I am afraid of trying Tymlos and other drugs due to side effects

Posted by mkav2023 @mkav2023, May 7, 2023

How do others handle the fear of side effects, as well as the very real side effects, from Tymlos and other osteoporosis drugs?

I am 68, physically active, and feel fine with no fracture history. When I began developing osteopenia years ago, I was put on Fosomax and large amounts of calcium and D for about five years with no positive results, and sure enough, my osteopenia became osteoporosis.

My doctor now is recommending Tymlos due to my worsening Dexascan scores (worse T-score is -3.3 spine, and other T-scores are in -3.0 range). I have read a great deal (pro and con) about Tymlos and its side effects, and I know that even if Tymlos helps, after two years on Tymlos, then I have to go on another drug. I believe the odds are I will encounter a drug sooner or later with serious side effects that will drastically hurt my quality of life.

Any advice from those of you who have been on Tymlos and other drugs with side effects is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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

idlehands | @idlehands | 14 hours ago

In reply to @jakey1953 "How much does the Tymlos cost each month?" + (show)

jakey1953 Tymlos' cost really depends on your insurance. If you're on Medicare with Part D coverage, you should be covered by the $2000 maximum, so the worst case is it would cost you $2000 the first month, then it - and all your [covered] meds - would be $0 for the rest of 2025. If you're not on Medicare, you really need to check the cost with your insurance co. because they all have different deductibles, copays, etc. The retail, undiscounted cost, if I understood my ins co correctly, was $2968. But that's misleading because your ins will not charge you that much. And if you have no insurance, Tymlos has an assistance program to provide it to you for very little. It's not as confusing as it sounds 😂: check with your insurance company...