Praise for Osteoporosis Medication

@njx58 yeah for real, it was a complete shit show to get this medication approved and dispensed ..even after it was approved by my insurance I had to chase down every specialty pharmacy in my state for anothet week until I finally scored! Like for real, it was as if no pharmacy I talked to were able to dispense it. I went around in circles..The American health care system right? And when I finally got it sorted through Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy. Absolute bonkers process

I was too intimidated by Tymlos or Forteo to start with those. The thought of injecting myself bothered me at the time. I went on Evenity for 4 months but had severe allergic site reactions and my dermatologist was concerned I could have a systemic reaction. Then tried Evista but got severe GERD and had to get an EGD. Then overcame my fear and went on Tymlos. Didn't really bother me at all except for lower back pain that started 10 minutes post injection and lasted for 30 minutes. I have to say I really liked Tymlos. But unfortunately my Medicare Part D doesn't cover it (I used samples from my rheumatologist). Would only cover generic Forteo at almost $500 per month. I realize there is a Medicare cap and also payment plans. Met with rheumatologist again and decided to give Evenity another try to speed up the process of bone building. He changed my protocol from zyrtec to benedryl and other than really bad site pain day of, and minor flu like symptoms 2 days later, which I had previously, I was fine. Fingers crossed. I like the idea of once per month injections covered by Medicare Part B knowing that I'll be a bit miserable for 3 days. But I did like Tymlos and it doesn't need to go in fridge. Hope that is of some help.

@njx58 meds improve bone density but what does it do to the quality? Think of chalk dropping on the ground.

@ngk1

Glad you found something that works for you. I admire your tenacity.

@gravity3 Gotta admit I was ready to give up. But the Evenity wasn't too much of a problem last week. We'll see how it goes. The alternative of doing nothing isn't great either.

@alexandercrps what health care?? I am attempting to get a DEXA after treatment on Reclast for one year and wow what I fight I am having. Medicare will cover it (as medically necessary for monitoring big pharma treatment). Drug is working as far as a CTX measurement goes according to the doctor (from 52 - 78 after year on Reclast but I have no idea what that means) but like pulling teeth to get a DEXA. (Doc feels it is not necessary, and yes, we will talk about that at next appointment.) I would love to say Reclast works great as I was told it would and I have big bone density improvements but without a DEXA I dunno. Very few side effects though, all easily dealt with.

Did you take both the supplement and the osteoporosis medication? Did you have any problems with the medication?

@ngk1

I hear you!

Excellent question to drop here. I’d like to hear stories, also. And the struggles and successes to payments for a two year anabolic therapy.
I have Medicare Part A & B and buy the supplement Part D since I started Medicare. (I’m 75 yrs old now).
My PCP wanted me on Reclast from X-ray results in January 2026 of vertebrae compression fracture. After self reading the side effects of Reclast, I requested an Endocrinologist consult. I was able to obtain an appointment in May 2026. Endocrinologist wanted me on an anabolic therapy which I have since agreed to do as the best course of treatment for me.
But I can’t afford it right now.!!
I have to wait until the Medicare window opens in October to December 12, so I can select a NEW PartD policy, that I am hoping will cover Tymlos (my first choice) or Forteo.
*So I’m hopeful I can start my anabolic therapy in January 2027 (because of $$).
So I’d love to read other people struggles and successes with getting Coverage through Pat D. And I do understand there’s a spending limit of around $2100 then Part D coverage kicks in (?) , and how that worked out?
Thank you

@countryliving

Sounds like a great plan. I'm sorry you have to wait until next year. This would also be a wonderful.... completely separate sub topic under Osteoporosis. I don't want to see the coverage/money issues get lost among the other topics. I imagine lots of others are struggling with this and need wisdom.