disappointing results: would you continue or skip 2nd year of tymlos?

Posted by katwhisperer @katwhisperer, Feb 3, 2024

From what I've read, year 1 is usually one's best results on Tymlos, with 2nd year not as productive. I just got my DXA after 1 year on Tymlos and it's somewhat disappointing. a 5% gain in spine, no gains in hip or femur neck. Still firmly in osteoporosis land.

Tymlos is costing me a lot of money, as the Radius savings card runs out midway thru year. I'm wondering if a 2nd year is even worth it, if most gains are in year 1?

Seeing doc soon to discuss, but feeling discouraged. (I don't smoke or drink alcohol, maintain a good diet (no added sugar or salt, plenty of healthy veggies and proteins, very little red meat) get plenty of calcium, Vitamin D3, K2 and do weight training and weight bearing cardio daily. I don't think there's much more I can do.) 🙁

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

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Thanks for sharing. Unlike bisphosphonates, estrogen's effect on bone turnover is mostly reversible once it's stopped, usually about 6mo +/- depending on the source. Since you stopped HRT 5mo before starting tymlos, it's unlikely estrogen would still be having a major impact, though individual variation is possible.

In situation like yours, bone turnover markers checked at baseline and again a few months into Tymlos could give some useful clues. Too bad that's not part of standard care yet.

I really hope it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg to stay on Tymlos - pun intended, as the whole goal here is to reduce fracture risk and keep bone safe.

Please keep us posted on your decisions and how things turn out. Wishing you the best of luck with next steps.

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Thanks - I really appreciate the info . My doctor doesn’t say much so I’m grateful for this forum to learn.
I hope to get those bone marker tests done . If Dr won’t order those tests I’ll do it myself . I am impressed with the Dr McCormick podcast that was shared and I might just do a consult with him before deciding next treatment after Tymlos .

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Just a word of encouragement. You could have low density but good quality bone. Ask them to to a TBS or have a Rems test. That will show density and quality.

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I posted comments before about finishing one year of Tymlos with no dexa gains.
I’m 65 and had done 5 years of HRT prior to Tymlos .
Doctor wants me to finish out 2 years of Tymlos despite lack of results so far .
Question :
Do we have any info on what happens to people who stop the anabolic ( Tymlos or forteo ) and then decide to just do natural things and take vitamins like algaecal and serontium ? Instead of going on a bisphosphonate ?

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