Anyone have a preference of Tymlos or Forteo for side effects?

Thank you - super helpful tip!

Hi there! I’ve been on Tymlos less than a month and have already been told to take a week off and try again.
The first time, I immediately got a headache across my forehead, very common. Then it progressed to sinus pain and cause my dry eye symptoms to be extreme. Over the next couple days, my eyes felt at times like they were dilated, but the pain was too much from dry eye symptoms. It created light sensitivity, so it was hard to be in the sun. The nights were the worst, as the pain in my face, wouldn’t let me sleep.
After taking a week off, I started the injections again 2 days ago. Day one was fine. Day 2 the eye symptoms were creeping in and the facial sinus pain was as well. When I woke up today, I was sad to feel the facial pain was there and my eyes were worse. I also have a bit of an acid tummy, this is new.
I’ve suffered from extreme dry eye for 10 plus years and use Restasis for it 2x daily. Having said that, I’ve never experienced the pain in my eyes like this, being on Tymlos. The first time I tried Tymlos, by the end of the first 7 days, I didn’t even want to open my eyes…the pain was severe and nothing helped. I was putting doctor recommended dry eye soothing drops in, every 20 mins, round the clock.
Unfortunately I’m not going to continue on with Tymlos.
Waiting to hear from my Rheumatologist, to see where we go from here.

@jbrooks A -5.1 score is extremely low bone density. Mine was not as bad ( -3.1) and my doctor told me that was "severe osteoporosis" and not to lift weights overhead (axial loading) to avoid getting a fracture. After taking Tymlos for 12 months,my spine T-score has increased to -2.4 (borderline osteopenia/osteoporosis). I had no side effects from Tymlos, and I am a small 100lb female. I am lifting weights now, and getting stronger.

If you have not already, I hope you see an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist will do a battery of tests to see if there is another underlying condition that is causing you to lose so much bone. Given your very low score, they will also suggest taking some type of medication. These medications really work, and most people tolerate them with no problem. Tymlos is the best medication for improving spinal bmd. My doctor said that everyone of her patients who took it improved their spinal bmd. Getting a spinal fracture is a lot worse than taking a drug. I hope you do not delay seeing an endocrinologist. Good luck.

You write "The side effects are brutal with either medication." If someone has side-effects for ANY medication, they may be brutal. Most people who take Forteo or Tymlos have NO side effects. You are assuming you will be in the minority of patients who have side effects. Given your extremely low score -5.1, you are playing Russian roulette everyday. Do you know what the side-effects of getting a spinal fracture are???

Wishing you the best in your health journey.

Most people have mild or no side effects. The issue is that the ones who have had bad experiences are far more likely to share them online. I wouldn't assume the worst. You can try it and see what happens. I took Tymlos for nearly two years and never had a bad day. Doesn't that experience count, too?

Tymlos is more convenient because the pen doesn't have to be refrigerated, and the dose can be titrated down if need be.

@roseincalifornia
Totally agree…cancer meds can save your life and certainly no fun.
Osteo meds are generally tolerated much better

I was on Forteo for two years with no problems. I had a great improvement in my spine that took me from osteoporosis to osteopenia. My hips didn't improve that much as my doctor wanted, so I am now on Evenity for a year.

@ou14mejc
So you went right from Forteo to Evenity with no other drug in between?