Considering Forteo

@njx58 I have been doing a lot of study of the importance of nutrition and specific exercise to build and maintain bone strength. This person’s doctor may be giving good advice. Algae based calcium and vitamin D with K are very important, along with other nutrients, for bone health.

I am also 62 with osteoporosis in spine and neck. Hips are osteopenia but pretty close to osteoporosis. I tried Algaecal for almost a year and my numbers got worse. I am an avid exerciser, normal weight and have always eaten well. I finally went on Forteo April 2025. The only side effect I had was slight dizziness after injection for awhile. I go in this July for another bone scan so we'll see. I am a modern medicine believer but I also try natural if need be. I am also taking a Vitamin D-K supplement. I have friends and family on the estrogen patch and such, but I have early heart disease (a genetic cholesterol disorder that took a while to find out). Therefore, I am not a candidate. I wish you the best. Every person is different. I'm allergic to half the food and chemical planet. I say that facetiously, but I wasn't for years, and now I have GERD and ulcers. I follow the rules to a T. Hitting 60 was eye opening.

@lisitabelle I think your doctor would be best to answer that for your individual case. From what I understand, reclast is stronger maintaining gains than Evista? I just had severe reaction to Bisphosphonates, so not wanting to go that route.

How long can you take Forteo. 2 years and the a break and start again?

sharonkhale, the most common use of Forteo is two years followed by a year or two or Reclast. Options have expanded but standards haven't been reset and research isn't being done. I'm finishing a third consecutive year of Forteo. My doctor says I should stay on this medication until my lowest T score is a -1, No one has figured out how low long you need to be off Forteo for it to be effective. The effects seems to lose the advantage for the bones after 18 to 24 months. If your doctor and your insurance are flexible you could end up on Forteo long term or in any pattern. Most likely you'll be prescribed the standard 2 year Forteo 2 year Reclast.
It is good if you can follow bone markers to understand if and how well the drug is working.

@gently Thank you for all the information. You have obviously done a lot of research. I am hoping I can find a Dr who will try Forteo with me. I will work with a coach to get the right exercise and nutrition. My biggest challenge with this website is finding your latest post which was so informative! I am technically challenged.

sharonkhale, if you tap on @gently wherever it is highlighted, you'll reach a profile page. Tapping on comments below the blue squared silhouette, you'll be regaled with too many of my posts or https://connect.mayoclinic.org/member/00-7c172167b26ffb93350352/. I always think it is better (easier) to ask again. I don't mind answering again, so answers can be revised because of new research and extended experience. I try to respond very specifically to what the poster is asking, which may make it cloying to anyone else's reading.
I am glad you are considering Forteo, and anticipate that it will be a good experience.

@cat1203 thank you so much for all this information. I am starting Forteo soon and when you start reading some posts of people having issues on it… it is frightening. Thank you for sharing your experience and decisions on the follow up med options. My Dr. wants me to do Reclast after two years of Forteo. Praying this is the best option for me.

@broken13
Thanks so much for your insight. I have a question… can Evista be used as a follow up to Forteo instead of a biophosphonate like Reclast? I have been on Evista for years and will be starting Forteo this week.
Thanks!

Broken13, did you lose bmd in the five years on Evista? I'm curious if you had any side effects (or bone markers) since returning to teriparatide. I have heard that the second application of the drug is as "robust" as the first.
Thanks your answer is so perfect.