Anybody finished with 2 years on Forteo? - Osteoporosis Message Board

taape · 08-06-2006, 12:37 PM

What are you doing for osteoporosis treatment after you have finished the 2 years on Forteo? I've been recommended for bisphosphonate therapy but after doing some initial research about those medications I'm not to anxious to use them. Also, what percentage of bone density improvement did you get while on Forteo?

stonesc · 08-06-2006, 01:53 PM

I am a 58 year old male. I just concluded two years taking Forteo. Always took the drug before bedtime. Only side effect was occasional cramping in legs. Research shows people see the greatest increase in bone density during the first year of taking the drug. The increase is less the second year. I had the opposite results. My greatest increase was the second year. Endocrinologist wants to put me on Actonel now. I too am concerned about the side effects I've been reading about from this drug. I have an upcoming appointment with a doctor at Duke University who is one of the few doctors in the country who specializes in osteoporosis in men. All the literature and research out there is geared to women. I'm going to share with him my concerns about Acotonel and bisphosphonates in general.

taape · 08-06-2006, 02:48 PM

Thanks for posting. If you come across any information for women there could you let me know. I don't know if your allowed to post the address of the clinic or not but I could look it up.

Main my concern whether female or male is that the medication stays in the bones for up to 10 years which isn't good especially if it causes side effects like bone pain. It seems that I will always need treatment to increase or maintain my bone density so I'm thinking this over carefully. Women have the added complication of decreased estrogen to worry about erroding bone density.

CrohnieToo · 08-06-2006, 05:38 PM

Yes, Stones. PLEASE do let us know what the Endo at Duke has to say. I'm into my 12th month on Forteo but already wondering about what to do when my 24 months is up! I had one infusion of pamidronate prior to starting the Forteo and had assumed I would go back to that but given the latest info on the necrosis of the jaw .... I'm not so sure that is the way I'm gonna wanna go after all!

taape · 08-06-2006, 07:46 PM

Chronie Too,
Yes, jaw necrosis is enough to scare me away.How long did your infusion take? I'm being told that I'd be given Boniva and the infusion takes 15-30 seconds. Just like given you other medication. Did you have any side effects the same day or within a few days?