Stopping Evenity Early

Did you find out how an appointment was gotten with Dr. McCormick?

You can go here https://www.osteonaturals.com/consult-osteonaturals for information on how to make an appointment.

On his website, there is a number to call to make sn appointment.

I just had my second infusion today with some hesitation because two days ago my left leg got very stiff and if it hadn't gradually loosened (though not entirely) I would have stopped Evenity. I am hopint this stiffness will not recur. If it does I am thinking of stopping this treatment.

After reading all of your posts about side effects with Evenity, I'm getting worried about starting the treatment.
This drug hasn't been out long enough to know its long-term effects. I know I need to weigh the risks against the benefits. That's challenging when the risks aren't yet fully known.

In Great Bones page 556, Dr. McCormick wrote, in regards to Evenity's adverse effects, "Theoretical increased risk for degenerative joint disease years after taking this drug." YIKES!

In the past, I used to feel certain that I wouldn't be among the people affected in low risk scenarios. That's part of the innocence of youth. Now, I feel I'll almost certainly be among those who are affected. I have to think hard on this, and do it quickly. My doctor wants to give me the firsts Evenity injection in just a few weeks.

I took all 12 months if Evinity. I had a DEXA scan and had improved 9% in my spine and almost nothing in my hips, which were actually worse than my spine to begin with. I had jaw pain and some muscle aches, but nothing terrible during treatment. I decided not to go on to Prolia and Reclast, so I’m not taking any meds right now. I am noticing worse symptoms now, back pain, bone pain (my hands), generally not feeling well, no e of which I experienced before or during treatment, but just since I stopped. Anyone experience that

Good evening @m40 and welcome to Connect. It is almost New Year's Eve and I hope you are ready to celebrate the beginning of a comfortable as well as exciting new year. I am going to share something with you about your decision not to use any product after your experience with Evenity. Congratulations on your improvement.

My concern is that without taking something to hold onto your "gains" from Evenity your successful experience may begin to recede. Evenity in and of itself has some power to hold onto that 9% improvement. However, you may need some kind of bisphosphonate. I am going to ask @windyshores to step up and explain this issue to you.

When you say that you decided not to go on to something that will hold your success, did you talk with your endocrinologist or other medical professional?

Please let me know if you are willing to revisit your current decision.

May you be safe, protected and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris

May

I did a lot of research, and spoke to the reps at Amgen several times. I started the treatment due to the -3.2 T, and -2,9 t scores in my hips. I did had osteopenia in my spine. My hips showed only a slight improvement, -3.0 and -2.8 respectively, with the greatest (9%) improvement in my spine. I am having joint pain, back pain headaches, and palpitations still, after my last treatment at the beginning of December. My research into the prolia and reclast convinced me that I did not want to take either of these medications, especially considering the minimal improvement in my hips. I am planning to include a rebounder as a daily exercise, in addition to the yoga class I take, and I am researching OsteoStrong as alternatives to medication, along with bone maximizer., vitamin D and magnesium supplements. Thanks for your concern

This is a difficult decision, weighing the risk vs reward. I would encourage you to take your time, and not be rushed into starting treatment before you feel comfortable and ready.

@rn40 Amgen makes both Evenity and Prolia. Did they try to persuade you to do Prolia? Your scores aren't horrible but even without losing gains, the natural progression is downward.

My docs try to avoid using Prolia, due to the risks when going off. That leaves Reclast or an oral bisphosphonate. You might be able to do a 1mg "test dose" of Reclast. Or if you don't have GERD, you could try alendronate.

I totally get it but 9% gain in hips is good! I had the same on Tymlos, but 20% in spine. I am buying hip pads for winter 🙂

With your scores, a consult with Keith McCormick might be helpful. He wrote a book on "The Whole Boday Approach to Osteoporosis" as well as the new "Great Bones" and will tell you honestly if meds to lock in gains are worthwhile. He may have alternatives.

PT and tai chi helped me learn to move. I personally avoid yoga but assume you have found a safe version!

You are wise to take a pause. I am wondering if eventually they will tell us that the latter part of Evenity, which is more anti-resorptive, is able to lock in gains. I assume research may be ongoing but it will take time. It was just a thought I had- didn't read it anywhere- and I plan on asking my doc if that is conceivable.