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Is anyone else afraid to start taking Forteo?
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Feb 20 5:04pm | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
I can relate @lurawilson
To answer your question, a T-score of -2.5 or lower and at least one fragility fracture is considered severe osteoporosis. My hips are -2.6, spine -3.6 and I was told it was "severe" osteoporosis. When I found out my doctor talked me into Tymlos and I was on that for 5 months with no side effects but could not continue due to insurance. Now he wants to put me on Forteo but after reading about side effects I am hesitant. Everyone's comments above are supportive on taking Forteo so I'm still mulling it over.
Replies to "I can relate @lurawilson To answer your question, a T-score of -2.5 or lower and at..."
Hi
I dont think anyone can advise you very well without knowing your medical history and risk factors. However I will tell you that Forteo has been studied better than Tymlos. They are not the same drug but are in the same family .
Forteo does have a generic and Tymlos does not which is likely why your insurance company prefers it. The cost isnt that different though. They could prefer it due to more studies on its use as well.
We just started my Mom on it who has severe osteoporosis and had fractures with Prolia and Evenity . So far she has not had any side effects but its only been 1 month. I am a retired nurse and I personally would choose Forteo over Tymlos based on what I have researched and her providers opinions.
If you do start this , be sure your provider does an initial calcium level ahead of starting it and then levels monthly as well as a 24 hour urine to measure calcium after you have been on it at least a month. The urine will check to see if you are excreting a lot of calcium or material that could cause you to form kidney stones.
There isnt a one size fits all solution for treating osteoporosis. You have to weigh the benefit vs the risks for your situation.
Keep in mind that if you do a year of Forteo , gain enough bone density in that year , they may be able to give you a single reclast infusion to hold you there for a couple of years and let you stop the Forteo.
We have also found that BD 31G utra fine pen needles work well and she doesnt feel a thing. You will need a prescription for a box of the pen needles too since the Forteo pen does not come with any.
Good luck with your decision. 🙂
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@lauren2024 I'm envious you have a doctor who recommended you take Tymlos/Forteo. My t-scores were slightly worse than yours and my doctor wanted me on a bisphosphate. Luckily, on my request, she referred me to an endocrinologist who cleared me for Forteo. (Tymlos not an option with my insurance. ) I had very strong gains in bone density after the first 12 months. No side effects at all. The only challenge I find with Forteo is that you need plan for its refrigeration when going on multi-day trips/vacations (though your doc may say it's fine to stop for a couple of weeks if needed). Amazon sells medication coolers.