Osteoporosis Treatment Options

Posted by mrg1 @mrg1, Oct 23, 2025

I have had 2 DEXA scans with spine at -2.7. Started Fosomax but had esophageal issues. Endo suggesting forte for 2 years followed by 1 shot of reclast to lock in gains.
I am concerned about side effects since I am still dealing with GERD from the fosomax even though Ive been off it for months.
Anyone have any experience with fosomax issues and then forte or reclast?

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Profile picture for searcher2 @searcher2

Have just crossed over to osteoporosis on last DEXA scan. Have been prescribed Fosamax. I worry about jaw problems as I have implants and tori in my mouth. Tori are bony protrusions of the mouth in the gums. Like I guess bone spurs of the jaw. I am scared of the jaw issues. Any thoughts or information anyone can share is appreciated.

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@searcher2 Agreed! My doctor recommended Boniva and I refused due to jaw issues. I had surgery due to a TMJ disorder earlier in life. I am not messing with that. I'll take my chances with first supplements, followed by total diet changes.

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Profile picture for daisy2022 @daisy2022

@mrg1
I wish there were something that could be used without so many unpleasant side effects but science isn’t there. I had lost no issues with Evenity and had 30% increase in my spine. Since then I have been on Prolia, Reclast, Tymlos and now Teriparatide (generic of Forteo). I’ve had side effects that were impairing my ability to walk from the injections and multiple effects from Tymlos that my Endocrinologist removed me from it after three weeks. The Teriparatide is causing insomnia 50% of the nights after a week. We are going to change the time I inject myself to see if that helps.
I’ve been on almost everything that is on the market but haven’t had lasting success. I have a healed fracture in each of my pelvis vertebra and T-7 has healed. I don’t take any other medications. My mom had osteoporosis taking Fosamax without issue. She had a break in her wrist and ankle which both healed in a normal time frame. I wish all of us could just have a break from the drugs and the mental frustration we have to deal with at each pivotal choice. No, it’s not cancer but some of the drugs provide that as a possible side effect. Since most of us are people who react to drugs, it’s just another weighty issue. It would be a wonderful thing to have drugs that are weight ratio based instead of the 150 lb. male model. Most of us aren’t.
I pray someone finds something that helps them because most of us seem to be at loose ends and trying to be successful no matter what.

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@daisy2022 - I agree. I did notice on the Inspire.com forum that many had success w/strontium citrate--a mineral in the calcium family...not to be confused w/other types of strontium that were used in the UK. It's over the counter & inexpensive. I plan to go on it following current treatment w/Evenity. Wish I had known about it before I reluctantly went on this heavy-duty drug.

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Profile picture for mrg1 @mrg1

@missey Do glad to hear you only had four like issues with reclast. I’m still waiting to hear about insurance but may just end up doing reclast if they don’t get back to me regarding tymlos.

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@mrg1 just take off work for two days after the infusion because you’ll want to sleep a bit and the effects typically hit 24 hours afterward. I would classify the side effects as being more annoying than making me feel sick sick!

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hi,,i am from delhi, india......i was diagnosed iwth osteoporosis in 2018 and was on different biophosphonates since...bonek2hd...fosavance ectetc..unfortunately no improvemnet and the emds gave me upset stomach frequently...recently i consulted endocrinologist for the issue....the conducted a sries of blood test before suggesting HRT INJECTIONS..... we had done a series of PTH test which came out to be fluctuating....the we had done ultrasound of thyroid gland which showed nodules on the gland...to rule out cancer had done sestamibi scan..which came out to be negative......to summarise....all this osteoporosis problem is because of my hyperactive parathyroid harmone (normocalcemic hyperparathyroid) and injecting HRT would worsen the condition.....so my doctor changed the meds to Alendronic Acid (osteofos)......

so to conclude ask your doctor for the cause of your osteoporosis....the wrong medication can worsen the situation.

also for the sophgeal problem....you have to stay in upright postion after taking the medications for atleat an hour...do not bend your torso downwards..

