My doctor doesn't want me to take Forteo, are his reasons valid?
- Posted:
- 16 Dec 2010 by JackieFaye
- Topics:
- forteo, vitamin d, vitamins, osteoporosis, vitamin d deficiency, dietary supplementation, vitamin/mineral supplementation and deficiency
Details:
My parathyroid hormone is 74, the normal range is12-88. My doctor thinks it is too high to take Forteo. My vitamin d level used to be <7 and the parathyroid hormone was extremely high but because of huge levels of vitamin d supplements I have now gotten it up to 76 and the parathyroid hormone has come way down. I think it will be fine as soon as the vitamin d has been in a good range for awhile.
Also, my alkaline phosphatase is a little high, 133 and the standard range is 35-115 u/l. I don't understand what this is but my doctor is concerned that I shouldn't take Forteo until both of these components have reached average levels.
I don't see that this is a big deal and am wanting to go to another doctor but would like to know if this is a reason to be concerned and not take Forteo.
Anonymous
22 Jan 2011
Wow! You seem (or your doctor seems ) to think you have a variety of problems! I have had alk. Phos. of over 500! The standard is not 115 unless they have changed the standards(which they do sometimes). My last test showed the reference range of 41 to141. My problem lasted about 10 years because of a gallbladder removal that after 10 years & about 10 doctors, they found to be a commom bile duct problem. Surgery to open it through an ERCP (scope); Alk P. went right down! My doc also checked my thyroid- full scope not just a T4. VERY important. Also did a blood test for bone marrow cancer since I have so much pain everywhere! Broken bones! Compression fractures! I started Forteo in Dec of 2010, & have no problems so far. Vitamin D supplements are recommeded with Forteo. Also Calcium Citrate & Magnesium(which can be bought together. Hope you have insurance that will cover Forteo as it cost about $1000 every 28 days. I do with a $20 co-pay or wouldn't be on it.
Expand this post...
I can't answer about your doctor. Is he an Internest like mine (also allergy doc) ? If you don't feel comforable with him or his decisions, there are geriactric doctors now that I am sure can help you make an informed decision about taking Forteo. It was a last result for me as the pills & inhaled type would not help me. I have a family history, plus had a complete hysterectomy at 21 & couldn't take estrogen replacement. It's been a struggle all my life! I am only 64 & had my first broken wrist in 1990 & had to go on disability. Broken wrist, ribs(don't EVER wear underwire bras!),compression fractures of the spine etc... You don't state why or what reason you want to take Forteo. I heard some docs want people to take it for thyroid problems??? Makes no sense, but they don't call them _PRACTICING_ PHYSICIANS FOR NOTHING! HA! Let me know your decision. Very interested. If you check out about Forteo on the net (here) you will see Vit D & calcium are suggested to take with Forteo.
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JackieFaye
Anonymous 
well i am 51 yrs old an my dexa scan last month showed huge spike in my T scores have 100%risk of fractures now to hips spine etc so now they started me on forteo i have only been on injections 2wks an so far no problems no side effects i was on fosamax D a few yrs back but ended losing part of my lower jaw bone so stopped that so now praying forteo does what it says an grows new bone for me good luck an yes get 2nd opinion