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.

@windyshores

@me49 and @diannestanley, your DEXA scores weren't terrible to being with. I am curious if you had fractures. Did you have a hard time getting insurance coverage?

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I had 3 rib fractures by stooping down and reaching in 2019. In 2021, I fractured the 5th metatarsal bone by rolling my foot. It's interesting that in 2018, I had a FRAX score of 10 percent. I don't think DEXAs are a good indicator of my bone health.

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@windyshores

@me49 and @diannestanley, your DEXA scores weren't terrible to being with. I am curious if you had fractures. Did you have a hard time getting insurance coverage?

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I forgot to mention that insurance was not a problem for any of the osreo medications.

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@me49

I forgot to mention that insurance was not a problem for any of the osreo medications.

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The fractures explain why you got insurance coverage I guess! How interesting (and too bad) that you fractured with those DEXA scores.

I read a few months ago that people with osteopenia make up the majority of fractures but that the rate of fractures is much higher for those with osteoporosis. I had to stop and think a moment to absorb that.

The rib and foot fractures sound painful. Hope they are better. Mine are all spinal.

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@cubby718

Did you have a good experience with Evenity?

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I just had my 4th shot in the back of both arms and so far everything has been good. I do notice that I am tired after the shot and periods of tiredness the following week.

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@windyshores

@me49 and @diannestanley, your DEXA scores weren't terrible to being with. I am curious if you had fractures. Did you have a hard time getting insurance coverage?

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I don't really know my Dexa Scores, as I just listened to three of my doctors telling me that I needed something for my Osteoporosis. I will have a Dexa Scan done again in a few months. I did have a Burst Compression Lumbar I Fracture and other that the spinal surgeon could not do a needed surgery due to my bone strength. I can't stand over 4 or 5 mins due to my injury last year. I am on Medicare and due to having a back break, Medicare Part B and my supplement are paying for Evenity. As soon as I am strong enough and the surgeon will do surgery, I am having it done. This was most painful to have this fracture and it made me a stay at home person 100%. Except for I can get to the Y and to their therapy pool. I have to sit down a couple of times along the way to the pool and back to my car. Other: I tried taking Tymlos at home but that shot was going to cost me $625 per month on Medicare. I had used the trial pen for about a month and then had to switch to the generic for Fosamax as it was much cheaper. My regular doctor had asked if I had wanted him to see about getting on Evenity. It sounded so good, I said yes.

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Thank you for sharing your experience with Evenity. My Rheumologist just recommended this drug for me as I also have been dx with severe Osteo of the lumbar spine. I also had two fractures the past several years. Of course everyone looks at the side effects, but at this point I feel I need to start the treatments and see how I do. As a 10 yr Triple Negative Cancer Survivor I've been thru a lot already, so I'm hoping this will go smoothly. I do all I should workout 6 days a week, take Calicum & Vit D. I'm looking at starting after the holidays. Thanks..

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@me49

I had 3 rib fractures by stooping down and reaching in 2019. In 2021, I fractured the 5th metatarsal bone by rolling my foot. It's interesting that in 2018, I had a FRAX score of 10 percent. I don't think DEXAs are a good indicator of my bone health.

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wow I also fractured my foot 2 & 3rd metatarsal in July, don't really know how (I do have a puppy & have been playing outside w/him). I just called the Podiatrist's office cause the foot feels the same but now on the big toe. I did not hurt it. Never realized this could be due to the bone loss, I was only thinking about my spine. My DEXA score is -3.4 Rheumologist says severe.

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@barbiea

wow I also fractured my foot 2 & 3rd metatarsal in July, don't really know how (I do have a puppy & have been playing outside w/him). I just called the Podiatrist's office cause the foot feels the same but now on the big toe. I did not hurt it. Never realized this could be due to the bone loss, I was only thinking about my spine. My DEXA score is -3.4 Rheumologist says severe.

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Good morning, barbiea,
I'm sorry about your injury.I wish that medicine would give patients a more comprehensive view of bone density. They focus on the most serious and debilitating like the spine and hip, but when you've fractured in other areas, I think it's time for a more in depth assessment.

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@me49

Good morning, barbiea,
I'm sorry about your injury.I wish that medicine would give patients a more comprehensive view of bone density. They focus on the most serious and debilitating like the spine and hip, but when you've fractured in other areas, I think it's time for a more in depth assessment.

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Thanks and I agree about the assessment of the whole body. This is crazy I'm a very active person and all of a sudden this year --boom (I turned 60, but I don't think of myself as- older..lol) but I guess this is my wake up call, just wish it wasn't so urgent. I was pretty good for 10 years after my cancer treatment, I was more worried about the return of cancer, than bone loss. But I fought that and I'll fight this. I rec'd the call today, I go for my first Evenity shot on Jan. 5th. Funny (or not) thing is the shot will be given to me where I rec'd my cancer treatment..

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@windyshores

The fractures explain why you got insurance coverage I guess! How interesting (and too bad) that you fractured with those DEXA scores.

I read a few months ago that people with osteopenia make up the majority of fractures but that the rate of fractures is much higher for those with osteoporosis. I had to stop and think a moment to absorb that.

The rib and foot fractures sound painful. Hope they are better. Mine are all spinal.

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I went to two different physicians in opposing health care programs in Louisville and I got different results on their Dexa Scans. So which one is correct? I went with the Dexa Scan from the surgeon's office. But, how could their be two different numbers. The one group two doctor's had decided that they were not going to put me on meds while the surgeon and the Endoclinologist stated otherwise. After discussing with the doctor who was able to get me on Evenity, it's hard to argue with the Endoclinologist and the Surgeon since they deal with this issue.

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