Forteo vs. Tymlos: Which did you choose?

I was just diagnosed with severe osteoporosis after my last bone density and the last 3 fractures I had, fractured sacrum, 6 broken ribs, and fractured collarbone. In addition I recently found out there is nothing between the vertibrea in my neck from C3-C7 and severe arthritis in shoulders. I was sent to a metabolic bone specialist and at first she was discussing starting me on Tmylos but today her office called and said that she decided to go with Forteo. I am not really happy about doing daily injections. I already do monthly injections for chronic migraine. I'm concerned as I'm on SSI and a limited income and after viewing all the comments here I'm scared I will even be able to afford the copay with Medicare. Does anyone know the cost with Medicare?

@naomikrst Tymlos and I believe Forteo have financial assistance programs. I got 18 months of Tymlos for free after filling out the paperwork. You can call Together with Tymlos or Radius about the assistance program.

The daily injections are no big deal, believe me.

I chose Tymlos because the dose is adjustable. I ramped up to get my body used to it and I have had excellent gains taking 7/8 of the full dose. The pen has "clicks" to measure dosing and 8 clicks is a full dose.

I wonder why they switched from Tymlos to Forteo. I would assume you can request what you want. The doc can then agree or not.

I'm not sure why she changed either, the nurse never explained why when she called. I know that I had voiced concerns about cancer showing from usage after a certain length of time and that was another reason I was hesitant but then after reading up on all the shots they all have that warning which is very scary to me. Thank you for responding.

@naomikrst the cancer warnings have been lifted. Not a single human has developed sarcoma on Forteo or Tymlos. The info online is outdated. I have had breast cancer but am almost done 2 years on Tymlos, no problems in terms of cancer. If I had metastasis to bones, then that would be a problem with these meds.

I have been researching Forteo (7 weeks of therapy so far) to see if there is risk in stimulating stem cells (it’s anabolic action) while having the myloproliferative disorder, polyceymia Vera. So far I do not see any research in the area but I’m in a very small subgroup and there probably is limited information. It is a dream drug, no side effects, builds bone.

@milkweed there is need for research. My endo is very frank about how much is not known. I am glad you can tolerate Forteo! I did Tymlos instead but both work wonders.

Oh my gosh, I'm just sick to my stomach! I thought I had good Part C insurance. My Dr opted to go with Forteo and my Pharmacist just reached out to tell me a 90 day supply with my insurance, my copay would be $3900.00! A 30 day supply would be $1300.00 copay! I'm on SSI! I don't understand how these drs don't understand that people cannot afford these outrageously expensive medications when you are on a very limited income!!! Here I go again!!! 😭😭😭

@naomikrst Tymlos has a patient assistance program and I assume Forteo does too. Also there is a generic version of Forteo these days. Check the websites for phone numbers to call. (I think Tymlos costs less than brand name Forteo).

Is anyone taking vitamin k along with Tymlos? If so, was it doctor recommended? Is it k2 or k3? What dose?

I switched from Tymlos to Forteo on my own. I could not stand the side effects of Tymlos, despite ramping up, my clicks as the other lady suggested. I have been on Forteo for four months, and have had no side effects, Other than it makes me a little tired throughout the day, and I push through, and I’ve noticed belly fat and a little bit of weight gain. My doctor’s suggestion is that I stay on this through next April (that would put me at 18 mos between the 2), and unless we see substantial changes in DEXA scores, he will take me off Forteo and move to yearly infusions.
I have been active my whole life, fit and thin, weight bearing exercises, calcium and HRT. My osteo is genetic so all of that didn’t save me. I had two compression fractures last summer due to a severe cough (thanks, covid). That all said, I cannot stress the benefits of remaining active and exercising specifically for osteo. I feel strong and believe these meds are helping. Also, Forteo has been around for 30+ years while Tymlos is newer and I prefer the legacy drugs.
Best of luck!