Planning to not do Prolia

Posted by hungrybirder @hungrybirder, Oct 30 1:12pm

I'm going on 79 and lead a fairly active life with golf, yoga, pilates and a daily 3 mile walk. Because my osteopenia has been treated for years (a mistake I now realize) with various bisphosphonate, the most recent being Reclast, it now appears I've gotten to the magic -2.5 number, and my latest endocrinologist asked me to research Prolia. Thankfully, this wonderful group has made me realize Prolia isn't something I want to take until I'm in my 90s and won't be on it long (hopefully should I make it that long, there will be a better drug). I have a scan scheduled for next week and a follow up with the endocrinologist after Thanksgiving. Given that I had a Reclast infusion 11 months ago, what options do I have? I was hoping for a drug holiday and then on to a bone builder. Has anyone here had any experience with this type of drug sequence?

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

gently | @gently | Oct 30 11:47pm

@hungrybirder, I would do exactly what you are hoping to.
You might ask for bone markers CTX and P1NP to time your holiday.
Reclast will continue to protect you. Pathologist say it stays on the bone for ten years and more. If you take a bone builder now, the effect will be somewhat blunted they think for 6-12 months.
You'll have gains in strength.
I'm wondering what you'll tell your latest endocrinologist about your research and laughing at the thought.
I like that the doctor asked you to research.
It is usual now to start with a bone builder. I'm only just finishing a second year of Forteo. My plan is for a third year, then a bisphosphonate, and back to Forteo or Tymlos.

hungrybirder | @hungrybirder | Oct 31 11:12am

Gently, thank you for reinforcing my resolve. I started bisphosphonates in the early 2000s for 5 or 6 years, then took a 13 to 14 yr drug holiday until 2021 my then endocrinologist (she moved to the other side of the state) noted that even through the holiday my bones had some protection for 10 years. So I went back on the bisphosphonates, Foxamax then Reclast last year. Of course now I know (and hopefully doctors as well) that we could have held off, waited a bit and started with bone building.

I actually like the current endocrinologist but don't know how she will react to my "plan". Houston isn't a hotbed of osteoporosis specialists, but I've found one that suggests she is one. I'm making an appointment with her to get a second opinion. Who knows? I may find a winner. At any rate, as a new patient, that appointment will be next year.

Again thank you and I'll post how my doctor reacts.

susanjane77 | @susanjane77 | Oct 31 7:38pm

I was on Reclast for years. My latest DEXA score showed osteoporosis in my left hip. Ugh! My endo suggested that i switch to Prolia BUT i dont like what i am reading about Prolia. Anyone taking Evenity with success?