Wellness

[juanitalinda]

My doctor is probably going to prescribe Evenity in an attempt to build some better quality bone than what I currently have.  

I have a few questions for anyone who has used it.  Do you have blood draws before every injection to measure its progress?  Or is it just my facility?   

And .. has anyone finished the treatment and, if so, what progress did they see?  Or side effects?  

[SilleeMee]

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@juanitalinda wrote:

My doctor is probably going to prescribe Evenity in an attempt to build some better quality bone than what I currently have.  

I have a few questions for anyone who has used it.  Do you have blood draws before every injection to measure its progress?  Or is it just my facility?   

And .. has anyone finished the treatment and, if so, what progress did they see?  Or side effects?  

---

@juanitalinda 

I had my blood drawn before I started Evenity. Blood tests are needed to assess the condition and state of general health of your bones and the rest of your body. Progression of new bone growth is not monitored throughout the year of injections. A DEXA scan will follow after the 12-month protocol. 

You will also need to follow-up with another Rx density drug after the Evenity. The reason is b/c there is an increased risk of fracture during the first few months after stopping the Evenity. So drugs such as Prolia (another biologic injectable) or a bisphosponate (pills or the once-yearly Reclast infusion) will most likely be prescribed to reduce the risk of fracture. 

I'm going on to my 11th injection next month. No side effects to report.

ETA- Make sure that your dental care is up to date and that you won't be needing any extractions or other dental surgeries before Evenity. Go and have a complete dental exam before starting Evenity and keep your teeth and gums in top shape while on it. No skipping routine cleanings.

[SilleeMee]

@juanitalinda 

You'll find some good info at EVENITY DOT COM.

[juanitalinda]

@SilleeMee   

I got the whole blood workup today, but the Dr. said I would be getting a blood draw before the first, second, and third injections to determine whether the bone markers indicate bone growth.  

As to the dental work, I think we're going to pass on that.  I get cleanings every 3 months, and am fairly current on X-rays.  But  I've had 3 spontaneous fractures in 8 months.  Any dental work will just have to wait until after I finish my 1-year of shots.  

I'm hoping I don't have side effects.  It would be a refreshing change from the last series of chloresterol-lowering meds my PCP gave me.  Those were most unpleasant.  

[SilleeMee]

@juanitalinda 

Yes, I understand why the blood work is needed for the first few months of Evenity. Medical history would indicate such procedures. My prescribing NP said that the most significant bone regrowth from Evenity occurs within the first 6 months of treatment. After that it plateaus slightly.

[juanitalinda]

@SilleeMee 

I hope it works for me.    6 months to better bones? 

My chlorestrol, blood pressure, weight, blood sugar and overall attitude are suffering from this limited activity the therapists and doctors have me on.  

No treadmill, no gardening, no hiking ... NO FUN!!!    

However, on the bright side ... no vacuuming!!!  No dusting in high places!!!  No hanging laundry out to dry.  

I have a housekeeper now!

I guess there  are some good aspects to this protocol, even if it is just until the bones get stronger.    

[SilleeMee]

@juanitalinda 

I hope it works for you, too! Statistically it's promising. I've got high hopes. I've been really working hard at improving my bone health. Changed my diet and supps plus working my butt off with exercise. If that doesn't do it just shoot me...lol!

[juanitalinda]

@SilleeMee 

Good luck.  You should know pretty soon!!!

Thanks for your advice.  

[SilleeMee]

@juanitalinda 

You're welcome and thank you. Good luck to you, too. 

[quadmimi]

SilleeMee, yes please report back. I haven't started yet, (I passed all the blood work) due to still recovering from my last compresion fracture. My concern are side effects, plus going on something afterwards. I am not thrilled with the choices. 

It's good to read you haven't had side effects from the evenity though.