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.

I finished my Evenity shots last month (April). The only side effect I had was stiffness in the joints after a couple of months but it went away. This week I had both my Reclast infusion and a bone scan. I felt a bit fluish for a day and a half after the infusion and then felt fine. The results of the scan were better than I expected. The spine and total hip measurements moved me from osteoporosis to osteopenia. The femoral neck measurement went from osteopenia to normal. Overall, I am very glad I went through the process. A lot of people have reported very bad side effects so I count myself lucky. I hope others have the same positive results.

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I am scheduled to have my first Evenity shot on May 17th. Like everyone I am nervous. Both my primary care doctor and endocrinologist assure me I will be okay and this is the best treatment I can have. Please 🙏 pray for me

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@loiscapecod

I have been on Evenity for almost a year and just had a bone density test so not sure if it works. My insurance does pay for it though. I will follow up with the results of my test. I have lost almost 4 inches of height so I wish there was something that would help. I also have severe scoliosis which affects my balance. I need a new spine!!!

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I liked your comment being I have the same kind of situation. I also have scoliosis and have fractured my spine recently. I know how it does effect the balance too. I am starting physical therapy soon and have started senior exercises at a local gym. I want to choose Evenity also for the shots. I have been scared of the side effects and Evenity appears to be a better choice with all the other medicines out there. I have yet to make an appointment for the shot. Did you have a bone density test since taking the shot? Does improvement show up on the Bone Density test I wonder? Do you know? Thanks again for your comment.

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@vistalady2014

I am scheduled to have my first Evenity shot on May 17th. Like everyone I am nervous. Both my primary care doctor and endocrinologist assure me I will be okay and this is the best treatment I can have. Please 🙏 pray for me

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I’m having my 7th set of Evenity injections this month. I have not had any negative reactions other than some soreness in my arms for about a day.
The injections are quick about 20 seconds in both arms. When I walked out my first time I thought, well, that was easy.
I hope all goes well for you, with good results.

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@furgus

I’m having my 7th set of Evenity injections this month. I have not had any negative reactions other than some soreness in my arms for about a day.
The injections are quick about 20 seconds in both arms. When I walked out my first time I thought, well, that was easy.
I hope all goes well for you, with good results.

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Thanks for this very positive response

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@debcco

I finished my Evenity shots last month (April). The only side effect I had was stiffness in the joints after a couple of months but it went away. This week I had both my Reclast infusion and a bone scan. I felt a bit fluish for a day and a half after the infusion and then felt fine. The results of the scan were better than I expected. The spine and total hip measurements moved me from osteoporosis to osteopenia. The femoral neck measurement went from osteopenia to normal. Overall, I am very glad I went through the process. A lot of people have reported very bad side effects so I count myself lucky. I hope others have the same positive results.

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Thank so much! Pleas let us know the results of your dexascan.

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@jerilk

Actually you take evenity for one year and then it's followed up by an infusion It's a drug that they want to use for me that's inserted into my vein for 3 minutes but takes 45 minutes cuz they want it to go in slow This happens once a year. So far I'm trying to get past the fact that taking evenity maybe painful and swell up my arms

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I will get my 10th shot of Evenity this week. The last two times when the nurse gave me the shot, I didn't feel a thing. I have gotten a little swelling where the shot was given but it goes away in a day or two. I am usually tired about two hours after the shot. I remember having a little itching on the first three shots but I thought it was just my dry skin.

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After 12 shots of Evenity, would I be able to get back surgery if my surgeon approves? Would taking Prolia stop me from getting back surgery after completing 12 months of Evenity?

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I started Evenity in November with no bad side effects EXCEPT dental work! By the third injection, a tooth needed extraction and my doctors stopped the third but declined to comment on what to do next. However, both oral surgeons recommended stopping for a month or two, having the dental procedure, and then starting in a month or two. Due to how events unfolded with appointments, I waited 2 months for extraction and resumed in one month after go-ahead from the oral surgeon. At this point, I have no idea what affect this might have on the treatment and can't find any info on this but will report back here next bone density or Xray. If anybody knows...

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Hi all! I'm getting ready for my second round of injections next week. I note that pretty much everyone is getting shot in their arms. My first ones were several inches from each side of my belly button. Definitely not fun as I wasn't expecting to feel the liquid being injected, but I would think the stomach would be less painful than the back of your arm? Comments?

As far as side effects other than some post-injection pain and swelling for about 4 days, I've had a couple of short headaches, some sleeplessness. I joke that I'd blame Evenity for pretty much any strange thing I feel, but *I really don't know. I'm keeping an "Evenity Diary" to track anything. Best wishes for all of us!!!

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