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Thank you for your input. My endocrinologist has run extensive blood work. but age and family history may be my cause of osteoporosis.
I was very good about staying upright for an hour and following the protocol but unfortunately still had esophageal issues.
I hope you are finally on a med that will help your bones.

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Profile picture for daisy2022 @daisy2022

@mrg1
I wish there were something that could be used without so many unpleasant side effects but science isn’t there. I had lost no issues with Evenity and had 30% increase in my spine. Since then I have been on Prolia, Reclast, Tymlos and now Teriparatide (generic of Forteo). I’ve had side effects that were impairing my ability to walk from the injections and multiple effects from Tymlos that my Endocrinologist removed me from it after three weeks. The Teriparatide is causing insomnia 50% of the nights after a week. We are going to change the time I inject myself to see if that helps.
I’ve been on almost everything that is on the market but haven’t had lasting success. I have a healed fracture in each of my pelvis vertebra and T-7 has healed. I don’t take any other medications. My mom had osteoporosis taking Fosamax without issue. She had a break in her wrist and ankle which both healed in a normal time frame. I wish all of us could just have a break from the drugs and the mental frustration we have to deal with at each pivotal choice. No, it’s not cancer but some of the drugs provide that as a possible side effect. Since most of us are people who react to drugs, it’s just another weighty issue. It would be a wonderful thing to have drugs that are weight ratio based instead of the 150 lb. male model. Most of us aren’t.
I pray someone finds something that helps them because most of us seem to be at loose ends and trying to be successful no matter what.

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@daisy2022 it does seem that once people start the meds, most are then on them forever, switching around and hoping something helps more than it hurts. Am I wrong about this ?

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Profile picture for jeepgrl @jeepgrl

@searcher2 Agreed! My doctor recommended Boniva and I refused due to jaw issues. I had surgery due to a TMJ disorder earlier in life. I am not messing with that. I'll take my chances with first supplements, followed by total diet changes.

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@jeepgrl Thsnk you for your feedback.

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Profile picture for yvp25 @yvp25

hi,,i am from delhi, india......i was diagnosed iwth osteoporosis in 2018 and was on different biophosphonates since...bonek2hd...fosavance ectetc..unfortunately no improvemnet and the emds gave me upset stomach frequently...recently i consulted endocrinologist for the issue....the conducted a sries of blood test before suggesting HRT INJECTIONS..... we had done a series of PTH test which came out to be fluctuating....the we had done ultrasound of thyroid gland which showed nodules on the gland...to rule out cancer had done sestamibi scan..which came out to be negative......to summarise....all this osteoporosis problem is because of my hyperactive parathyroid harmone (normocalcemic hyperparathyroid) and injecting HRT would worsen the condition.....so my doctor changed the meds to Alendronic Acid (osteofos)......

so to conclude ask your doctor for the cause of your osteoporosis....the wrong medication can worsen the situation.

also for the sophgeal problem....you have to stay in upright postion after taking the medications for atleat an hour...do not bend your torso downwards..

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@yvp25 hello.
will your physicians do anything (like surgery) to control the hyperactive parathyroid?
Thanks for your post.

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Profile picture for nycmusic @nycmusic

@daisy2022 it does seem that once people start the meds, most are then on them forever, switching around and hoping something helps more than it hurts. Am I wrong about this ?

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@nycmusic As far as I am aware, yes. The only ones I know that were medicating and aren’t at present, have quit and avoid dealing with the issue. They seem fine for the present. No one has the ability to know what anyone’s outcome will be.

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Profile picture for mrg1 @mrg1

@searcher2 I also have Tori. I haven’t heard that makes a difference on the bone issues with the jaw. I will ask my dentist family members next time I talk with them.
I had esophageal issues with fosomax so I can’t continue it. my mom and sister both did fine with it.

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@mrg1 thank you for your input. I appreciate your comments.

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