1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Osteoporosis meds: How do they work?

Posted by grandmabubblestwin @grandmabubblestwin, Nov 11, 2016

I've been reading about osteoporosis and this is what I've seen so far: An individual builds bone until about age 30 then they begin to lose bone. Osteo meds do not help you build bone, they may actually prevent the natural bone building process but they do help you retain the bone you have but can make bone brittle. Correct?

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jo54 | @jo54 | Apr 2, 2019

It really is a personal decision. There are many factors involved. Hopefully you have a doctor who will help you. A pharmacist is also very knowledgeable. Do your research and pray. 💞

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jmanj | @jmanj | Jul 12, 2019
In reply to @betterbones "Your question mentioned that some meds do not help you build bone. That used to be..." + (show)
@betterbones

Your question mentioned that some meds do not help you build bone. That used to be true-- until a few years ago, the meds, bisphosphonates and others, slowed the bone turnover. But newer ones that work like a hormone we have, PTH, have resulted in stronger bones. These types of meds have to be injected-- Forteo and Tymlos. Many people on this chatgroup have had bad experiences with meds, but people can have different reactions. I took Fosamax for 5 years without any bad effects. My bone density stabilized then even went up a bit. But when density started down again, my doctor (an endocrinologist) recommended Tymlos, because it has been shown to increase density in the spine. I wanted to build on what I have, not wait until I lose more. I walk on a treadmill for an hour every day and usually lift weights 2-3 times a week-- and have for 8 years, and try to get my calcium from diet, but with exercise and calcium and Vit D I still developed osteoporosis in my spine. I did not like the idea of self injecting but I tried it, and have been on Tymlos for over 6 months, with no side effects after the first week or so as I was getting used to it. Until I have a follow up bone scan, I will not know if it is increasing my density or not. But from this one person's experience, I can say that not everyone will have muscle pain etc. I understand people not wanting to use meds, but for me the natural process of bone loss in the spine is something I wanted to avoid if I could. People's bodies are different, and risks are different. Good luck with whatever decision you make. Exercise is certainly helpful.

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Since this is the “General” Osteoporosis forum, I’d love to hear from those who have had positive experiences from the various Osteoporosis treatments. As so many have posted, those with negative experiences are more likely to share their experiences (which are helpful), but it would be equally helpful to hear from those who have had a good outcome from using those medications. I think we all understanding that lifestyle changes are important and should be continued regardless of the meds. But once meds are indicated, knowing the good results helps guide in making a personal decision on what to take.

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Jul 12, 2019

I have had 3 infusions so far and it is easy, painless, and only takes a half an hour. I will not get my next decade scan for a while but I am really hopeful. I follow all the advice on the handout my doctor gave me, like taking calcium and vitamin D3 as well.

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1 reply
jmanj | @jmanj | Jul 13, 2019
In reply to @auntieoakley "I have had 3 infusions so far and it is easy, painless, and only takes a..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

I have had 3 infusions so far and it is easy, painless, and only takes a half an hour. I will not get my next decade scan for a while but I am really hopeful. I follow all the advice on the handout my doctor gave me, like taking calcium and vitamin D3 as well.

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What kind of infusions are you doing? Have you tried any other meds?

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Jul 13, 2019
In reply to @jmanj "What kind of infusions are you doing? Have you tried any other meds?" + (show)
@jmanj

What kind of infusions are you doing? Have you tried any other meds?

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Prolia every 6 months, I have not tried anything else except diet and exercise, but I live in the northwest so vit D3 deficient,and I am 54 but postmenopausal by 15 years and took tamoxifen, and now Arimidex. A few years back I took a leap of faith off of a bucking horse and broke quite a few bones. The doc ordered a dexascan and I started prolia and vitaminD3, and calcium, and a walking regimen. I will find out in 6 months how well I am doing.

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1 reply
sue225 | @sue225 | Jul 13, 2019
In reply to @auntieoakley "Prolia every 6 months, I have not tried anything else except diet and exercise, but I..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

Prolia every 6 months, I have not tried anything else except diet and exercise, but I live in the northwest so vit D3 deficient,and I am 54 but postmenopausal by 15 years and took tamoxifen, and now Arimidex. A few years back I took a leap of faith off of a bucking horse and broke quite a few bones. The doc ordered a dexascan and I started prolia and vitaminD3, and calcium, and a walking regimen. I will find out in 6 months how well I am doing.

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Wish you luck. My doctor stressed taking 2000iu of vitd daily (which I do).

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lioness | @lioness | Jul 13, 2019
In reply to @sue225 "I am 64. A year ago, I finally listened to my endocrinologist (who had been urging..." + (show)
@sue225

I am 64. A year ago, I finally listened to my endocrinologist (who had been urging me for years to treat my osteoporosis), and received my first prolia injection. Each bone density test had shown a prgressive and alarming decline in bone density. I will have another bone density test in May and hope the results are good. I let my somewhat irrational fears of medication overrule my decision making. The thought of a hip fracture and the loss of independence really scares me. I now regret not starting treatment sooner.

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@sue225 I wonder Sue if some of the people having problems with Prolia don't take the calcium and Vit D3 the literature says to take this ?

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lioness | @lioness | Jul 13, 2019

@contentandwell I'm now having problems with my knees . Had an injection a couple of days ago and both knees have arthritis in them The Dr. had a hard time injecting my knee . I found a product that has hylaronic acid in it along with collegeen not sure how you spell it . When in 2011 the rheumatologist injected my thumbs ,bone on bone, he did it with the H.A. so will see if this helps or not. My dieting is just G. F. staying of nightshade plants which helps.

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2 replies
sue225 | @sue225 | Jul 13, 2019

My doctor really emphasizes the vitd. She prefers that you get calcium from food as opposed to supplements. Your bones still need calcium even when on meds and vit d helps absorb calcium. I am very well-behaved when it comes to taking my vit. D. Use the vit d drops and drop directly on my tongue as per doc's instructions.

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Jul 13, 2019
In reply to @sue225 "My doctor really emphasizes the vitd. She prefers that you get calcium from food as opposed..." + (show)
@sue225

My doctor really emphasizes the vitd. She prefers that you get calcium from food as opposed to supplements. Your bones still need calcium even when on meds and vit d helps absorb calcium. I am very well-behaved when it comes to taking my vit. D. Use the vit d drops and drop directly on my tongue as per doc's instructions.

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I also am religious about my vitamin D but my doc also asked me to take calcium. I know there ar side effects specific to low calcium levels but “oops” I don’t remember the details.

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