Tymlos starting at a lower dose work your way up to 80mcg

Posted by mar64 @mar64, Jan 13 1:47pm

I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis at age 61. My Dexta Scan numbers were all terrible. The Dr recommended Tymlos to build bone for 2 years then move on to another medication to keep the bones from breaking down. My Dr knows I'm very sensitive to all medications, and after he told me start at 80mcg, I thought i could handle it. Boy was I wrong. I was just sick. Nausea, migraine, heartburn, chills. Just 2 days in, and i only turned to 6 clicks 60mg and still very sick the next night 5 clicks same thing. I asked my Dr if I could start very low and he said no, because it could cause more harm. Hope would this be possible. And then I could work my way up. He actually told me to stop taking it. And start a new medication. I need to have control over the medication I put into my body, the other meds are once every 6 months, or even once a month shots. If I get sick reaction then what? You can't take it out of your body. I feel so lost and upset. Any one can help me out. Thanks

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beachesanddreams | @beachesanddreams | Jan 14 3:56pm

@mar64 There are quite a few discussions here about starting low-dose with Tymlos and working your way up. I hope a moderator might jump in and drop the link(s) for you.

I am about to start Tymlos (I have mild OP in lumbar spine only). I’m hoping I can build quickly, then go on Prolia or whatever the doc recommends. My first rheumatologist’s PA said I could start low and titrate up, but that was AFTER I insisted. She said she spoke to someone at the company who makes it, and they recommend it.

Now I have a second rheumatologist, and she is adamant that I start at 80. I haven’t been insurance-approved yet, so I’m just waiting, but it seems to me if you can titrate down, you can just as easily titrate up too.

In those discussions I mentioned, there was some advice to have a small salty snack and water as you take the injection, which helped with the side effects. Staying hydrated throughout the day is very important too.

Some women said they took it in the morning and they did much better. Some said they came off it for a week or two, then started back low, going up to another dose over the course of a few weeks, and they did very well.

But every case is different, of course, so if your OP is severe, your doctor may be worried about that. Ask what the Plan B is if you can’t tolerate Tymlos.

This is hard, I know. The support here is great. I commend you for continuing to take it even after knowing how awful it made you feel. That means you’re committed to your bone health, and that’s important.

Wishing you well, with good success, whatever treatment you take. 🌼