Forteo for Osteoporosis User Reviews (Page 4)

• S The...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 3, 2015

"98 years old with hip fracture and small spinal fractures. After 1.75 years of treatment, the spinal fractures are gone. Some rebuilding of bone mass to the hips. Have to stop in 3 months as two years of use will be reached. Used Calcium L=Threonate instead of other standard types of calcium. It starts dissolving in my mouth if I don't swallow it quickly. Milk is what I use to take it. The extent of bone loss required massive doses of Calcium and Vitamin D3. Calcium L=Threonate was chosen because renal excretion was not its major elimination route in a study reported APS, so kidney stones were not an issue. Received the medication as a grant to low income patients"

• GoldF...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2022

"74 year old man. I was diagnosed w/ osteoporosis after tripping on uneven ground & falling onto a concrete driveway. Though I had never previously broken any bone, despite 26 years in Army parachuting, in this case I had a tri-mal fractures in lower right leg and broke my humerus in three places. Began the regimen of Forteo in June 2020 and completed the 24 months in July 2022. Also took two Citracal pills daily, along with D3. Had bone density scan prior to starting the regimen & after completion. Very conscientious in completing my injection daily & followed the instructions to the letter. Forteo was stored properly. Suffered no side effects at all. Unbelievably, the final density scan revealed that I had not improved one iota!! Nada. I mean, I was not expecting huge results, but....nothing? (Some teeny, tiny changes, but nothing even remotely significant.) A tremendous waste of $$ for the Forteo, needles, swabs, Citracal and D3. Massive disappointment after 2 years!!"

• JBJ
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 29, 2023

"I have osteoporosis due to long-term prednisone use. I tried Fosamax and got severe pain from it. I tried Reclast, which improved my bone mass density, but I kept getting fractures. I had over 20 rib fractures and a bunch of vertebral compression fractures. With Prolia, the fractures got worse. I have been on Forteo for 2 years and I am on it again for 2.5 years. My Dexa scans have improved, but more importantly, no fractures. I have had no noticeable side effects either."

• dsmo
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2017

"I experienced all of the above including thinning hair & immediate memory loss, it also effected my over all disposition and gave me what I didn't realize until after terminating my use extreme confusion/depression and extreme fatigue. Over all depression lifted a few months later and I was amazed at how my out-look brightened. This treatment definitely has a psychological effect that is not truly recognized. Density went from -2.8 to -2.7. More effects probably over shadowed by the more noticeable ones. Do not recommend this drug to anyone the side effects and effort to use are not worth the extremely small gain. Lost almost 2 years of my life due to my depressive fatigued state. At 68 I would like to have them back."

• Jan
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2018

"My DEXA scan showed severe (-3) osteo'. Forteo is costly, even with Medicare paying large %, but I chose to take it because of risk of bone breakage, which would also be costly not only monetarily, and because I was encouraged by 2 PCPs and my pharmacist. In past I had bad reactions to several medications, so was apprehensive, partly because of so many published negative reviews. However, I am glad I'm taking it. I've had no side effects, and I recently had an incident that likely injured my coccyx, perhaps other vertebrae, but I believe damage would have been worse, probably a broken pelvis, if I wasn't on Forteo for almost 3 months."

• Ashish
• November 29, 2019

"My mother is 74 she had been on Forteo for last 9 months. From day one she started injected the drug she is suffering from frequent urination problem and loss of energy. I have ordered the 10 th dose and also received the same but have decided not to go for this option"

• Mikib...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2015

"40yr old female! I have Hoshi thyroid disorder. Had a hysterectomy in my mid 20s which is the cause of my osteoporosis. I have been on this going on my 4th month so far no side effects. Small bruising at injection site. I'll have a new scan in about 6 months I feel very hopeful for improved results."

• PoetN...
• January 20, 2016

"My mom is 89 and has been using Forteo for almost 2 years. We are feeling hopeful about the results of her bone density test, as she hasn't had one since before she began the injections. Mom has Medicare and supplementary insurance with AARP but it wasn't covered and was beyond our means. Our doctor's office referred her to aoither Pharmacy, where she qualified for and received an income-based grant! Their customer service is exemplary and they deliver it to our door. I hope this is helpful for some who desperately need it but can't afford it! I can't wait for her bone density test next month (she hasn't had one while on the medication)! I just know it will be a huge improvement!"

