Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

Thanks, @artscaping did Medicare cover Tymlos? If not how costly was it? I believe cost is a reason that my endocrinologist is not suggesting it.

I had planned to start on something after my April MRI. I wanted that out of the way with good results before embarking on a regimen with one of these drugs. Now I’m delaying it until after October when I will have another DEXA and a consultation with another endocrinologist. This is such a complicated decision that I feel that input from two endocrinologists, both very highly regarded, is a good thing to do.

I wrote on the portal to the endocrinologist I have already seen mentioning information I have gained. I was pleased with her reaction, she praised me for researching things, not resent it as I hear some doctors do. I had a NP in the transplant department tell me to stop my silly habit of googling! I have avoided contact with her since then. I think when medical professionals react that way it’s because they feel threatened.
JK

Hi JK, The cost of Tymlos is like a rollercoaster depending on when and how much my medicare supplement is paying. Last year it ended up being approximately $131/per month with the nominal amount of $90 in October, November, and December. So far this year it has been around $300/mo. I have a by mail supplement and because of the COVID-19 purchased 3 months at a time. It was on backorder through my local pharmacy. So the manager found me folks to chat with at the manufacturer and a specialty pharmacy. My Endocrinologist and staff started calling their other patients and providers to see if anyone had a "tide me over" supply. What a wonderful world this can be.

I wish I could be more helpful......I just don't do $$$$rollercoasters well.
Chris

I was pretty darn overwhelmed with that kind of assistance.
May you feel safe and protected.

@jk

Have you looked into Medicare Advantage for your coverage? I switched 2 years ago and my husband, who's also on MA, and I are both happy with it. We are on the Kaiser Permanente Orange County plan, and although we have co-pays, it's still less than my former Medicare along with Supplemental Insurance. MA covers medication, and I pay an extra $20/month for dental, hearing, eye care, and gym membership. Medicare Advantage costs only the monthly Medicare cost of $140. The yearly deductible is less than my previous Medicare plus Supplemental.

You may find that it's a good thing for you. I recommend that you check it out.

@artscaping I presume the varying prices have to do with the "donut hole". When I was on xifaxan, a very expensive medicine, prior to transplant, it was costing us between $600 and $700 a month until we hit the donut hole. Then we had to pay even more and after we came out the other side of the donut hole the cost went way down.

With Tymlos, do you have to inject yourself daily, and if so where do they recommend injecting it?
I really appreciate your input. Thank you.
JK

@jk

Have you looked into Medicare Advantage for your coverage? I switched 2 years ago and my husband, who's also on MA, and I are both happy with it. We are on the Kaiser Permanente Orange County plan, and although we have co-pays, it's still less than my former Medicare along with Supplemental Insurance. MA covers medication, and I pay an extra $20/month for dental, hearing, eye care, and gym membership. Medicare Advantage costs only the monthly Medicare cost of $140. The yearly deductible is less than my previous Medicare plus Supplemental.

You may find that it's a good thing for you. I recommend that you check it out.

@jk

Have you looked into Medicare Advantage for your coverage? I switched 2 years ago and my husband, who's also on MA, and I are both happy with it. We are on the Kaiser Permanente Orange County plan, and although we have co-pays, it's still less than my former Medicare along with Supplemental Insurance. MA covers medication, and I pay an extra $20/month for dental, hearing, eye care, and gym membership. Medicare Advantage costs only the monthly Medicare cost of $140. The yearly deductible is less than my previous Medicare plus Supplemental.

You may find that it's a good thing for you. I recommend that you check it out.

Fosamax does not build bones. Supposedly, it helps maintain bones as they are. I have been taking it since last November; but am considering discontinuing it, because of numerous cases of femoral fractures, jaw problems, and some cases of cancer of the esophagus. Because I have had radiation for breast cancer, I cannot take any bone-building meds except Evenity--which I will not take because possible side effects include stroke and heart attack. The FDA refused to approve Evenity until (finally) April 2019. I take vitamin and mineral supplements, and exercise regularly. Of course, all of us must make our own decisions. Good luck to everyone!

Thanks for the suggestion, @gailb, but I have considered it and for me it would just not work as well, from what I have heard there are too many restrictions, etc.

I almost missed your response. Since I am less active now and have joined the ranks of "alumni mentor" I don't go through all of them. It helps if you address the person with the @ and their name so they will be notified. My "name" is contentandwell.

@artscaping And those injections are daily, correct?
JK

Hi Nancy. Also having the same name. Your situation is very similar to mine. I have been on alendronate for a year and a half and am seriously considering stopping. These forums and other sites have been helpful in researching the drugs and meds as well as provide nutritional info. I was Taking Evista a year and actually my numbers which were osteopenia improved 1%. my gyn dr. Didn’t think that was good enough. She really pushed bisphosphonates. Because I was experiencing so many hot flashes I switched to alendronate. Well a year with that and my numbers dropped over 3%. It was a horrible time where I had been caring for aging parents 1000 miles away. I lost 13 pounds and know I wasn’t eating well or keeping up with vitamins. My numbers weren’t bad to begin with. Even the endocrinologist thought so. My next dexa scan is in December. His NP said if I don’t improve the next step is Prolia. I was reading the brochure waiting in exam room. No way will I start that. So I appreciate input from folks like you on these forums as we navigate the best options for our health.