Forteo vs. Tymlos: Which did you choose?

@electii I have completed over 12 months on Tymlos, and like you, have had migraine all my adult life. Drug reactions and multiple allergies have been ongoing issues for me. Perhaps my experience might be helpful. I suffered a compression fracture of the L4 two years ago, and it became shockingly clear that I, an active high altitude hiker, had severe osteoporosis. ( spine 4, hip 3.5 ). If I hoped to regain an active life, something had to be done. My endocrinologist prescribed Forteo. Two weeks later I had to stop Forteo due to an allergic reaction. Providentially, at that time, Tymlos had just come on the market. It felt reckless to try such a new drug, but I did. Nearly 13 months later, I am successfully tolerating Tymlos. I had a mild headache (not migraine) for a few days after starting Tymlos. Now, I have a bit of fatigue, and for a short time after the injection I am aware of my pulse. The best side effect was evident when I had a DEXA after 5 months. I had a profound increase in bone density. I am so thankful, and glad I did not give in to my fears. I totally understand the devastation and fear that drug reactions bring. I hope to complete two years with Tymlos. I send my best to you and hope you will soon be running again.

Hello, I'm brand new to this group. I was diagnosed yesterday with severe osteoporosis in my lower back AND R.A. I'm a dental hygienist and went to my MD when my right hand started to hurt. I was referred to a rheumatologist for a blood marker for RA and she discovered my osteoporosis on my last several dexa scans that were not read correctly and the diagnosis was missed!! So she suggested Tymlos. She said that my insurance does not cover it. My question is, how do I get Tymols? I have read online that the manufacturer sometimes gives a discount... how does one qualify? She said that Reclast would be my second choice. My R.A, is slight, and right now, is the least of my worries

@lisainfl I am 60 yrs old and have similar spine score and also slight osteoporosis in my hips. My endocrinologist pretty much gave me the option of reclast, prolia or tymlos. I felt maybe the tymlos would work a little faster and then I could follow with reclast to lock in the new bone. The doctor knows the protocol for the approval process. I believe each insurance company is different on what they approve and how easily. I cannot take oral bisphosonates because I already have esophagus irritation. My endo said the approval will take about a month, which surprised me but maybe that's the longest time. I think they know that questions come back and sometimes the insurance suggests cheaper options to try first and then your doctor needs to justify the use. I would ask your doctor about the approval. I am curious if your doctor said why she chose Tymlos as first line of defense - I always like to compare what different doctors choose and why. Thank you, and good luck!

My doctor chose Tymlos because it works in 18 months and doesn’t require refrigeration like Forteo

@lisainfl So she thought it worked better than Reclast? Mine had said as for as fracture prevention they were about equal after 1 year - despite any comparative BMD. It was a tough decision for me. I will likely do 1 year then follow with a year or two with Reclast. Save the second year since we only get 2 years lifetime use. Thanks for sharing!

If there are financial concerns about Tymlos, I would suggest checking the Tymlos website for assistance. Tymnlos.com. Also I would hope your doctor and pharmacy would assist in dealing with finding financial help. There are protocols that some (all?) insurance companies require. For me, a spinal fracture was the key to eligibility.

Thank you for mentioning the k2. I have been reading about osteoporosis and have had consults with Dx, and hadn’t heard about it.

It makes me wonder if there is an optimal combination and timing (daily) to maximize benefits of the supplements. Calcium, magnesium, now k2 ... do they work best staggered, etc.? There is slow release calcium, citrate calcium. Now I see magnesium and calcium can negatively interact?

I’m about to start Tymlos and want to get the best benefit I can. Any help would be appreciated. @kanaazpereira

I have been using Tymlos for about 3 months. Totally agree with the people who say a training in person is worth it. I had started with only remote instruction and was having a hard time doing the shots. A wonderful nurse came, sponsored by Tymlos, and it made all the difference. Now it is truly almost nothing. I don't think I have had any side effects. I am exercising and taking vitamin and mineral supplements and a small amount of additional calcium (I am a vegetarian, almost vegan). Hope it is working. I will probably explore soon a provider of multivitamins who has figured out how to time their morning and evening doses to avoid interactions. A friend referred me to the product, I think it is called nutreince, but I don't know yet how good it is. Still investigating. Reading all this thread makes me want to check with the Tymlos support line to see whether there might be new results suggesting a particular time of day is best. Like most others, I prefer nighttime, rather than adding to the morning rush. Up until now, I have not seen anything about it specifically for this product, which is different enough from Forteo to make me not want to generalize. Will let you know what they tell me.

How can I talk with the Tymlos support group

I should like some feedback from others using Tymlos. Interestingly , as I had considerable side effects from the oral meds in the America’s category and had to cease taking, I am not having side effects so far from Tymlos after injecting once daily for less now than a month. What about others on Tymlos?

Forteo was first drug prescribed for me, but was not part of my prescription drug formulary and would have been $700 per month. As it was the drug of choice rom my doctor, I am wondering about reactions people on Forteo have experienced and also about the relative merits of each of the 2 drugs. My rheumatologist indicates that a generic of Forteo is ready and will be out there as soon as the brand name patent runs out, I don’t think he would change me over midstream, but m not sure.