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My Experience on Evenity for Treating Osteoporosis
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.
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I've been taking Evenity for almost four months, and so far, have experienced no side effects. Hope others find that encouraging if they're considering taking the same med.
But I won't know until next summer if it's having beneficial impact on my BMD.
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1 Reaction@yvettemas1948 Hi Yvette, I did a year of Evenity, best expected outcomes (17% increase in spine) and no side effects other than site soreness after the injections. My understanding is that Evenity is the best anabolic agent right now, slightly better than Tymlos (though this is also very good, not great if your wrists are bad), and Forteo.
So if you can get it and it's mostly covered by insurance, I would go for it.
Best of luck, Roisin
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1 Reaction@deborahla I'm taking risedronate (like Actonel or Atelvia, I think) and have been taking in for 1 year now post Eventity. Before Eventity, I took risdedronate for 5 years and then stopped. I made some gains on risdedronate, and did not lose the typical 1 to 2% per year bone loss that women average. But then I broke bones. On Eventity, in one year, I made much, much more gains than I did in all 5 years of risdedronate. If I'm reading the information correctly in Great Bones, by Dr. McCormick, average gains on a bisphosphanate over 5 years is 9.2% spine, 3.5% hip. On Eventity, in 1 year, 13.7% in Spine and 6.2% in hip.
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1 ReactionThank you for your reply. How long do you plan to be on risdronate? (or do you know)? It's the not knowing about these meds that bothers me most. Thank you, Deborah
@yvettemas1948 Check out the Mayo chat "Evenity Side Effects". I did 10 months and it greatly improved my spine from -3.8 to -2.1. However, it was not without side effects that many do not suffer but I did. I had muscle, joint, bone pain that I had never had before. After stopping and switching to Actonel as you have to do something after taking Evenity, the pains/aches did subside over several months. I would consider less than a year of Evenity but check with a medical professional as I did read that the best bone building results occur in the firs 6-7 months? Is this true? idk! So many decisions but we all want to stay as mobile and strong as possible. I, too, had never taken meds much at all and grew up on an occasional aspirin and Pepto Bismol!;-) Wishing you the best but do something and stop if adverse reactions are too much. You know your body best! I don't think I regret taking Evenity but it's taken me awhile to say even that! Have a DEXA next month, two years out, so will be curious to see what is happening.
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3 Reactions@lenorj Best of luck to you! At the moment I won't make any decision... I have start taking Horsetail herbal which is one of the best gentle alternative. Never been on meds so let's see how it goes.
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1 Reaction@gravity3 Thanks so much for your reply. It's amazing how people react differently to drugs so very good to hear you had no side effects. Well done to you, best of luck and healthy wishes. Y
@roisin11 Hi Roisin,
Thank you for your kind reply. It's encouraging to read as most of the reviews I read so far were very concerning with women experiencing severe side effects.
Re costs no worries all covered by NHS as I'm over 70s. 🙂 All the very best to you.
Yvette xx
@lauratys Hi Laura, Thank you!! Good to hear that Evenity improved your bones well done!
Not sure I will go down that road...still indecisive . I'm kind of rather do more Thai Chi ...
Look after yourself and take a good care of your bones 🙂 xx
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1 Reaction@yvettemas1948 are you using the horsetail herb under supervision? I have read that vit B and potassium are broken down by this herb. It seems to have many great healing properties when properly used. Let us know how you make out. Good luck.