My Experience on Evenity for Treating Osteoporosis

I spent months researching the various drugs. Especially, helpful we’re the video presentations found online by university experts. I settled on Evenity with my first shot last Friday. I was a little sore at the injection sites, on the back of my arms. I feel good and was surprised to have less pain in my lower back by Saturday morning. I was approved the drug by Medicare in less than a week. My T-score in my lower back is -3.4.

Wow! How neat to see Dr. McCormick's name here. I flew from Texas to Massachusetts to have a consultation with him in August. I am following all his recommendations and reading his book a 2nd time. It is The Whole Body Approach to Osteoporosis. The first thing he said to me was I had no choice but to go on medication, because of a T-score of -5.1. I was persuaded and pick up a prescription for Tymlos tomorrow. I was diagnosed in 2000 and chose not to go on medication. There is so much I did not know as I made changes to my lifestyle, diet and supplements over the years. I am well-informed now, but it's a bit late, so I'll try to medication.

I highly recommend the YouTube videos with Dr. Janet Rubin and Margaret Marin P.T. I was going to choose no medications. I changed my mind after listening to these women. They have decades of experience treating women with osteoporosis.

@kolika I also saw Dr. McCormick and recommend his book. He suggested Tymlos for me as well. I like the adjustable dose with the Tymlos pen, and I was told I can take Evenity after Tymlos but not the other way around.

@kirstenlheld I don't see any reason why you cannot ramp up with bisphosphonates. With pills I guess you have to check if they can be cut, or look into compounding. For infusions. my doc is going to give me 1/4 dose Reclast (with lots of hydration and premedication, and a slow infusion) to see how I react- after my Tymlos.

@dnanduca. Good for you.....this is a great message that you have shared with the Osteoporosis Support Group. It is encouraging when a patient digs in and learns as much as she can about the condition and the options for treating it. We know that our medical professionals are well-trained and honorably certified. However, there is no possible way they can learn enough about your medical history and your current condition to make 100% sure that the perfect medication is chosen.

You are the one that remembers a long-ago situation that revealed a potential allergic
reaction. You are the one who has anxiously waited for clinical test results to be available.

Thank you also for sharing yours right away. Evenity is mentioned as a fast bone growth solution. Was that a factor in your decision?

@kirstenlheld And good evening to you. Thanks for acknowledging the help you have received from members who shared their experiences on Connect. Are you working on your list of questions and issues for your endocrinologist? Stay with us.....we will be "listening".

May you both be healthy and whole.
Chris

Chris,

I was very reluctant to try any medications. I am a fit 69 year old who thought diet and exercise would avoid potential breaks. After losing 1.25 inches in height, I realized it wasn’t a great plan. I met with my endocrinologist several months ago who was aware of my reluctance. She scheduled a future appointment to give me time to consider the options. After spending many hours researching and listening, I discussed my findings with the doctor. Fortunately, she agreed with the findings. I started Evenity because it currently provides the best building bone opportunity for me. My concern now is what will I do at the end of the year to maintain the bone quality. I’m reluctant to start Prolia at my age and their is evidence that I may be allergic to Fosamax. I found an interesting comment made by a university professor. She said there is a thought in the community the Evenity should be used first to build bone then at the end of the year use Fosamax. She didn’t believe insurance companies may not approve the approach.

I have been taking Forteo( no side effects) for 1 year 1 month I was healthy before my T-12 fractured . I was in the jim before 5 days a week yoga 3 days weight training 3 days biking 3 days now I am in a lot of pain for 2 years from the fracture and arthritis and the degenerative spine and just tried perm mat and lazer mat it has helped with the pain I was told it helps osteoporosis is this TRUE ? can we ever overcome Osteoporosis?

Chris,

I was very reluctant to try any medications. I am a fit 69 year old who thought diet and exercise would avoid potential breaks. After losing 1.25 inches in height, I realized it wasn’t a great plan. I met with my endocrinologist several months ago who was aware of my reluctance. She scheduled a future appointment to give me time to consider the options. After spending many hours researching and listening, I discussed my findings with the doctor. Fortunately, she agreed with the findings. I started Evenity because it currently provides the best building bone opportunity for me. My concern now is what will I do at the end of the year to maintain the bone quality. I’m reluctant to start Prolia at my age and their is evidence that I may be allergic to Fosamax. I found an interesting comment made by a university professor. She said there is a thought in the community the Evenity should be used first to build bone then at the end of the year use Fosamax. She didn’t believe insurance companies may not approve the approach.

@dmanduca i share the concern, though since I did Tymlos I might be able to do Evenity afterward. My doc said if my DECA is good enough after 18 months of Tymlos, he will try 1/4 dose Reclast (which like Fosamax is a bisphosphonate) because I react to so many meds. I wil have a lot of water, maybe Tylenol, maybe Benadryl, and a slow infusion. My doc will not prescribe Prolia for me.