My Experience on Evenity for Treating Osteoporosis

Posted by arlene7 @arlene7, Jul 7, 2020

Thought I would share for those considering or on Evenity for osteoporosis:
Afer much research and discussions with my GP and Cardiologist, I have decided to start my treatment with Evenity injections. As with all drugs, there are many side effects. My biggest concerns were stroke and heart attack. However, considering that I do no have any history for either, for me personally, the benefits outweigh the risks. As my GP said to me, "if everyone only thought about the side effects of the drugs, no one would be taking them".

I had my first injections (subcutaneously in the back of each arm) on June 30th. The nurse that administered the injections discussed the drug in depth, along with all the possibilities that may occur. She also mentioned that for all the patients that she has seen, none has had any side effects.

The injections are once a month for only one year, so I'm hoping that this works well for me and I can improve my bone density, especially in my spine, where I need it the most.

My endocronologist has also prescribed Hydrochlorthiazide for my idiopathic hypocalcemia. I have an appointment with an allergist this month to confirm whether I still have an allergy to sulfa drugs, since this drug contains sulfa. Apart from this I take D3 orally and try to obtain additional calcium through foods not supplements. Trying to walk 3-4 times a week and will begin with a few weight bearing exercises.

My journey began September, 2019 when I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. After waiting to see three doctors, receiving three denials from insurance company for Evenity, which took several months, I am hopefully on my way for a favorful outcome.

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

@katgirl

I just recently was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 56 and my doctor has recommended Reclast infusions. I have never heard of Evenity or Forteo or any of the other drugs I've been reading about on this website because they were never offered as options by my doctor. So I am just trying to learn. How does Evenity differ from Reclast? And should I be discussing other options with my doctor rather than Reclast. I am set for an infusion the first week of January, but I tend to have all the side effects from drugs and the list for Reclast is a bit daunting.

Jump to this post

My story was very similar to yours. Diagnosed at 57 (had to convince doc to prescribe dexa), referred to an endocrinologist who said I needed Reclast. I also am very susceptible to drug side effects. Doc didn't really discuss any other options, I was sleep deprived and freaked out and it takes me awhile to process information so I didn't really know what questions to ask. After some grief and a lot of reading I decided to take a step back. Changed diet, gained weight, started weight lifting and balance training. Took a year of talking to various doctors until I found a specialist and decided on HRT instead of osteo meds. I was a bit worried about that too as I am 8 years past menopause. But I feel a lot better, wish someone had told me about hormones earlier. Next dexa in March, we'll see. Good luck to you!

REPLY
@hmb72

Self pay estrogen blood test at a national lab showed estrogen less than detection limit. I showed that to my GYN and she was ok with hrt. I asked for estrogen patch because patch has much less side effects. Prescribed dose is 0.025. I am also taking 100 mg oral progesterone, compounded, since I have a gelatin allergy and could not use generic protmetrium. Patch is every 3.5 days, progesterone is nightly. Continuous treatment.

My blood test after 10 weeks on this regime showed 0.6 estrogen, at 12 hours post new patch. This is higher than manufacturer's expected of 0.5. (I am smaller woman). Progesterone was 2.0, lower than if I was using generic prometrium.

My only side effect is tender breasts (minor), and much improved sleep and skin. I hope it works on the bones! Estrogen patch is relatively inexpensive through goodrx. My insurance declined and recommended options which had greater risk (IMO) - pill, iud. I know that I do not have any clotting factor issues, by the way.

Jump to this post

Need to correct numbers: Estrogen at 12 hours was 60, not 0.6

REPLY
@hmb72

Need to correct numbers: Estrogen at 12 hours was 60, not 0.6

Jump to this post

wish I could type: manufacturer Estrogen was to be 50, not 0.5

So - my estrogen became 60, higher than manufacturer estimate of 50.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.