Need friends that understand

[punji49]

I have osteo A & P, taking forteo, nasty side effects going on, was hoping to talk to someone with similiar things going on.........Thanks

[CrohnieToo]

Its kind of difficult for us to know whether we share your symptoms or side effects when you haven't mentioned what yours are.

So far, I've been very fortunate, I've encountered no side effects from Forteo other than, possibly, developing a spare tire around my middle. I've been taking it daily since 19 August 05. I've developed the spare tire, just don't know if I can legitimately blame it on the Forteo or not. I know I'm NOT happy about it.

Please share your symptoms/side effects w/the board and members who are encountering similar can share with you.

[punji49]

So happy to be able to talk with someone. I am in my 6th month of shots now. Leg cramps, also have RLS, so doubly worse,spare tire, weight gain of 18 lbs.not a lb. in 30 years. Headaches, tired, tired, tired, deep bone pain, but they say the reconstruction hurts worse than the loosing of it.Bone degeneration also included, was cracking ribs just by bending over, so bone density test showed 39% lose in 6 months.Very alarming at that point, so now the shots and have stomach problems from the fosamax, but have had tests done and no reason for all this stupid stuff going on. So in hopes that in the long run it is worth this. So glad u haven't had any problems. My doctor has his mother on same thing and same problems with her also....Thanks for the talk it really helps..............

[CrohnieToo]

If you are sure it is the Forteo because you weren't experiencing these problems before starting Forteo then why not talk to your doctor about pamidronate (Aredia) infusions? It is "just" a 2 hour long IV every 3, 4 or 6 months.

Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate like Actonel and Fosamax but because it is infused rather than an oral mediation the GI tract is bypassed and the GI upset and/or damage avoided. The infusions are usually done at a hospital outpatient clinic where they do chemotherapy infusions, Remicade infusions, etc.

Good luck and God bless.

[spinewhine]

Welcome to the board. We have a number of Forteo users posting here and we keep each other informed of what we learn at our doctor visits and from internet research, etc. We also trade information on our symptoms and possible side effects.

I guess I have been lucky to have no discernable side effects from the Forteo. I've also been lucky to have not broken any bones so far. My diagnosis came after I requested a bone density test because I had been in menopause for a few years and some friends had gotten the DEXA test. It was a shock to hear that my bone density was bad. I'm hopeful for improvement with the Forteo.

I'm sorry to hear that you have had so many problems with the osteo and that you think the Forteo has caused uncomfortable and/or unpleasant side effects.
I have had a small weight gain this year but I can't honestly put it on the Forteo. For years I was somewhat heavier than I am now. The year before I went on Forteo, I joined a gym and dieted and lost some weight. Having been a yoyo dieter in the past, I usually gained it back. This year, I've gained some weight back, but I also stopped being so careful about what I eat. In fact, sometimes I've been downright "uncareful," so gaining back some weight would just be consistent with my pattern, sorry to say. If I thought I could honestly blame it on the Forteo, I'd call it in to Lilly.

I believe we had one poster who gave up Forteo because she felt she was having terrible side effects. I don't recall if she had the same side effects that you are feeling and I'm not sure how to find those posts other than to read through all of the Forteo threads.

Good luck in fighting this disease.