Evenity and Pain: What Users Say

• Hug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I am 68. I took my first Evenity shots in October 2022 and my last in December 2022. Since October, I have had dyspnea, dizziness, and lightheadedness. I can hardly be in a store for more than 10 minutes without feeling as if I will faint. Because of fatigue and weakness, household tasks are difficult. I move much more slowly. Now with dysphagia and anorexia, eating is difficult. Although never painful before, the joints in my hands, fingers, and toes are stiff and painful. Additionally, I developed cramping in those areas. The pain in my hips, upper thighs, neck, and shoulders is poorly responsive to all pain medications. There was an exacerbation of pain in several old areas of injury which had not been painful for decades. And now I have intermittent pain in my eyes and an annoying twitch in one that will not subside. After that first shot, it was as if someone flipped on a switch with all these symptoms. My concern is they will not go away for a long time, if ever. Evenity was a huge mistake!"

• Dog...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2022

For Osteoporosis "After the 6th injection, my GFR lab results fell from 97 to 55, indicating damage or issues with my kidneys. Vitamin D went from 87 to 155. I have been told by other doctors that 150 is a toxic level for vitamin D. I have had continued pain, kidney issues, lab results in several areas very erratic. I have had a difficult time getting the doctor to order lab tests. The doctor continues to tell me to hold on until the year is up. I think he is getting a payoff to keep patients on this drug, Evenity! I have scheduled a second opinion review with another doctor/endocrinologist and urologist. Will report back in a month or two. I do not recommend taking this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2023

For Osteoporosis "My numbers: -4.2 spine, -1.8 hips. Within a week of starting this drug, I had a gradual onset of pain in the groin, hip, and sacral joint in my right leg. This got progressively worse and by the end of the month, I was limping. After the 2nd month injection, the pain increased even more, with severe pain and stiffness in the hip, and I struggled to climb stairs until eventually, I could only put weight on my left leg. I have never had problems with my hips and was now struggling with the simple activities of daily life. I was horrified at the increasing loss of mobility and shocked at being encouraged to continue with this drug, as my endocrinologist said, 'it is building bone,' but what use is that if my mobility is so severely impaired? By my third injection, I was struggling to walk, and my treatment was discontinued. I have had a gradual improvement over 4 weeks and can now walk and climb stairs, but still currently have hip pain. I absolutely do not recommend this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2023

For Osteoporosis "My numbers: -4.2 spine, -1.8 hips. Within a week of starting this drug, I had a gradual onset of pain in the groin, hip, and sacral joint in my right leg. This got progressively worse and by the end of the month, I was limping. After the 2nd month injection, the pain increased even more, with severe pain and stiffness in the hip, and I struggled to climb stairs until eventually, I could only put weight on my left leg. I have never had problems with my hips and was now struggling with the simple activities of daily life. I was horrified at the increasing loss of mobility and shocked at being encouraged to continue with this drug, as my endocrinologist said, 'it is building bone,' but what use is that if my mobility is so severely impaired? By my third injection, I was struggling to walk, and my treatment was discontinued. I have had a gradual improvement over 4 weeks and can now walk and climb stairs, but still currently have hip pain. I absolutely do not recommend this drug."

• Shr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 10, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Just completed round #9 of 12 injections. Things potential patients should know: 1) The injections are painful...think cortisone joint injection painful, but not quite. 2) Expect post-injection swelling, sensitivity, itching, etc. 3) Expect to have some degree of generalized malaise in the days following your injections. After the first round, I, personally, felt like I had the flu...minus any fever, nausea, or vomiting. Severe headache and body aches. Subsequent injections brought similar after-effects, though to a somewhat lesser degree. With every visit, you are asked the same questions about your general health-any new/planned dental surgery (osteonecrosis of the jawbone), stroke/heart attack, serious illness, or infection which makes me more than a little concerned about the long-lasting negative impacts on my health. At my most recent visit with the doctor, he indicated the best bone density improvement will only be about 10%. In my opinion, that's not much considering all the pain and misery I feel while taking it."

• Bir...
• December 12, 2022

For Osteoporosis "I have completed 12 months. I'm in constant pain in my arms, legs, and groin. I have a hard time walking. I could walk and only had backups when I started. My body has changed, and I now have a big belly, even though I have not gained weight. All I can say is the DEXA scan better show improvement! I'm having it in January 2023. Very unhappy and on antidepressants."

• AGM...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 14, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I have taken 11 courses of Evenity thus far...and every time I have had pain/swelling/itching at the injection site, headaches, body aches, lethargy, and trouble sleeping in the days following the injection...though admittedly, the ill effects are not as severe now as in the early days of the treatment. However, I am concerned about the long-term after-effects, mostly issues with my teeth/jawbone. While I have been closely monitored by my dentist and all appears well thus far, it's still a worry. And too, the potential for bone build/improvement is minimal at best--10% according to my doctor. Seems like a lot of misery to go through for such a little bit of potential improvement. My doctor also recommended I move to another injectable medication once I finish with Evenity, but they ALL carry the same terrible potential risks, so I declined. I hope to have some bone density improvement, but honestly, I do not expect much."

