My osteoporosis doctor recommended that I continue Evenity for more than one year. The attached study shows benefit for up to two years.
Following is an update on my use of Evenity for more than one year.
I have now been receiving monthly Evenity for about a year and a half. The side effects (local soreness and a bit fatigue) seem to be a very slight bit more than they were a year ago… but not sure if that is the medication or other factors going on in my life.
In a month or so I plan to arrange for an updated DEXA scan, as well as CTX and P1NP blood tests. (The blood tests give an indication of how the bones will continue to build with continued use of Evenity.)
I will review the results with my doctor. At that point I will decide whether to continue Evenity for another six months. Alternatively, I will pause Evenity and switch over to a bisphosphonate for a period of time – then return to the Evenity treatment.
I am considering Risedronate (Actonel) as the bisphosphonate medication because it works with my longer-term treatment plan.
Here is the explanation: Risedronate (Actonel) does not last very long. My osteoporosis doc says “It detaches quickly from the bone.” That is good from my point of view since I hope to return to Evenity treatment after a period of time. Biphosphonate treatment tends to interfere with the action of Evenity. My hope is that the risedronate/Actonel will help maintain the bone density for a period of time while my CTX and P1NP blood tests show a return to baseline. I will then return to Evenity. Since the Actonel “detaches quickly from the bone” my hope is that the Evenity will be able to work effectively with a fairly short term use of residronate/Actonel
I will appreciate any information from someone who has experience with a course of treatment similar to this or other information that might be useful as I consider this course of treatment.
Thanks!