Side Effects of Evenity?

@jolie2525 Those are very low scores. Please see an endocrinologist.

My dexa score is3.2 it actually got better two years ago3.3 . Before that it’s been the same for 5 years, I’m 70 now.Looking for advice , I’m taking vitamins, don’t want to take medication hope I’m not making wrong decisions.

@windyshores is Evenity more potent or stronger than Tymlos? I’m thinking maybe I should begin it again at a lower dose then increase vs going
On Evenity?

@lynmarie56 DEXA machines have a margin of error. The difference between a -3.2 and -3.3 score is most likely due to that margin of error, and, unfortunately, not an improvement. Both scores put you in the "severe osteoporosis" category. I really recommend you seeing an endocrinologist. At 60, my spine dexa score was -3.1. After 1 months of Tymlos, it was -2.4. That's a 10%+ improvement. I do a lot of exercises too but there is no way exercise (or diet) alone could give me the same improvement. My doctor says every untreated person who fractures regrets they were not on medication. The medications are not as bad as many people on these forums talk about. Most people who have no side-effects do not go on these forums for help because they are fine. I had no side effects from my medication. Best wishes to you.

Oh yes! The weight gain is real as well as fatigue and general lack of strength and energy. I’m usually a very active person, but during the day, I’m having to push myself to get things done. And I’m getting my 6th injection next week. I wouldn’t complain about my weight but combined with the general malaise, it’s a downer. Like I’ve said, if it’s working, I will figure out something concerning my weight (midsection). But it’s difficult to find clothing that still fits.

I've often wondered what percentage of people have the serious or seriously annoying side effects. It feels like there must be many as not many on Mayo Connect report good success with minimal side effects.
I finished my last (all 12) Evenity 5 weeks ago. In general, I had minimal side effects, some bone and muscle pain - but manageable with minimal motrin and mostly during the earlier months. It would pop up now and then the last 6. And in the first 4-6 months, I would get acid indigestion ...would start on day 10, randomly occur for 10 days, and stop until the next injection. Go figure! At the injection site, arms, I would get slight swelling for about 24 hours. Mostly the effects were just annoying and sometimes fatiguing but the results were excellent.
Spine was -3.0, now -2.0, considered a 14.4% growth
Hip was -2.1, now -1.9, a 5% improvement
Did not have comparable markers at the start, but now my P1NP is 36 and CTX is 208. I believe this shows a stable condition.
I'm now in low bone and out of osteoporosis. While my Dr and I had many discussions re follow up with Reclast and Prolia, I started Prolia yesterday. Was not wild about either but acknowledged that I needed to take one or the other.
I'm 77 yrs, and had never taken any osteoporosis drugs (to the Dr dismay) even though I'd been in osteoporosis for over 10 years. In this case waiting for improved drugs was probably prudent! I've never broken bones, I'm active and in good health. The decisions we have to make are tough but important.

@annq I have been on Tymlos for 14 months with no side effects. My spine went from -3.1 to -2.4. Congratulations on your results!

@roseincalifornia I get what you’re saying, but I wonder if it hasn’t changed in the last 10 years when they first wanted me to be on medication I’m already 70. I’m wondering if it will stay the same for the next 10 years just doing what I’ve been doing.

@lynmarie56 Bones usually weaken with age, unless you are doing high impact or weight training. And the truth is, at 70, if you are not already doing weight training you will not be likely able to lift heavy enough to increase your bone density, although you will increase your muscular strength, which is important at any age. You can do research on the relationship between aging and bones weakening - it is widely known. Even if you stay the same (bmd), you are still in the "severe osteoporosis" category. Age is also a huge factor in fracture risk. Someone who is 80 is much more likely to fracture than someone with 70 with the same score. At 8o you are also more likely to be on more other medications and may have acquired other health issues. Having to juggle those new issues with starting an osteoporosis medication will be more challenging. Given you have "severe osteoporosis" you also may have already fractured by age 80. Read up on the recovery of people who have fractured their hip or spine. Everyone is worse off after a fracture, some are in chronic pain for ever. I highly recommend seeing an endocrinologist and have them evaluate you. Do more research; look at the percentages of people who have side effects, and effectiveness of the drugs at preventing fractures, etc... Basically, one of the worse things one can do is sit around and do nothing; it is good that you are reaching out in this forum. Wishing you the best.