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My Experience with Evenity
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.
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I was taking reclast infusions annually, with Jo side effects. Now have spine fractures and will be getting my 2nd Evenity injection this week. Slightly concerned only because of the debilitating headaches I got from the 1st one. Only lasted a few days. Wondering if I should expect this after each time?
I did have soreness at the injection sights, but no big deal.
I have not had to pay anything so far, with Medicare.
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2 ReactionsI am taking Evenity (8 injections in) but have had no side effects (so far). I think it is just not possible to know if your headaches will continue or not. I know the uncertainly is very frustrating but any meds can cause side effects (at any time even if you've been taking them a long time without them). I would try taking Tylenol or something before or with the injection to see if that would help. I assume you reported the headaches to your provider. I would keep the provider informed also and see if they have suggestions.
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1 ReactionNew member here today, so I just read your post on Evenity. I too had 12 months of injections and currently have had 1 Prolia injection. I had no side effects with the Evenity at all. Because I have had only 1 Prolia so far, I cannot speak to side effects yet. What really caught my eye on your post, was that I am on a Medicare Advantage Plan and I think my cost per month was pretty high. Infusion center would not let me order any outside meds-that is their protocol. I am sure that was the reason for the high cost to me. I went ahead with the injections but pretty expensive for me. First Dexa scan after 1yr showed some improvement in the spine which doctor was pleased about. Other areas not so much. If you would care to share which Advantage plan you had I would appreciate it but if not I understand. Not sure where where we are headed with these plans in the future anyway!
I had Evenity injections for 1 year and no side effects at all. Good luck to you!
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4 ReactionsIs it too late for you to choose original medicare or is it possible
I’m at 2.5 and my doctor said she recommends infusions. I don’t have any aches and pains so I’m not wanting to get drugs that have such side effects. I’m a bit frightened.
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3 ReactionsI totally empathize! I felt the same way. I really thought I had ruined my mobility as I had zero aches or pains prior to Evenity but two years out now and no pain or aches although it took several months for all to resolve. I’m an active 69 year old. I have a DEXA in September and will see if diligence with diet , exercise and Actonel have kept gains. Can only do the best we can and pray!
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2 ReactionsWhat is a DEXA? Is that a bone scan? Why would Evenity cause such pain when you don’t have any to start. Is 2.5 a worrisome number? I know so little!!!
@szark55: I am on my 3rd Evenity injections. I have the site injection soreness for about a week (no big deal). I do prepare before injection time by removing vials of Evenity from refer 1hr prior plus drink a large cup of real coffee; then put an ice pack on injection site. The coffee caffeine is supposed to dialate the blood vessels in the brain to PREVENT headaches. The ice pack freezes the injection area. I also put the ice pack back on the area after the shots if I have achey spot. This has worked for me so far. I do wish I could tell if Evenity builds bone before getting DEXA scan at 12 months! Best health, dbamos1945
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1 ReactionThe cost of and reaction to Evenity are so varied. I'm not surprised about the reactions, but the cost and availability are really incredible....you'd think we all live in different countries. I'm about to get my third shots with previous reactions being sore at sites with some itching for a couple of days, tired for a day and then some GI issues, acid indigestion off and on for most of the month (never had this before) and a slight headache with the GI issues. Mostly annoying, not drug stopping! RE the cost. I have to go to an infusion center for my shots and as I am on medicare with a supplement, no cost at all. Advantage plans appear to be all over the place. And it seems like some of you do your own injections.....We all just hope for good results.
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