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My Experience on Evenity for Treating Osteoporosis
Thought I would share for those considering or on Evenity for osteoporosis:
Afer much research and discussions with my GP and Cardiologist, I have decided to start my treatment with Evenity injections. As with all drugs, there are many side effects. My biggest concerns were stroke and heart attack. However, considering that I do no have any history for either, for me personally, the benefits outweigh the risks. As my GP said to me, "if everyone only thought about the side effects of the drugs, no one would be taking them".
I had my first injections (subcutaneously in the back of each arm) on June 30th. The nurse that administered the injections discussed the drug in depth, along with all the possibilities that may occur. She also mentioned that for all the patients that she has seen, none has had any side effects.
The injections are once a month for only one year, so I'm hoping that this works well for me and I can improve my bone density, especially in my spine, where I need it the most.
My endocronologist has also prescribed Hydrochlorthiazide for my idiopathic hypocalcemia. I have an appointment with an allergist this month to confirm whether I still have an allergy to sulfa drugs, since this drug contains sulfa. Apart from this I take D3 orally and try to obtain additional calcium through foods not supplements. Trying to walk 3-4 times a week and will begin with a few weight bearing exercises.
My journey began September, 2019 when I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. After waiting to see three doctors, receiving three denials from insurance company for Evenity, which took several months, I am hopefully on my way for a favorful outcome.
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It was interesting to read everyone’s experiences. I began treatment in November, 2021 and have completed 6 months of the year long plan. My side affects are mostly of swelling at the injection site in my arms and fatigue the day after. I’ve found using massage, heat packs, and sometimes lavender oil to help the medication disperse more quickly. My left arm seems to hold the fluid longer which accounts for the different methods to help with the swelling and fluid dispersement. In general I feel great. Like many of you, my spine is the main reason I began this protocol and hope it is successful. I’ll continue to check back to see how our journeys are progressing.
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2 ReactionsArlene 7, I am new to Mayo Clinic Connect and I am not sure how this works or how to continue the discussions. My doctor has suggested Evenity or Prolia. I have been on Forteo and did not due well and was also on Boniva for a while. How did the Evenity work out for you. Were there any side effects, are you doing okay now?
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1 Reaction@arlene 7, I am new to Mayo Clinic Connect and I am not sure how this works or how to continue the discussions. My doctor has suggested Evenity or Prolia. I have been on Forteo and did not due well and was also on Boniva for a while. How did the Evenity work out for you. Were there any side effects, are you doing okay now?
Figured out I needed the @
@angie13 do you mean that your bone density did not improve on Forteo? Did you do it for two years? Evenity and Prolia work differently. If your osteoporosis is still severe perhaps Evenity is better. You take it for one year.
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1 Reaction@angie13 I had to stop the Forteo because of the side effects after one month. Dizziness and unsteadiness in my legs, stomach issues exasperated my gerd. Heart issues I have heard about make me hesitate on the Evenity
@angie13 do you have high risk for stroke or heart attack?
Have you considered Tymlos? It does the same thing as Forteo but some of us do better in terms of side effects with Tymlos, because the pen has "clicks" unlike Forteo, which is only one (full) dose. I started with two clicks and moved up slowly and am now on 6 or 7. A full dose is 8 but my doc is fine even with 6. I am guided by side effects.
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1 ReactionWill review Tymlos, thank you. My family history has heart issues.
I just finished my 1 year on Evenity. Ill do my new DEXA scan on June 24 and will report if it helped and how much. I had zero side effects. Just a sore arm on injection day. If you need it do it! Fractures are worse. My spine was the issue and I had a compression fracture last year which prompted me to start Evenity. I will go to Prolia after next month.
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3 ReactionsThank you so much. Good luck with the DEXA scan.
My family has heart issues too, and I have both afib and a murmur. I would still consider Evenity. But because Evenity is a newer drug, and also suppresses bone turnover, I chose to do Tymlos first. Tymlos grows bone but does not suppress turnover. I will try Evenity after Tymlos if my density does not improve on the Tymlos.
I read that Evenity "turbocharges" bone density because of the combination of bone growing and turnover suppression.