• Nancy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2015

"I have not started Forteo yet, but will by Mid May. My Florida Blue will not cover ANY of this medication so I am self pay. I am really shocked to see how many people are using this drug. Husband and I are both retired, though I am not medicare eligible yet, and I will be paying $2000.00/month out of pocket. How have any of you on this site have insurance coverage? Seems a great deal of you are under 65."

• Ksd
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2019

"47 yr old with severe osteoporosis due to complete hysterectomy at age 30. Was placed on Forteo after taken off Tymlos due to side effects. I was only on Forteo for 2 weeks before having to come off it because of depression/irrational thinking, brittle nails, bloated stomach, bruising at injection sites. Endo is putting me on Reclast infusion once a year."

• GSHM
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

"Ok! Been on the Forteo shot for 4 months. Have scoliosis and osteoporosis! I am bent over at the waist. I had 2 back surgeries in 2013 and 2014 at the same spot L4 and L5. I went back too work after surgeries. Retired in 2015! So finally trying too do something this is 2019. praying this will help me, so I can have surgery to straighten up. The side effects are mild but, back has always hurt at waist. Just a little worse hair loss! But, gotta do something miserable! God Bless everyone!!!"

• Lady...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2018

"After years of ignoring early onset osteoporosis, ending up with the bones of a 100 yr old woman, I had a bad fall that resulted in a broken hip in 2014. After a rod and pins were put in, my surgeon got me started on Forteo as it stimulates bone growth rather than saving bone (I had almost no bone density left). I have to say the difference I saw in my x-rays in 3 months was amazing. However I did experience major hair loss, developed GERD and loss of teeth. I've not taken Forteo since due to financial issues and the side effects mentioned but the results for the months I was on it were incredible and sometimes I wish I could afford it again."

• anony...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2018

"Due to osteoporosis my spine surgeon would not do the required lumbar fusion unless I went on Forteo for 3 months before and after surgery. Supposedly it increases the chances of a successful fusion. I've only been on the med for 3 weeks but have had constant nausea, bone and muscle pain, and fatigue/depression which has significantly decreased my quality of life. I keep hoping that these side effects will improve because otherwise it's going to be a long miserable 6 months. If it wasn't for the fact that I need the surgery I probably would go off the med."

• Debra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2017

"I am 64 and diagnosed with severe osteoporosis 6 months ago. I began Forteo 3 months ago. Before taking the Forteo I had 7 fractured discs 5 were compression fractures from the osteoporosis. I had already broken a wrist, fingers and several toes. 6 months ago I broke 8 ribs in a car accident. Now two weeks ago I had a fall and was certain from the level of pain that I had broken my arm the ER seemed to think so until the ex-rays came back. Severe bruising, sprain, strain. I am certain that I would have broken a bone in that fall had it not been for the Forteo.The jury is still out I have some side effects, bone aching, occasional stomach ache but nothing that I can't deal with. I have also noted an increase in my height. Plan to continue."

• TinaCG
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 29, 2016

"My Mother was placed on this after broken wrist, broken hip and fractured pelvis. I do believe that this medicine keep her from having a broken shoulder when she fell out of her wheel chair. Granted there was a small hairline fracture. I just know it could have been worse. (she was also a T2 and with dementia). Her Encro had her placed in a study that paid for the medicine."

• Caligal
• January 15, 2021

"Hello, 55 yo female with osteporosis (-3.5) in my spine. Several vertebral fractures at 53 years. Still very active, youthful, but after healing, started Forteo and was on for 14 months. Beginning at 6 months, experienced leg cramping and stiffness in hips - to the point that at 14 months, could not easily go up or down stairs, hike, etc. it is just too debilitating. I made the decision to go off and try Tymlos now instead, another bone-building med, that's a sister to terapartide.... we'll see how it goes. Goal: finish the next 10 months to have 2 years of bone-building medication as directed by my MD. I have not had a bone density test since initial -3.5 score, so can't comment on effectiveness of either drug at this time. I'll update the review at 2 years after finishing Tymlos. I will need to follow with other osteo medication forever after. Thanks to others for sharing their experiences here to help inform my medical decisions /choices around this Osteo health issue."

