Osteoporosis meds: How do they work?

I have metastatic breast cancer.  It has metastatised to my bones so my oncologist put me on a monthly injection of Xgeva.  I am now on a quarterly injection of Xgeva after about 2 years of the monthly injections.  I think if you read up on Xgeva you will find that it is designed to increase bone density.  I personally have had no side effects from the injections.  The shots are about $2000 so you might check to make sure they are covered by your insurance.  I also eat a Tums for calcium every day.  I have had not broken bones and my bone scans show an increase in bone density.  Good luck.

I'm beginning to wonder Reclast compared with Prolia. I've had Prolia once, next dose in January therefore you take meds yearly, and me every 6-months. I haven't any side effects but both compare equal as far as I know. Perhaps it's where the bone loss is. My doc told me not to worry, but Prolia the rest of my life makes me doubtful. Regardless, I'm doing as I'm told.

Hello Wandering, I read your post and want you to know I am so sorry to hear about your battle with breast cancer. I know it is tough. I am glad your Xgeva is working for you! I am going to try the Soy isoflavones as it contains Genistein. Some studies have indicated this also builds bone but is not FDA approved yet. I can't bring myself to use a medicine that is controversial. Many blessings to you! lanadee

@grandmabubblestwin and all, for those anxious about getting enough calcium without taking supplements, a new article from Nutrition Action may be interesting. For example, it tells me that my favorite vegetable (broccoli) is super at building my calcium levels with minimal threat of kidney stones or arterial blockages. Other plant foods also are appraised. Take a look:
http://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/what-to-eat/is-it-true-that-plant-foods-are-a-better-source-of-calcium-than-dairy-foods

Thank you for the valuable information, I will definitely read up on it, thank you again

I am struggling with making a decision on medication for osteoporosis. The potential side effects are for me frightening. I have started working with a trainer. Have increased my calcium intake—by of all things turning egg shells into a powder and taking about a quarter teaspoon a day which is supposed to have about 450 mg of calcium. I have also been reading about soluble corn fiber having an effect on bone density based on a small study coming out of Purdue university. I am wondering if others have come across the egg shell and corn studies.Thanks, Gloria

I was not familiar with the soluble corn fiber. Here is a link to an article on it, for others who may be interested:
https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2016/Q3/soluble-corn-fiber-can-help-young-women-build-bone,-and-older-women-preserve-bone.html

Wondering about possible connections to my 5th Reclast infusion to my life? Lots started soon after the infusion that was given outside of Mayo.
Stupid on my part. I know the time I spent with the Reclast infusion was less, how much time is required for the infusion to go into blood stream?

How can I find out without to make sure I even got the Reclast and not something else? Do not trust or thought this guy knew much?
Sure I need to go to office for all written notes, reports, but s there a number on the infusion vial?

Have the DNA of osteopenia, blue eyes, short, Nordic, mother had but she broke her pelvis in her 90. I'm only 71.

What are problems with reversing it...who knows, and who knows ahead of the long term research on the Reclast, it has helped keep me in
osteopenia. So good for that, but my teeth are now falling apart, chipping every week, gums in recession big time, and doing all dental to prevent
the periodontal disease...? Help, parts of teeth are cracking off weekly...something chemical in my body, got to be?
Help? Just writing to you helps me....thanks for Connect.

I'm considered high risk for fractures and have tried a few meds, like Actonel. I stopped taking because I had bad body aches in my hip, back, and legs. After 15 minutes into my walk I would be limping from pain. Worse, is the awful itchy rashes . I also noticed increased sweats especially at night. My understanding is these meds do not build new healthy bone, but rather they stop shedding of old bone. After much research, I decided to go the natural route, with homemade bone broth(Google benefits), calcium citrate, along with a multi, and walks 3x a week or more. Broccoli, and many greens should help too.
It 's also said that Progesterone is needed for bone health, but I couldn't say whether that really helps. I'm not due for a bone density until next year. My body pains have stopped within weeks after discontinuing Actonel. Dr originally want me to have the injection type, but we agreed to see how I do with orals. I highly doubt would I ever try another bone med. I'll diligently try my natural remedies and see what happens.

@AgentDarien, I can hear the concern and urgency in your post. If you are comfortable sharing, was the place you received your reclast infusion recommended to you by a provider? Have you discussed your current symptoms with a provider? I worry that the only way to properly address your concerns would be by consulting a provider that you trust.