Forteo vs. Tymlos: Which did you choose?

@artscaping I think she would like me to continue rotating treatments so that I don't put myself into a bone-losing condition ever again, which of course I agree with in general. I am 59 now, so presumably (hopefully, anyway) I have too many years left just to go on Prolia again (or Reclast) for the duration. In other words, closer to the end, we wouldn't worry as much about how much old bone I was accumulating -- it would be more important just to keep the bones from dissolving away. In fact, I had thought of saving my one remaining year of Tymlos for later because there might be a couple of decades left, i.e., I could do another course of Prolia at some point, and then do my final year of Tymlos, and I proposed this to my doctor. She had thought of that strategy as well, but her issue was this: although my overall hip and spine density has increased significantly, I have this one vertebra that is lagging behind the rest (L3; it was the worst from the beginning). Her position was, this is working for you so let's keep going for now and see if we can get that one last vertebra to catch up. Afterward, it's not like I would literally be doing nothing. I am on HRT, and estrogen, while it does not build bone at all, slows bone loss slightly. She also suggested Evista as something to try for the same reason during a potential holiday away from osteoporosis drugs. In addition to all that, I have always been diligent and careful about diet, exercise, and supplements so that represents a contribution too -- it's just (unfortunately) not the kind of contribution that can reverse bone loss on its own. So onward with the Tymlos 🙂

Well finally got a response from the Endo through his staff. Forteo appears to be a better choice because I will be on it only for a year... Reclast will be prescribed after that, for the hip. Definitely shell shocked over cost of Forteo prescription for 28 days of theerapy… working on the next hurdle. Thanks for everyone's input and I'll continue to monitor patients' experiences. Wish me luck...

@cpierre, Thank you for posting about your Forteo decision. Congratulations, that was a big step. We do wish you the best of experiences and a successful outcome. And of course, we will be waiting for your posts.
Be safe and protected.
Chris

Good evening. @leacy, @cpierre, @kdbones, @betterbones, suze317, @laurapearl, @diva The discussion topics include medical information from Mayo Clinic and reputable sources. They also cover how to deal with our fears, loneliness, and boredom. Check out some of the virtual tour ideas and ways to stay in touch with your grandchildren.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/covid-19/
Be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris

Good evening. If you are having difficulty getting your Tymlos pens, needles, and alcohol prep because of the COVID-19, this is good news. My pharmacist started the search after being told it was on back order. Then my endocrinologist got in to the hunt and found some at another town. She also increased the RX to 3 pens because of the difficulties with deliveries at this time.

I also spoke with one of the nurses at the manufacturer. She was very helpful. In fact, everyone was so kind and concerned. I even got call backs. They don’t want any patient to be without their medication. So hats off to the team. The 3 month refill will arrive Friday and take me out 90 days.

Do let me know if you need the links and phone numbers. Both Forteo and Tymlos are “specialty” medications requiring a different level of order processing.
May you be content and at ease. We are here for you.
Chris

I was taken off of Tymlos because of lingering heart palpitations. I have extra unopened unused needles if anyone needs them. Please let me know and I can send out.
Stay well during this very challenging time.

This is from @lilypaws I am on Tymlos and it is expensive, but I thing Forteo is more expensive. I have been on it for 5 week, does give some side effects. The doctor told me to take it at night and that has helped. I have some bone pain, but I feel it must been working. I would try Tymlos first and then if it doesn't work or too many side effects you can change to Forteo. After 6 weeks of being on Tymlos I am to have surgery, but it is still only elective yet. I am having a fusion from T-10 to my pelvis. Its a big surgery, but I have done everything I can do. They tested me and the surgery will help. I have degeneration which has caused and scoliosis and my T4, T5 and S1 has stenosis. I live with pain everyday sometimes worse that others. I hope the governer willl open up so I can have my surgery. At least then I could be on pain pills. No pain pills before surgery, because then what the surgeon gives me won't work as well. Let me know what you choose. And bless your heart. Do you just have ostiporosis?

Good afternoon @lilypaws. Thank you for updating us on your choice for help with osteoporosis. Would you please tell us why you chose Tymlos? Did you have any side effects? Regarding the cost, you are correct, Forteo is more "spendy". Because of COVID-19, my endocrinologist increased the dosage to 3 months so I would not have trouble getting it. Then my pharmacist helped me find a specialty pharmacy that was not as expensive. Have you had help with some price checking?

And now for your second statement about the complex surgery you are scheduling, you sound ready and understand the recovery that will be required. Will your time with Tymlos be helpful for the fusions? My surgeon was quite adamant about staying in a brace for 3 months to ensure that the fusion had every chance to be more secure. That was a very long time for me. However, I did it....even slept in it except for one night when I just lost it and threw the darn thing across the bedroom.

I hope you are pleased with the results. It was great to be able to sleep and walk and sit without constant pain. I would like to put you on "Chris's list" so that I can check in with you as things progress. Would that be appropriate? It is also so important that other members know your story. That is how we all learn, by sharing.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Good afternoon @diva, it has been a while since we checked in with each other. I finally have a "med buddy" for I too am not med friendly or at least my body isn't. I am very sensitive to bisphosphonates. My endocrinologist said no way......for any of them and so I am on Tymlos. The proof will be in the pudding so to speak.....when I get the results from my first year DEXA scan.

Would you please pass along your findings on Chinese medicine so all of us will be informed.

Did you plan to contact your Dr. about what she/he wants you will need to be on after. Tymlos? I think that information will be helpful to others. Please share.

May you be content and at ease these days.
Chris

@lilypaws Maybe I should be on Forteo instead of Tymlos, but I did read up on Tymlos and it is suppose to be better since it's newer. Let me know what you choose and how it's working.