cran, I'm not at all familiar with Evenity. Quick read tells me it may be the choice for quickly reversing some of the bone density in patients with higher risk?

I'll go for my 3rd 6-mo Prolia shot end of this month. It's subcutaneous, just under the skin not an actual shot and to avoid undressing, keep it even more quick, I choose my arm. I could give them myself. Somehow though it seems if I make the trip to my doctors clinic and her nurse administers it, it's 100% covered by my insurance. If they were to send it to a local drugstore for me to pick up, I would be paying some. No side effects whatsoever.

My brothers wife chose the once a year Reclast. She doesn't feel well for at least 4 days following, runs a fever, has aches, flu like symptoms. She has always worn her hair long and very simply, and links the Reclast to her hair thinning. I don't know if coincidental or if she's right, but what was once thick shiny hair isn't as pretty these last two years. She's just turned 70.

My BIL just got good results after check up. I just texted to find out which one.

I'll get back to you.

ETA same as Morz, Prolia. bIL takes it every 6 months.

No side effects for him.

My mother took Prolia for several years, broke her arm, and it never healed. She lived in pain with a broken arm (and wheelchair bound) for the last five years of her life. I have osteopenia, but will never take any of those drugs. The ”benefit” is not worth the risks IMO.

For me, I would rather take something more frequently than something that had such long-term therapeutic effects, particularly if it was only for convenience. 6 months is a long time to have a single therapeutic dose in your system. It's fine if you have no side effects or don't have any issues that the drug can interfere with, but I would prefer something a little more reversible, if possible.

Thanks morz8 Prolia sounds a bit less frightening than Evenity, it is every month for 1 year. I have done Reclast once a year for many years and has stopped working for me, but unlike you SIL i”ve had no problem with my hair. It is actully good and thick! Only this first time about 6 years ago did I get a flu type reaction.

eld161 glad to hear things are going smoothly for your BIL.

pal i worry about potential dental problems and all the other complications.

texas sorry to hear such sad news for you mother. I think I ned further investigation of Evenity but love getting everyone’s imput here.

good point pal, this was the fist visit with this doctor and I liked her very much, she said the side effect was a sore arm now I am rethinking everythning after reading some reviews I’ve read.

How severe is your osteoporosis and have you taken anything prior to Evenity? I’ve taken a few osteop meds and from what I understand Evenity would be the last thing to try if other meds have already been exhausted. I’ve also learned that many doctors are not very lnowledgeable about the risk/benefits and side effects of these medications. If possible I would try to find an expert bone density specialist to manage my care. That’s what I did.

I was prescribed Evenity but my insurance denied coverage. My doctor told me Prolia helped prevent further bone loss while Evenity re grew bone.

Cmm BIL did get some regrowth, while other parts stayed the same.

3katz iI see a rheumatologist and after being on reclast for over 6 years we are starting to see bone loss. My insurance will cover it, its over $2,000. per injection …so i know I definately qualify. As far as you seeing bone density specialist may I ask what type of doctor that would be other than a rheumatologist ?

cmm i was pre approved for the injections but ill ask about Prolia thanks.

eld glad your BIL did well

Cran, my endocrinologist follows my bone density. Asked me to go for a baseline density screening more than 15 years ago. Since I'd had hyperactive thyroid several years ago, I was at risk for having lost some density. White, small framed, light in weight wasn't in my favor either.

ETA: osteoporosis is one of her areas of medical special interest

@cran - my doctor is also a rheumatologist but he specializes in BMD and has published research papers on this subject. I have not taken Evenity and haven’t looked into it much as I tend to avoid new drugs because there are so many unknowns. Prolia for example - no one realized you can’t just stop taking it as there is a rebound effect that causes spinal fractures. What little I know about Evenity is that there are some cardiovascular risks so I would likely never take it as I already have risk factors for that.

In my opinion you need to educate yourself as much as possible and then weigh the risks vs. benefits with input from your doctor.

3katz I am aware of the cardio side effects and have an appointment with my cardiologist in June to discuss this. Actually, I am educating myself and always find good information right here.

@cran - sounds like you are doing all the right things. It's hard to know what to do sometimes - the decisions often are not black and white. I agree - this group is an excellent resource!!