1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

My Experience on Evenity for Treating Osteoporosis

Posted by arlene7 @arlene7, Jul 7, 2020

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.

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

ssapp1 | @ssapp1 | Nov 4, 2022
In reply to @jerilk "So the injections hurt, and your arms got swollen. Were you in pain? How long did..." + (show)
@jerilk

So the injections hurt, and your arms got swollen. Were you in pain? How long did it take for it to go down? And what's the pain unbearable?

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It took a couple of days to go down. The shot stung going in. Then after a few hours it swelled up and hurt for a couple of days at the site of the shot.
It wasn’t horrible, but I always dreaded it.

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2 replies
ssapp1 | @ssapp1 | Nov 4, 2022
In reply to @healthy70 "Next time, consider the stomach area. Much easier." + (show)
@healthy70

Next time, consider the stomach area. Much easier.

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Very true. I did one on the arm and one in the stomach. I guess I could have done both in the stomach area, but it still hurt, just not as bad

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jerilk | @jerilk | Nov 5, 2022
In reply to @ssapp1 "Mine did and swelled up for a couple of days. My endocrinologist said it was because..." + (show)
@ssapp1

Mine did and swelled up for a couple of days. My endocrinologist said it was because of the volume of medicine.

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So after your arms swelled up did they ever swell up after the second injection? And I gather you're still doing okay on evenity

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jerilk | @jerilk | Nov 5, 2022
In reply to @healthy70 "Next time, consider the stomach area. Much easier." + (show)
@healthy70

Next time, consider the stomach area. Much easier.

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Yeah but doesn't two shots in the stomach area also hurt

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1 reply
jerilk | @jerilk | Nov 5, 2022
In reply to @ssapp1 "It took a couple of days to go down. The shot stung going in. Then after..." + (show)
@ssapp1

It took a couple of days to go down. The shot stung going in. Then after a few hours it swelled up and hurt for a couple of days at the site of the shot.
It wasn’t horrible, but I always dreaded it.

Jump to this post

So I'm gathering the shots in your arms kept swelling up on each visit, Can I ask if you've completed eventity and how bad is the pain when you get a shot and how long does the swelling last

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jerilk | @jerilk | Nov 5, 2022
In reply to @healthy70 "Since you are concerned about the risk of heart attack or stroke, consider having an EKG..." + (show)
@healthy70

Since you are concerned about the risk of heart attack or stroke, consider having an EKG and echo which will show if your heart is healthy before accepting Evenity. Heart attack/stroke can happen to anyone at anytime, but checking heart health prior to accepting Evenity may put your mind at ease.

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Yep I'm scheduled for an EKG before I have my last talk with my doctor. I'm gathering no problems with strokes or heart attacks for you and did you have pain with the injection side or any swelling and are you still on evenity?

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jerilk | @jerilk | Nov 5, 2022

Did you have injections in your back of your arm and did they hurt and were they swollen when you were done and did this go on for the 12 months

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jerilk | @jerilk | Nov 5, 2022
In reply to @artscaping "@arlene7. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Evenity. I noted the statement about..." + (show)
@artscaping

@arlene7. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Evenity. I noted the statement about "everything" has side effects. I think that is true and the challenge becomes to make sure Evenity or other bone medications don't have an interaction with our current drugs or treatments. I also have an allergy to sulfa drugs.....so you did have and now it is possible that you will not have an allergic reaction to sulfa. No more rolling on the carpet naked to take care of the itching. Now that I have the neuropathic itch, I don't need anything else.

Arlene, there is one question about Evenity, I think many of us would like to hear. How long do you take Evenity? 2 years? And then what? I always want to know what comes next to protect the bone that is developed.

You have my good wishes for a helpful outcome. Please check in with us as you begin this journey. You have persevered beautifully. Now all you have to do is share ........ not a bad deal.

Be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris

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Actually you take evenity for one year and then it's followed up by an infusion It's a drug that they want to use for me that's inserted into my vein for 3 minutes but takes 45 minutes cuz they want it to go in slow This happens once a year. So far I'm trying to get past the fact that taking evenity maybe painful and swell up my arms

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1 reply
dianestanley | @dianestanley | Nov 5, 2022

I just got my third (2 shots) of Evenity. I have not had any problem whatsoever. I have no heart issues. I had visited my dentist before I had started Evenity and got a cleaning before I got the first shots. Now, one of my crowns have broken off. My dentist is sending me to the oral surgeon for a consultation. I had had a root canal on this tooth long ago and got the crown. I don't think they can leave the area alone until I complete the Evenity shots. I broke my back last year and can't get surgery until my bones improve. I can only stand for 4-5 minutes at a time. I have pretty much been homebound for the last year. Has anyone had oral surgery on one tooth after starting Evenity. I know that you are not supposed to have oral surgery but I didn't know my crown was going to break. This drug is working good for me I believe and it's really the only way that I can get my back fixed after the series of shots. I am 69 and not ready to live like this. Thanks. Diane Stanley - stanleydiane180@ gmail.com.

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jerilk | @jerilk | Nov 5, 2022
In reply to @ssapp1 "It took a couple of days to go down. The shot stung going in. Then after..." + (show)
@ssapp1

It took a couple of days to go down. The shot stung going in. Then after a few hours it swelled up and hurt for a couple of days at the site of the shot.
It wasn’t horrible, but I always dreaded it.

Jump to this post

So did the swelling happen every time you got the shots?. And are you still on them?

REPLY
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