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Forteo weight gain & no bone improvement
I’ve been on Forteo for 6 months. I have gained about 13 lbs and my lastest DEXA shows my bones have gotten worse. Has anyone had a similar experience?
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I have gained 15 pounds since starting Forteo in June of 2025. I have had to buy new clothes and am very upset with the new rolls of fat around my midsection and my BIG belly!
I have an appointment with my rheumatologist at the end of next month and will have a new dexascan the week before. I certainly hope for improved results and am not sure I will continue for another year if there is no improvement.
The good news is that I am now on a generic form that costs almost nothing compared to the $2000 that I had to pay in the beginning.
I find it very insulting that Lily doesn't include weight gain as a side effect since so many users report it!
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4 Reactions@janro48
I have also gained about 12 lbs since I started the Forteo injections
Spoke to my Doctor and also spoke to the pharmacy and they both said that they do not have weight gain listed as a side effect
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1 Reaction@janro48
Not sure if Forteo or Tymlos will be covered by insurance without prior authorization. Should it be denied can’t use biophaspates because of my risk of MRONJ
What generic are you referring to that allowed insurance coverage!
What were your side effects? Is it working?
@ipg Try searching on "generic teriparatide" for info about alt to brand name Forteo.
There is no generic version of abaloparatide and Tymlos apparently "stacked" their patents so there may not be one until 2038 or something.
If I was ready for an osteoporosis drug then I would self-pay for generic teriparatide (aka Forteo), If needed I would search until I found a doctor who would prescribe it. But my PCP doctor is quite progressive and currently has me on HRT.
A side effects with her? I am 20 years post menopause?
@kfhoz
I’ve been told my severity is not enough warrant Forteo. However, I feel it’s a safer choice. I was thinking the same thing. Could I just pay out-of-pocket for it? Is that even allowed when you’re on Medicare? And finding a doctor that will prescribe it seems like a big mission. I hate having to fight for what you need or think is best.
@janro48 I'm sorry to hear about your weight gain and that the drug caused it. I hope you get results!
If you would like to report the side effect here is a link where you can do that.
https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program
@mcallister1002
Have you used Forteo? What side effects did you experience? I question when people say “.fatigue” how that’s interpreted. I live alone and am pretty active. Does this mean people sleep slit? When does it pass??
@slowsly
What is biosimilar Forteo? Has it worked?