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.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Evenity also has anti-resorptive properties especially in the last 6 months, according to Dr. McCormick and my endo. Did they consider Forteo or Tymlos for you @lab54? They are not anti-resorptive like the other meds and don't pose dental risks. So sorry for what you are going through.
I have heard that it is a side effect. Will you stay on it regardless?
I'll be interested in hearing how you do with it. I start on Aug 15. I'll be sure to post about my journey.
Had a wisdom tooth pulled with no problem
Dr had me wait 2 months off evenity then pulled . Then wait another month to resume injections
I'm going on my 11th Evenity injections. I had to have a dental bone graft after my second or third shots. It was recommended that I skip a month of the injections and have the bone graft in the month I skipped. Worked well for me. I've had annoying side effects - muscle aches and weakness, off and on headaches, pain at injection site for a few days and just weird sensations every now and again that may or not be related. But I'm putting up with it cause I need to improve my bones - pelvic fracture last March, spinal compression fracture last September and these are only my most recent ones!
I agree that the warnings give you pause, but my doctor has about 25 patients on it and no one has had any adverse effects. Every med you ever look at (including over the counter) has dire warnings. I think the most important thing is that your doctor has had experience with Evenity so you are not his experiment. I have severe osteoporosis and scoliosis so I didn't see any way of avoiding this as I want to stay very active-walking, swimming, light weights and gardening. So far, so good. Hoping round 3 is uneventful.
As I just had my 4th shot, I have some time to do research. My physicians and medical staff giving the shots all say that high BP isn't a side effect but I suppose that any individual could be affected differently. Also, given the fact that stroke is one of the Black Box warnings - and high BP can be the cause of stroke, I have to do more research.
@kathryn01 I was told by my doc and read in McCormick's book that Evenity does the most bone growing in the first 4-6 months. I wonder if that means you could stop and switch to something to lock in your gains-?
Thank you. Good info.
I am going to do some research & will post anything I discover.
Think I will ask my doctor if I can skip these last two injections. He has already told me I will follow up with Prolia to help keep any bone improvement made with Evenity. My doctor said he's seen very good results in patients with this drug so I'm very hopeful. I've been very lucky in my 71 years to have had to take very few prescription drugs. As someone mentioned even OTC drugs have side effects. We all have to make the best decisions possible for our own health with the help of a trusted and well informed physician.