• Mr Mi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2023

"At age 64 (male), I broke my hip (fragility fracture) and was prescribed Forteo. I also had a vitamin D deficiency. After 2 years, I saw a 30% increase in my T-score. I then went on Reclast and after 2 years saw a 20% reduction. The doctor wants me to look at the 10% net gain and continue on Reclast but I cannot afford another broken hip. I am now 68 years old and my endocrinologists says if I want I can do another 2 year course of Forteo. I will have to pay around $542 a month under my Part D Medicare. These are tough decisions to make and realize that what works for one may not work for another."

• Oskar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2016

"I began Forteo one month ago because I have a very very severe ostheoporosis I am in testosterone therapy . Four years ago I began but since the insurance did not cover that and was very expensive I had to quit Now last month my doctor said I needed it I am in 3.5!! I do not mind the injections they are ok, and for the side effects I have had none. Maybe later but I have been a month so far and nothing wrong has happened. I take my injection and no reaction. I have great hopes since I am 75 years old and at risk of spontaneous fracture So far I have manged to get the drug for next month, and I am working it out with the insurance (AARP) to see if they can helpr me Ir is extremely expensive... 2 500 a month and with the copayment 800"

• BadBo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 12, 2018

"I just finished 2 yrs of forteo injections. I gained NO bone density - very disappointing; however Dr. said "good that you didn't lose any more". Well, I had hoped for some gain........... it's a good thing I didn't have to pay for the drug or I'd be REALLY bummed out. I had no side effects. I am now leery of going on to the next recommended drug (prolia) as I do not have faith that any of these osteoporosis drugs do much good, and can cause bad side effects. I have friends who report almost no improvement in bones no matter what they take. I'm now trying a Rx supplement FosteumPlus, in hopes of maintaining current density without drugs."

• Jeanne
• April 11, 2018

"I was on this medication for 1 year. My physician prescribed due to my -4 Osteoporosis trying to make sure I wouldn't break a hip. No instead my teeth are falling out of my head. I would of taken my chances of a broke a hip. Please someone make this company own up to the facts. It sucked the calcium out of my teeth and jaws"

• Darlink
• September 8, 2017

"After one injection, 20 minutes later I was dizzy, nauseous and overall yucky. 4 hrs post injection my acid reflux was so bad, I could not sleep laying down. Next day have had such horrible diarrhea, I am down 3 pounds since the morning. I am not going to take another shot until all this subsides."

• melanie
• May 23, 2021

"I'm on Forteo for 2 months. Had side effects so taking it only 3 times a week. works really good I think. Pain in back is gone and feel more strength lifting things. Only problem is I'm throwing away 1/2 a bottle every month and it is an expensive drug!"

• Spakle
• March 14, 2017

"I had a spinal fusion surgery of T9-S1 just 8 weeks ago. I am a 62-year old female. Recovery was going well. 2 weeks ago, I was asked to start on Forteo. Within 8 days, I began to have knee pains and it is getting worse by the day, making me feel rather unsteady when I walk. Am also having slight dizziness and a constant mild headache. Am going to speak to my surgeon re stopping this medication."

• Vanessa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 7, 2016

"I am entering my 6th month with Forteo will be taking a bone density test next week 11/7/16 and then I can gauge any bone improvement. I am to have two surgeries Cervical #6 is too close to my spine and could cause nerve damage when they do a ten hour surgery on my lumbar with screws and a rod. I AM SCARED TO DEATH but I know it has to be repaired or I will be walking around like my cat "on all fours" I was horrified to discover I have scoliosis and my spine is leaning to the right. 5+ months on Forteo voice is now choppy and harder breathing. BoneDensity -1.5 I have now discovered that my left hand has extreme osteo issues, calluses growing in my bone marrow can cause fractures. ANY ADVICE IS WELCOME"

• LAM
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 18, 2018

"I took Forteo for 2 years, initially I thought I had avoided side affects, it took about 6 months for them to show up. I started to have flu like symptoms a few times a week that would last 3 to 4 hours generally in the afternoon. I would feel fevered, my throat would be sore with visibly redlines and would be very low energy. This lasted the remainder of the 2 years without any doctor recognizing the cause. Additionally in the last year I developed acid reflux which I had never had before. And after all that did not show much improvement in my osteoporosis. Definitely do not recommend it."