considered a lifelong juggle between medications with a few drug holidays scattered in between. Many of us are healthy and active, but the loss of estrogen puts us in a fight to save our bones. Fear of fracture and fear of pharmacutical, both legitimate, can keep us on edge.
It is common in the UK to take Evenity for a second year. There aren't clinicals on Forteo after Evenity. And Evenity isn't usual after Prolia. Entirely too much is unknown.
Have you had any testing that would measure the effect of Evenity after Prolia. Have you done bone markers? And will you have a bone density scan after Evenity.
Tymlos and Forteo would be the daily injectibles as you have surmised. I have the opinion that they are the best medications. At least with those two the medication leaves the body quickly and you can stop if you have adverse reactions. You though, have taken Prolia and Evenity where some of the worst reactions can be found without harm. After Tymlos and Forteo you'll take something else. Soon there won't be any medications left for you to have untoward reactions to. You'll be more comfortable cycling back through them.

REPLY
1 reply
brandysmom | @brandysmom | Feb 5 12:23pm
In reply to @gently "Brandysmom, hi. osteoporosis is considered a lifelong juggle between medications with a few drug holidays scattered..." + (show)
@gently

Brandysmom, hi.
osteoporosis is considered a lifelong juggle between medications with a few drug holidays scattered in between. Many of us are healthy and active, but the loss of estrogen puts us in a fight to save our bones. Fear of fracture and fear of pharmacutical, both legitimate, can keep us on edge.
It is common in the UK to take Evenity for a second year. There aren't clinicals on Forteo after Evenity. And Evenity isn't usual after Prolia. Entirely too much is unknown.
Have you had any testing that would measure the effect of Evenity after Prolia. Have you done bone markers? And will you have a bone density scan after Evenity.
Tymlos and Forteo would be the daily injectibles as you have surmised. I have the opinion that they are the best medications. At least with those two the medication leaves the body quickly and you can stop if you have adverse reactions. You though, have taken Prolia and Evenity where some of the worst reactions can be found without harm. After Tymlos and Forteo you'll take something else. Soon there won't be any medications left for you to have untoward reactions to. You'll be more comfortable cycling back through them.

Jump to this post

Thank you, @gently, for your reply. I will have a bone density scan next month to measure the effects of Evenity. So far, my doctor has not ordered any bone marker tests but I will ask about those.

I appreciate your insights!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.