Should I start Tymlos?

Posted by renurb @renurb, May 23 7:57am

I'm 76 and have was treated with Fosamax and Boniva for 5 years, 2008 to 2012. My current Dexa shows osteoporosis in non dominant wrist(-5.1), and osteopenia in my hip and spine (-1.3 and -1.5). I take 1200 mg calcium with vitamin D daily. My doctor advised me to start Tymlos and take it for 2 years. I play pickleball and walk 3-4 miles daily. I have heart issues that are controlled by medication and life style. My question is should I continue what I'm doing for bone health or start Tymlos?

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | May 23 8:58am

Are you saying that you've been on fosomax and boniva together for 5 years? According to my resources the maximum time for bisphosphonates is 5 years. Tymlos, according to many is a wonderful bone building drug. Taking bisphosphonates prior to a bone building drug like tymlos, forteo and Evenity can inhibit the work of the bone builders to some degree. It seems that for quite some time docs were prescribing fosomax first because it is cheap......probably the effect of insurance companies. I have not taken tymlos but I am sure you will get plenty of those who have on this site. Read through the different threads on osteoporosis here. Very helpful.

ritcheyn | @ritcheyn | May 26 1:31pm

Tymlos stimulates the parathyroid and can result in fast heart rate, and low blood pressure when standing. You'll need to take that into account in your decision. Talk with your cardiologist & the prescribing Dr to get their opinions

njx58 | @njx58 | May 26 6:20pm

That's a good question. At some point, isn't osteopenia something you can live with? Many people have it and don't even know it. Just how much more can you gain with Tymlos? I don't know the answer.