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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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What does your doc have to say about timing and sequencing?
Did your Dexa Bone scan improve after 12 months of Evenity?
I can't answer your other concerns. I am at 8 months of Evenity.
I have been so sick with joint pain. I cannot get the injection in both of my arms so they are doing my thigh and my arm on the same side.
Now I have severe tendonitis on the back of my knee. I feel it is coming from both injections on the same side. My injection site is very swollen after each injection.
The nurses really hurt with the exception of 2 injections from a better nurse.
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4 ReactionsWhere do you get Strontium Citrate?
I am so sick being on Evenity.
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2 ReactionsIt is an inexpensive over-the-counter mineral in the calcium family. There's much more detailed info on Inspire.com from those who have taken it successfully for yrs in lieu of drugs. They also include many medical publication links. Spend some time there to get a feel for the depth of the discussions.
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1 ReactionI have had 9 (18) shots of Evenity. My joint and bone pain have been very difficult since the forth month. I have osteoarthritis. Between the pain from the osteoarthritis (most painful in the knees and hips) coupled with the pain from the Evenity (knees, hips, and muscles) I am considering stopping the injections. I don't want to but my quality of life has decreased considerably to the point that I am fighting off depression on a frequent basis. Has anyone considered acupuncture to help with the OA so that the pain is not as severe?
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3 Reactions@mave14
Evenity does not disclose all the true side effects. I called them 3 times regarding my pain. They just listen and don't get back to you.
There is a pill that helps for tendonitis but right now I am trying the pill for osteoarthritis.
The front of my knees are start to feel better.
I have finished my 8th month.
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2 ReactionsI have used acupuncture on the front of my knees and it did seem to help me.
I go to Dr. Grant Smith in Fountain Hills.
@hammondp2 You may already know this but the first bone building benefits are in the first 6 months. I had somewhat debilitating muscle/bone pain after 6-7 months but kept going for 11 months. I sometimes wish I had quit around 8 months but all pain started to go away after ending Evenity but it took several months. I was taking it for bone building so could have stopped earlier maybe and taken something to lock in gains then. I didn't have any pain or mobility issues before taking Evenity but while on it thought I had ruined my health! It was anxiety producing for sure and I was told what I was experiencing was unrelated to Evenity until I found info at this website. Not everyone experiences this adverse reaction. Thank God that I am back to "normal" now and keeping up with risedronate sodium, diet and exercise to do the best I can. Hope it goes well for you!
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2 Reactions@lauratys
I am glad you feel back to normal. So did you stop after your 11th injection?
Did you have so much pain that you couldn't do anything.
The pain is so bad and it is constant. Not sure if it works. Between the price of this drug and the pain that I have to endure, I certainly hope it makes a big healthy difference.
I am trying not to quit. I am going to see my heart doctor. He is trying to help me figure out why I have so much pain. My endocrinologist that prescribed Evenity is not helping me. Our doctors really need to try Evenity before they prescribe this drug. You have to try this medicine and experience the pain before they get a kickback and ruin our life.
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2 Reactions@hammondp2 Good morning, It became difficult to do everyday things like putting on a pair of yoga pants etc. Aching and joint pain everywhere. Got better throughout the day but never fully resolved. I stopped after 11 months and switched to bisphosphonate. Fosomax brought back all the pain but have been fine on Actonel monthly.
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