My Mom, Doctor Visit Ref: Forteo and IV

CynAnn · 09-13-2006, 12:00 AM

Hi!

I took my Mom to the Doc today, in regards to my eariler post about my Mom's side effects (uncomfortable pain) while on Forteo.

Her Doctor said there was an IV (I can't recall the name of it, but seems like it started with an "A") that my Mom could do, at the Hospital once a month if she was unable to continue the Forteo injections.

Does anyone know about a once a month IV injection for osteo?

Thanks!!!

taape · 09-13-2006, 02:26 AM

Did your mom decide to get off the Forteo? Do you think the doctor meant once monthly injection or infusion? I think someone mentioned Aredia that is injected or infused once monthly. Your mom might want to cal the doctor back and get the name of the medication.

CynAnn · 09-13-2006, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Did your mom decide to get off the Forteo? Do you think the doctor meant once monthly injection or infusion? I think someone mentioned Aredia that is injected or infused once monthly. Your mom might want to cal the doctor back and get the name of the medication.

Yes, My Mom isnt going to be able to continue the Forteo. The injection was easy for her, but the side effects were so bad. The uncomfortable bone pain, upset-stomach and rapid heart rate and fatique. She only weights 94 and had lost 2.5 pounds in just 10 days since her last doctor visit. The Doctor asked her why and she said she just couldnt eat, her stomach as so upset, aches and pains, like a bad flu. The doctor felt like the side effects were against her well-being, she dosnt want her to loose more weight, feel tried and sick all the time with terrible pain that prevents her from enjoying life and sleeping at night.

So, the option for the IV was brought up, I was with her at the Doctor's office, dyring the visit and for the life of me cannot recall the name of the IV, it was once a month, and started with an "A" I will call the doc and ask her more.

Thanks for your reply! and thanks in advance to others that want to chime in, I'm open for any suggestions, info, etc.

CrohnieToo · 09-13-2006, 02:31 PM

Yes, the only injectable/infusable I know of for osteoporosis that starts w/an "A" is Aredia (pamidronate). But I don't think it is given monthly, and I don't think it is given by injection. To my knowledge it is infused via IV over about a 2 hour period every 3-6 months depending, I believe, on the size of the dose.

Aredia is a bisphosphonate, as are Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva; but because it is given via IV infusion it usually avoids the digestive upsets the oral bisphosphonates can cause.

CynAnn · 09-14-2006, 12:50 AM

Thank you so much! It must be Aredia. That sounds right, I recall her saying it was "like Fosamax" but given in an IV. I musta got the "once a month".. wrong. Next time, I'm going to take notes to help me remember! LOL!!! My Mom is getting older and depending on me and I want to be able to recall all the details.

Thanks again!