Good evening. Perhaps I can give a worthy hint or two. I have the worst luck with side effects and had a "Stop right here" reaction to bisphosphonates. Not GI issues but jawbone, teeth, eye sockets..... those kinds of issues. I just spent two years building bone with Tymlos. To maintain it, I have one choice...Prolia. (Evenity is a great choice for building bone and protecting what has been built.....and it wasn't available two years ago.)

I felt frightened.....just like you. So, I picked up the phone and called Amgen, the manufacturer. I was connected to a medical specialist who understood my concern. She told me that the company has its own tests and must meet all of the requirements. She would be happy to discuss my concerns. In a few hours, she called back and gave me percentages and types/degrees of potential side effects.

And....yes there are side effects and I will be waiting after my first infusion until it seems safe to head home. She also told me where to go.....the ER.....if I have issues later and help will be coming.

Usually, the clinical trials and other tests are mentioned on the product website. Let's give it a look.
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-finding-the-right-osteoporosis-medication/
May you be safe and protected.
Chris

@joanme @artscaping @qigongangel
I too have had many fears about these drugs, you hear of so many side effects. I try to keep in mind that most often the people who turn to forums such as this are either looking for information, or have had a bad experience. Those who are taking a drug with no problems don't think to join a forum.
The actual percentage of people with really negative experiences is something like 1 in 10,000. Granted, if you are that 1 then it's a very big deal.
I have had bad reactions to so many drugs that tends to feed my fears but after a year spent trying the natural route and having my DEXA get worse I realized I had to do something.
I started taking Tymlos in the beginning of March. So far the side effects have been more of a nuisance than anything else. Initially, I had some mild nausea the next day, and I have been feeling more fatigued than usual, I think. That's something that I can't be sure if it's from Tymlos or from sleeping problems.

I have not yet discussed fully what I will do when I stop taking Tymlos. She anticipates me being on it for two years. Reclast was mentioned but I am somewhat fearful of a drug that stays in your system for a year despite knowing a number of people who do take it with no real side effects. I had a phone appointment with my endocrinologist last week and she said we have plenty of time to think about the next step.

It is a scary thing when you hear of the potential side effects but hopefully those will not be a problem.
JK