Drug holiday between Reclast and more powerful bone medications
I've been receiving Reclast for the last 4 years after decades of Evista, both for the treatment of osteopenia/osteoporosis/osteopenia. The last DEXA scan was somewhat disappointing as 2 of the 3 regions dipped slightly. I'm more concerned than I would normally be due to the recent discovery of moderate scoliosis.
My endocrinologist is willing to switch to Evenity, Tymlos, or Prolia BUT would require that I stop Reclast and then wait 1-2 years with NO treatment before starting one of these 3 medications. This is called a drug holiday. Is this the usual way to transition from one drug to another? Do I need to seek a second opinion?
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Thanks for the great info.
I'm doubting that any of the really knowledgeable osteoporosis docs would suggest taking 6 years of Reclast. I'm guessing that you have not had your CTX scores checked regularly while taking Reclast. If one does that you can skip the simplistic formula of take Reclast every year for 3 years and then take a holiday. Tracking your bone markers and having annual DXA's can enable you to know when you would actually need another Reclast infusion.
I believe others have already stated that taking time off from Reclast would help one get benefit from a bone builder. Reclast is probably the drug that would most limit the effectiveness of a bone builder med. Anyone know of an actual study of that?