Forteo

I have been on the generic version of Forteo (teraparatide) For 20 months. I’m 67 years old and my first bone scan showed that I had severe osteoporosis. It runs in my family and as an aside I begged my primary care physician for a bone scan prior to 65 but the algorithm dissuaded him from scheduling that for me. Fortunately, it was caught in time before any serious fractures occurred up until this point. I have to say that for so far, the Forteo has been a very good treatment for me. I will have a repeat bone scan in September to identify how well it has worked to strengthen my bones. But I am feeling so much better. I have tolerated the Forteo. I have had a few minor side effects, especially initially. I was anxious initially because of the severity of my bone disease. I had some low energy and sleep disturbance initially but discovered now that I have sleep apnea. Only one instance of high calcium which resolved on its own.

My diet, prior to the discovery of bone disease, was mainly pescatarian but I decided after doing some research to add chicken and I have to say that I believe has made a big difference in my health i.e. increasing protein in my diet. I am more energetic for sure.

I sing in the church choir, and I believe the treatment has affected my voice. I am singing much lower than I did and can’t hit those high sopranos notes anymore. I’m hoping that will resolve once I’m off the medicine.

I would like to ask if anyone who is on forte long-term is experiencing any cognitive deficits. I have noticed that pesky word retrieval instances and concentration can be a problem for me. It could just be my age, but these are things associated with hyperparathyroidism and I wonder if it is impacting me that way. I guess I will find out because I am going off of the medicine in September.

I would say overall, it has been a very good experience for me. I’m back to hiking 3-5 miles. I decided to give up bike riding because of the risk of injury if a fall occurred. I engage in weight training exercises at least weekly and have been trying to add increase increased weight. I think that is very important.

Overall, after 20 months, I would personally choose this treatment again. I am grateful because of how strong I feel and I hope my bone scan will reflect stronger bone architecture.

Hi
So what will your doctor do once you are done the forteo. I also have never had a bone density because my Doctor didn't think I was high risk which is nuts. My first fracture was three years ago. That's when they Discovered I had osteopenia. My endocrinologist is shocked that my spine fractured with osteopenia. I believe that the radiation really affected my bone density.I get my scan June 9th.I'm anxious to see what it is. Three years on reclast and my bone density was greatly improved. I would like if you could post and let me know what your bone density is after the forteo. I have another reclast infusion june 24th. I don't understand why he just would not start me on the forteo. I am going to have to ask him his plan as to when he is starting me on the forteo. I am 67 now.

I started forteo a month ago after a spinal fracture. I am 76 and had been taking evista for several years. I was terrified of the forteo, but never want to experience another fracture. It has been surprisingly easy. I am very susceptible to side effects, but the most troubling effect has been fatigue. I now take the shot in the late afternoon so that I have more energy during the day for Pilates, swimming and weight training. I don’t like the daily injections, but that is overridden by the prospect of building stronger bones. Good luck to you.

I started on Forteo in 2014 and finished up in 2016. Prior to starting, I had 2 or 3 thoracic fractures and my bone density was very low. I was nervous about Forteo but it was either continue to loose more density and experience more fractures or try the medication. The only significant side effect I recall was knee pain and possibly some back pain. When I finished up on Forteo, the knee pain went away. Of course the increased bone density starts to subside after you finish up so my Dr. then prescribed Prolia which I still take. I have not had any thoracic fractures since. However, I took a serious tumble about eight years ago which resulted in a fractured femur. Not sure any medication would have prevented that fracture. Before starting Forteo, I did a lot of research and finally decided, with my low bone density and my thoracic fractures (which are so painful and debilitating), I needed to go forward with the Forteo and Prolia and I do not regret it.

I am 67. I took 24 months of Forteo after a series of spinal compression fractures in 2016 with good success. I found it best to take it a night. Some side effects initially of headaches and memory slips. I am now on the generic version and will likely do that for the 18 months. Initially they wanted me to go on Evenity, but I was not covered for that, and as I already knew what to expect with Forteo, I am happy to have that option. I will follow up with Raloxifene for maintenance .

Hi
Thanks good to know

Hi
That's great too hear
Thanks

Hi
That's great
Thks I am feeling better about Forteo With all the great responses.

My Endo put me on Alendronate after 2 years on Forteo. He said it was necessary to lock in the Forteo density gains and without it I would lose those gains.

Hi
Is that orally or by intravenous