• Sop...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Started Evenity April 2022. Stopped after 2 injections due to jaw pain and increased headaches. I have migraines, and after taking Evenity, my migraines increased in intensity and frequency by 70%. Started again last month, nearly a year later, and my migraines are increasing again. Also broke out in large, very painful canker sores 2 times on the roof of my mouth, which lasted 2 weeks, with flu-like symptoms and significant fatigue. Also dealing with neck pain every day. Will be discussing stopping Evenity this week."

• Mar...
• October 27, 2023

For Osteoporosis "Last August, I completed 12 months of Evenity treatment. I had very mild side effects only on the day after each series of shots, a mild headache and a little tired, injection sites (each arm) sore and tender for a week. But completely tolerable. After 2 spinal compression fractures and 3 years of Reclast, I welcomed each Evenity shot! No new fractures, so that’s worth celebrating! My endo also got me into a program that paid for the drug copays."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2023

For Osteoporosis "I just had my 8th injection. The injection pain for me is very mild. I have a long history of rheumatoid arthritis. I feel like after being on Evenity, my pain has increased. I have more pain in my groin, in my right leg and ankle, in my hip, and sacral area. My pelvic and sacral areas were both fractured about 13 months ago. I had been on steroids for the RA for many years, off and on. I do believe that is what caused the osteoporosis and a spontaneous fracture in my left leg. I am hoping all the pain subsides a bit when I finish the Evenity. I am going to do the 12 months."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 2, 2025

For Osteoporosis "I began Evenity injections in September. In October, I developed a UTI, LPR - a type of reflux, and painful sores on my tongue. During the last 8 months, I have had 4 UTIs, the LPR is being mildly managed, and after going to an oral surgeon, I learned that the tongue sores are lingual tonsils, which are part of the lymphatic system, and these eruptions indicate a possible viral or bacterial infection - since October. The lymph nodes in my neck enlarged. Two weeks ago, my GP did a complete CBC, and the results showed a viral or bacterial infection. Lymph nodes still swollen, and I developed a yeast infection. Yesterday, I had my 8th Evenity injection. About 10 hours later, my tongue has erupted in many angry blisters. Last month, I decided to quit the shots. My doctor says Evenity does not even kick in until after the 6th injection! I chose to continue, but now this. I'm looking for a doctor who can get to the bottom of this. I've had cancer 2 times, and I do worry that this infection could lead to something else."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2024

For Osteoporosis "I have been on Evenity since Dec 2023. Was good at first, then the 3rd injection had severe pain down my arm, upper chest, and shoulders. Lasted for a week. After that, not too many side effects, but did gain weight in my stomach and abdomen. Get a headache the next day after injections. Just had my 10th injection, and the pain in my arms, shoulders, and wrists came back, lasted for a week again. Has numerous fractures in my back, so I had to try this. Back feels much stronger though."

• wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 26, 2025

For Osteoporosis "I really didn't want to be on this drug; however, my last bone density scan (at age 70) showed significant adverse changes compared to the prior two years (-3.2 spine). This was despite taking Vitamin D, Calcium, doing Pilates, tennis, yogalates. I felt I had no choice but to go forward. I have now completed 12 months of injections (2 shots every 4 weeks). The first month or two, I felt tired and headachey the day of and the morning after the injections. However, for the most part, I am relieved to say that I had no side effects. I don't know my bone density yet as I'm not scheduled for another scan until next year. I had the injections in my stomach because I have a bit of fat there. The shots are somewhat painful, but taking them in the fat area of my stomach didn't cause too much pain. My doctor now wants me to start Reclast. He believes my bone density is improved but may regress without continued treatment. Cross fingers with Reclast."

• Inj...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 21, 2025

For Osteoporosis "I am 56 years old and post-menopausal - no hormone therapy of any kind. Symptoms of menopause were and are mild. I am very lucky. I take Veozah for the hot flashes only. First bone scan in June of 2024 showed signs of bone loss. I am thin and have always been very healthy. My doctor told me that I was a good candidate for Evenity. Use discount card. It did take a couple of months to get approved by my insurance. I started the monthly injection in August. Side effects include slight discomfort (two shots in the abdomen) at the injection site and a mild rash (raised and itchy) on my torso and back that lasts for a couple of weeks after the shots. It is bothersome but tolerable. I hope I can get through the series of 12 shots without anything further. Everyone is different, I don't like to take medication but understand sometimes we have to, but the side effects can be a big deterrent. I hope I don't have any additional side effects going forward. I will take Prolia to sustain the bone growth."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2025

For Osteoporosis "I am 63 and was on Prolia, which caused me pain. I switched to Evenity. I just had my third injection. Yes, the injections hurt, but if they warm up, it's not as bad. But after the 2nd and 3rd injection, I have developed a knot that is so painful in one arm. I can't lift either arm after injections for days. But I was wondering if anyone experiences the lower back pain with Evenity. I have had days where I couldn't move in the morning without excruciating pain. And I do experience headaches. Hoping when I get a Dexa, it shows improvement because what I am experiencing is not pleasant."

• Sel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 7, 2022

For Osteoporosis "Hip, thigh, and leg pain. Very brittle, peeling nails. Weight gain around abdomen and legs. Depressive mood. Heart palpitations and increased appetite."