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Drug holiday between Reclast and more powerful bone medications
I've been receiving Reclast for the last 4 years after decades of Evista, both for the treatment of osteopenia/osteoporosis/osteopenia. The last DEXA scan was somewhat disappointing as 2 of the 3 regions dipped slightly. I'm more concerned than I would normally be due to the recent discovery of moderate scoliosis.
My endocrinologist is willing to switch to Evenity, Tymlos, or Prolia BUT would require that I stop Reclast and then wait 1-2 years with NO treatment before starting one of these 3 medications. This is called a drug holiday. Is this the usual way to transition from one drug to another? Do I need to seek a second opinion?
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The protocol is to do 3 annual Reclast and THATS IT. Then you do the other type of bone meds like Evenity, TYMLOS, Prolia, etc, for 2 years. They do different complementary things. I'd suggest reading up on it and being well-informed. One type alone is not as beneficial. One slows down deterioration, and the other type builds density. I did not have good enough success after one Reclast and 1.5 years of Tymlos so I will be getting switched up. Be sure you are with a doctor and team who are highly knowledgeable and thoroughly test you. It's complicated.
To loriesco - Thanks very much for letting me know that the protocol limits Reclast to 3 annual infusions. Can you let me know where I can find such a protocol so that I can be well informed? Do you have the link?
And finally, are you familiar with any drug holiday required when transitioning between Reclast and Evenity, TIMLOS, or Prolia?
Many thanks.
There are many videos on YouTube
Thanks for letting me know. I searched Google and did find some great articles providing details about drug holidays and biphosphonates.
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1 ReactionI’m on Reclast and my rheumatologist has gone to an every other year schedule.
Reclast is meant to lock in gains from other drugs.
I was on Evenity for a year before Reclast and had good results.
Thanks very much for your reply!
I treated osteopenia with Evista for decades then sought help from an endocrinologist when my results slipped into osteoporosis territory. My endocrinologist chose Reclast at that time. My options are to continue with Reclast for 2 more years for a total of 6 treatments OR switch to a more powerful medication BUT that would require a 1-2 year drug holiday.
As someone suggested, I Googled my problem and found the article: Taking a break from osteoporosis medicine: What you need to know
Based on what I learned from this article, I'm considering completing the 6 year Reclast to avoid a drug holiday at this time due to my moderate scoliosis with t7 wedge fracture and t10 rotation.