Undecided choice of drugs for Osteoporosis

Posted by peace44 @peace44, Oct 10, 2023

I am 80 years old women and have borderline osteoporosis which affects my entire body. My doctor wants me to take Prolia and the Rheumatologist wants me to take Reclast. I’m unhappy with both choices as the side effects are great and I do not tolerate new drugs well. I am very undecided and am considering doing not taking annty drugs for this condition. I have never had a fracture and I’m very active Any opinions or advice.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Dec 15, 2023

In reply to @janflute "When I said can you help me, I meant to say, are you aware of any..." + (show)

If you want brand name Forteo, call the company. They did have patient assistance when I was first trying Forteo, a few years back. If you are under 65 there may also be coupons which others may help you with.

Teriparatide is the generic form of Forteo, so I assume it is more affordable than brand name. Let us know if that is not correct!

I did Radius Assist for Tymlos, which I was able to tolerate after failing to tolerate Forteo.

janflute | @janflute | Dec 15, 2023

The company, Lily, will not let people living in Ma or Ca to participate because generic is now available in those states.

ripley | @ripley | Dec 15, 2023

In reply to @koleke "I quit taking it because I took it for over 2 years and was concerned about..." + (show)

What brand of collagen are you taking?

ripley | @ripley | Dec 19, 2023

In reply to @koleke "I quit taking it because I took it for over 2 years and was concerned about..." + (show)

Can you clarify what drug you quit taking -- Fosamax or Prolia? Also what articles did you read that said the drug wasn't that helpful? I haven't taken either, but my endo is recommending two doses of Reclast. He didn't mention going on another drug after that to maintain. Instead he said I wouldn't need to take anything after that, which I am not sure is correct.

koleke | @koleke | Dec 19, 2023

In reply to @ripley "Can you clarify what drug you quit taking -- Fosamax or Prolia? Also what articles did..." + (show)

I was taking Fosamax, never tried Prolia. If you Google "using collagen instead of Fosamax for osteoporosis" you will get a plethora of articles supporting collagen. The specific one I read was several years ago and I researched a lot so I can't find it right now. It was out of a medical research college in California. Best advice: stay active, lift weights, take your calcium, do your research and decide what's best for you. Blessings!

windyshores | @windyshores | Dec 19, 2023

In reply to @ripley "Can you clarify what drug you quit taking -- Fosamax or Prolia? Also what articles did..." + (show)

@ripley Reclast (and sometimes Fosamax) is used to "lock in" gains from other drugs, but you don't need to do anything after Reclast to lock in whatever you gained. If your bone density is okay you should be able to stop after those two doses, from what I have been told (or even after one dose).

gently | @gently | Dec 20, 2023

In reply to @janflute "The company, Lily, will not let people living in Ma or Ca to participate because generic..." + (show)

janflute, there is patient assistance for the generic. https://www.alvogenteriparatide.com/savings-program
Some patients have gotten help with Forteo from RX Advocates. https://therxadvocates.com/
There isn't a restriction for the generic availability, but there are income restrictions.

janflute | @janflute | Dec 20, 2023

😨Not if you live in MA

gently | @gently | Dec 20, 2023

In reply to @janflute "😨Not if you live in MA" + (show)

https://barnstable.ma.networkofcare.org/ph/services/agency.aspx?pid=MyRXAdvocate_11_1190_0
Sorry. Is there some MA law that cuts you off? It looks like RXadvocates is active there.

marymcg864 | @marymcg864 | Feb 5 9:14pm

In reply to @koleke "I quit taking fosamax after three years and a minimal amount of bone gain. Currently taking..." + (show)

Are you able to give the precise methods and quantities of collagen and exercise that you use to combat the loss of bone? I am having to take electrosol because of breast cancer. The side effect is bone loss. I already have osteoporosis so I am in need of something to build up my bones. I don’t want to take Fosamax and initially I was supposed to do prolea but I rejected that! I am 65 and had my first annual post cancer check up in December. I am cancer free!
Thank you!