Osteoporosis meds: How do they work?

@contentandwell The shots in my upper back haven't helped but it was only Lidocaine and Mirapain I think that's the other one. But he did order me Lidocaine patchs I hope the co-pay isn't to high. They worked before so hope they do again. I'm going to hit the gym here theres a upper back weight thing I can use . My lumbar injection is over a month now and I'm still feeling good. Have you tried the patches?

After I incurred four vertebral fractures, my doctor prescribed Lidocaine 5% patches, which my insurance would not cover. I bought OTC 4% patches (available in 2 sizes). and could not have slept without using them. Now, I use only when in extreme pain. I think the 4% are probably as good as the 5%. Good luck to you, Lioness. Wishing you God's blessings.
Nancy Guy

@nancyguy Thanks Nancy . I bought the 4% but I hope I can get the 5% My fracture was the L2 and that is where my pain is now . I hope I can get the 5% but if not I,ll use the 4% Have a good ,blessed day

My husband uses 5%, on compression fractures, we have had to purchase 4% while traveling and when he has run out due to to mail Rx issues. He does not notice a difference. I think you should be able to appeal to the insurance company, given the safety of lidocaine over opiates in the current climate. I am hoping these work as well for you as they have for my husband.

@lioness I have never heard of the patches before. I have occasional backaches but not bothersome enough to do anything about them, yet. I do go to my gym three times a week and a few of the things I use I think are back-strengthening.
I wonder if they do those patches for hip bursitis. Mine is getting worse by the day so I am considering getting a cortisone injection again. If so I don't know if I want to go local or to Boston. I had them a number of times from a doctor in Boston and he always hit the spot, but up here I have had many that did not. I just really do not want another trip to Boston.
If you have a good Medicare supplement then you probably won't have to pay anything.
JK

@contentandwell I'm hoping I can get them with my Medicare insurance I have . If not I,ll look for 4% patches. I think you can put them on anywhere you are hurting. In fact I remember seeing something on T.V. someone used it for the hip. I just started taking Bio-cell supplement its collagen with hyaluronic acid in it I had this shot in 2013 in my thumbs as I have bone.on bone. It really did help haven't need a shot yet. . They just came out with this so am going to try it I know it wont work right away but over time hopefully .

I also did shots. They used synthetic cortisone, which worked well for several years. Once it was fully bone-on-bone, I had double knee replacements (both at the same time). So good luck with managing for as long as possible! The knee replacements are working well, just had to stick with the PT to get back the flexibility I wanted.

You can probably put patches anywhere, but can only wear one at a time, and only for up to 12 hours; then must have a 12-hour interval without the patch.

Good luck, jmanj. You've been through a lot!! Glad you mentioned PT...so important for everyone.

@jmanj I know its probably coming but am delaying it as long as possible. Both my Mother and Brother had both knees replaced .I'm trying this Bio Cell supplement first to see if it will help It has hyaluronic acid in it . The Rheumatologist injected my thumb which is bone on bone with it and has lasted for years. along with wearing thumb splints at night.