My Experience with Evenity

Posted by ella5321 @ella5321, Jan 16, 2024

I just finished my 12th set of Evenity injections today. I wanted to share my experience with other people who are considering starting Evenity or are already receiving the injections.

Cost and Ordering
My Medicare Advantage Plan covered most of the cost of the medication, and it was authorized very quickly. My out of pocket cost for all the medication was about $2800. My copayments varied depending on which coverage stage I was in. I used my insurance company’s online pharmacy, and the syringes were shipped to my doctor’s office. I never had to pay for the administration of the medication, which was always done by a medical assistant. I saw my doctor several times during the 12 months. The last visit was to go over what happens next.

Side Effects
I experienced some of the side effects listed on Amgen’s website, although not all at the same time. I reported the side effects to my doctor and to Amgen. The side effects included injection site pain, bone pain, joint pain, muscle pain, eczema-like rashes, and fever. I never considered stopping the treatment due to the side effects. The majority of the side effects that I experienced didn’t last very long after each set of injections- sometimes just a day or two. The eczema-like rashes lasted a couple of months.

After Evenity
The next steps are a bone density scan and Prolia injections which are once every 6 months. I’m not sure how long I will be on Prolia.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

betsyb1 | @betsyb1 | 19 hours ago

My Recent Experience on Evenity
I was diagnosed with -3.2 T score in my lower spine, -2.5 in my left hip and -2.0 right hip. The Endocrinologist recommended that I go on Evenity due to my age (65 1/2) and low T-score in my spine. I have high blood pressure that is controlled with Losartan and Amlodipine. My husband and I were assured that Evenity would not interfere with this. After much research and discussion with other friends and professionals, I decided to go ahead with the Evenity 1 x per month injections. The first set of shots went well. The injection site was a bit tender (upper arm) and I had some flu-like aches, but otherwise fine. Shot set #2 was terrible. My blood pressure spiked over a 2 week period, terrible headaches and extreme fatigue for approximately 3 weeks that put me in bed. Around week 3, I had contact with the Nurse's Hotline giving them symptoms of chest tightness, heartburn, and continued elevated blood pressure. They were aware that I was on Evenity. Needless to say, they told me to go to the ER. I was given and extensive cardio evaluation (spending overnight). Fortunately, all the cardio tests came back clear. In much discussion with the Endocrinologist, I stopped the Evenity and just started my first round of Fosamax. (1x week pill). So far the only side effects that I have are that I am so tired with very low energy and some shaking in my left leg; possibly due to the Evenity still in my system. Because of the shaking, my Primary referred me neuro to check for Parkinson's!! Yikes! That won't happen till September, so hopefully by then the shaking will be gone.

I am usually a pretty active and fit person, but for the last month, I have not been able to do much of anything...kind of counter productive for not being able to exercise to keep the osteo in check. I realize that every one is different and reacts differently to the various meds available for osteoporosis, but if I were to reverse things, there is no way I'd do the Evenity again. I will give the Fosamax a good try, but if the side effects don't improve, I will have to look at other options. Does anyone have any suggestions for natural ways of dealing with low bone density?