I have Osteoporosis and a overactive Thyroid: Which med to choose?

Posted by diva @diva, Feb 8, 2020

I have Osteoporosis and a overactive Thyroid which is making my Osteoporosis worse. One Dr said Prolia and the other Dr said only the daily injections of Tymlos. I also have a tough time with most medicines with side effects and take half of a normal dose. With these I won't be able to. Has anyone been in this situation in deciding what to take with reading all the side effects, and having an over active Thyroid? In addition the Tymlos will cost me a co pay of about $500. per month.Also read that after Prolia (5 yr max) your chances increase for fractures. Thank you everyone.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

Good morning @diva, thank you for joining Connect and for starting an updated Tymos/Prolia discussion. Many postmenopausal women with our dilemma post on Connect looking for answers beyond the product site or printed information. Hopefully, you will receive replies about the Thyroid issue.

When faced with this decision by my PCP because of side effects and intolerance of biphosphonates, I was pretty doubtful that I needed anything at 77. She sent me to an Endocrinologist for further pictures of bones, especially my spine and appendages.
She presented my options, Tymlos or Forteo. I chose Tymlos for a number of reasons and I am on month 7. I have had no side effects. What I just noticed on my "pen" was that you could take half doses, just get extra needles and turn the knob to 40 not 80. However, that doesn't mean your half dose will meet the minimum daily requirement for the medication to be effective. And that is a critical issue.

Having had pretty yucky results with the biphosphonates, I did more research on
Purpose: Does this medication help your body build bone or does it protect the bone you already have?
Process: How does it work? Exactly what ingredients do what function? (Check your no tolerance list.)
Delivery: How and how frequently is the medication taken? (My battle with biphosphonates was made more difficult and discomforting because the side effects began within 24 hours and I had to wait 30 days for the next opportunity to say "Stop", my body doesn't want anymore.
Expected results after 2 years?

You may find more shared experiences by using the search field to the left of your name at the top of this page. Try: Tymlos, Prolia, Osteoporosis.
Here is a link to a Connect discussion about Prolia, a Mayo Clinic analysis of Tymlos, and a Mayo document that covers osteoporosis and drugs.

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prolix-treatment-for-osteoporosis/?pg=37#comment-348030
This is from the Connect members about prolia.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/abaloparatide-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20406221?_ga=2.256168011.1314617766.1580108050-515296631.1557805894
This is about Tymlos.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/expert-answers/osteoporosis-drug-risks/faq-20058121
This covers all osteoporosis drugs.

Have you had input from other sources about Prolia and Tymlos? How was your diagnosis of osteoporosis presented? Do you still have more tests to take?
With the knowledge, you get the power to make the best decision for you. Chris

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Thank you Chris for your response with wonderful information.I can't take the oral meds due to irritation issues. I know that Tymlos builds bones and can use it for up to 2 years. Prolia will only protect what is there. Dr. have there own opinions and can't agee on one course. Knowing that Tymlos can be started with smaller does is wonderful to know. Since the Dr. and Pharmacist say nothing of it. I metabolize meds very quickly and this could be my answer.I am 72 and really wondered about needing all this.Also the high copay for it vs Prolia not costing anything. But I will not go on my soapbox.
I am so glad I found this site. Patients can give more insight.

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@diva

Thank you Chris for your response with wonderful information.I can't take the oral meds due to irritation issues. I know that Tymlos builds bones and can use it for up to 2 years. Prolia will only protect what is there. Dr. have there own opinions and can't agee on one course. Knowing that Tymlos can be started with smaller does is wonderful to know. Since the Dr. and Pharmacist say nothing of it. I metabolize meds very quickly and this could be my answer.I am 72 and really wondered about needing all this.Also the high copay for it vs Prolia not costing anything. But I will not go on my soapbox.
I am so glad I found this site. Patients can give more insight.

Jump to this post

Good, @diva. Looks like we hit the target and a direction for pursuing more information about your choices. Please let me remind you that the 1/2 dose info was only my assumption that the “pen” would be able to permit 1/2 doses after I looked at it again. It would still be necessary to make sure a 1/2 dose would meet the minimum dose required.

I know I am a bit of a watch dog. That may be why I love being a mentor. Have a lovely evening. Chris

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The only thing I know is that Prolia is poison. I’m still recovering from taking that stuff. Jaw infection, UTIs , stomach pain and bloating, shortness of breath, AFib, ONJ etc!

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@diva, @kay71, Thank you @kay71 for adding concerns about Prolia from your patient experience. I know that you, @diva are hoping to get enough information for you to make the best decision for you. If you wish to continue this thread with @kay71, all you have to do is reply directly to her. May you both have a lovely sleep tonight. Chris

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My husband had first Reclast infusion last November to deal with his osteopenia as a result of a hyperactive thyroid. From day one he has had bad side effects - body shaking uncontrollably with no chills, joint pains, numbness and tingling in his hands to this day and fatigue. It was a full dose. Have since found that they can break up the one dose into smaller ones to make it easier. But I don’t think he will take a chance again. Has anyone had severe and/or long lasting side affects?

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I have a history of hyperthyroidism and I have osteoporosis. My endocrinologist monitors and treats both. She prescribed Prolia. I have taken it for years (an injection every 6 months). Thank God I have not experienced any problems with it. I also have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage 4. I was assured (by my nephrologist) that Prolia wouldn’t cause problems regarding the CKD.

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