Forteo for Osteoporosis User Reviews (Page 5)

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

"I am entering my 6th month with Forteo. I 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. Bone density -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."

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

"I just finished 2 years of Forteo injections. I gained no bone density - very disappointing; however, the doctor 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 prescription supplement, FosteumPlus, in hopes of maintaining current density without drugs."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2021

"Went on for Forteo in October 2020 and have gained 40 pounds. I have now taken myself off of it. After reading the many articles about the belly fat and the thigh fat, most are saying they’re not gaining weight, they’re just getting the girth, but I’m getting girth and the weight! Is anyone else out here getting both girth and weight gain?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2018

"The injections did not bother me, painless and easy. I had broken vertebrae and a broken leg, was given Forteo as a last resort. After a few weeks, my hair fell out by the handfuls. I was devastated, as I had been so excited with the thought of getting my bones healthy again. But after 2 months of using the drug, I took myself off of it. The cost of the drug was not an issue for me, but the cost of losing all my hair was too much to handle. I will discuss this issue with my doctor on the 26th. Good luck to everyone battling the same issue."

• Cal...
• January 15, 2021

"55 yo female with osteoporosis (-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 teriparatide... 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 the effectiveness of either drug at this time. I'll update the review at 2 years after finishing Tymlos. I will need to follow up 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."

• Ros...
• July 8, 2021

"My first injection of Forteo (teriparatide) was a few days ago. It did not hurt at all and was easy to use. All went well, but after about ten minutes of injecting myself into my tummy, I suddenly felt the most excruciating pain in my lower back/spinal area. This was so severe it was very hard to take and also frightening. It went on for nearly fifteen minutes. I know I have read a lot of reviews where people get no symptoms. However, on looking on the internet, this side effect is well documented, with many people saying they have experienced it shortly after injection. So, this cannot be coincidence. I would like to know the reason for this and maintain that this should not be ignored. I would be happy to carry on taking it if someone could explain what is happening to cause this pain. This needs to be looked into. We should not be used as guinea pigs."

• Rgi...
• June 17, 2018

"With a -4.1 T score of the spine at age 50, I started Forteo injections. By the 4th day, I was vomiting and had constant palpitations. I tried every other day with no change, so had to stop altogether. My endocrinologist wants me to try Tymlos. Very similar drug, but hopefully will have less side effects for me."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 25, 2023

"This was the best thing that happened to my dad, who has severe osteoporosis and constantly falls. He had several fractures, but after 1 year on Forteo, he continues to fall but hasn't fractured anything."

• Spa...
• 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. I am also having slight dizziness and a constant mild headache. I am going to speak to my surgeon regarding stopping this medication."

• DGa...
• May 13, 2018

"I have been on Forteo for 5 months, and a Dexa showed at my age of 48 years old that my spine was -3.5, so they put me on this medication. I’ve noticed aches in my bones-legs, ankles, knees, and feet, but the biggest side effect is all my hair has stopped growing and is falling out. I will take a broken bone any day. Stopping this medication ASAP!!!!"

• ALI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2022

"My rheumatologist recommended Prolia. My GP suggested I try Forteo first. I injected Forteo daily for 5 months, then had a bone density test. My bone density had worsened dramatically, there was no improvement at all. Forteo is expensive in Australia, costing $399.00 per month and is not subsidized. I am furious at the waste of money and the complete confusion of my GP, who can't explain how I can go from osteopenia to osteoporotic in 5 months of using Forteo. For me, this drug, Forteo, was a complete waste of time and money."

• Nek...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2021

"I have been using Forteo for about two months. After two or three doses, I suddenly experienced sharp pain from the top of my spine to the bottom of my spine. I couldn't move because of the pain, so I sat still for about forty minutes. The pain slowly eased and finally disappeared completely. I have had a couple of other pain episodes in the lumbar area of my spine, but nothing as painful as the first episode. My question is: are these spinal episodes something for which I should be concerned, or is Forteo simply zeroing in on my particular orthopedic weakness, and should I continue to use this medication?"

• cun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2018

"I used Forteo for 3 months and had to stop due to the exorbitantly high copay. I lost my teeth and also had 2 vertebrae collapse. Fortunately, surgeons were able to do a kyphoplasty successfully, and I am still walking. As for Forteo, I really can’t say if it was beneficial or not. I do know the costs are outrageous. Inhumane!"

• Atl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2017

"I was prescribed Forteo because of early-onset osteoporosis plus a rare hereditary bone density disorder called Osteogenesis Imperfecta (O.I./brittle bone disease). At the time prescribed, I had a seriously broken arm that the doctor said would take 'a long time to heal,' but the Forteo sped up the process as predicted. I've only taken Forteo for 2 or 3 months but haven't had another fracture. If you don't have fantastic prescription insurance, then you need to skip Forteo because it costs approximately $3,500+ per month/per pen, and that's obviously well above 95% of people's budget! The medication was easy to use and to inject. I felt very little to no discomfort. Don't be intimidated by the glucose-blood-test-sized ultra-tiny needles."

• Nan...
• May 31, 2018

"I had the 2nd dose of Forteo and had pain at the injection site increasing in severity days 2-17; injections stopped after day 17 due to the severity of reactions. I developed pancreatitis, ulcer, acid reflux, constipation, vertigo. Another side effect I had was welts. On day 3, I developed a welt behind my ear. Day 4, a small welt at the injection site, which grew in size. Developed welts all over my back, which were highly painful and sensitive to any touch/stimulus. Along with welts, I began to develop hives all over my arms and trunk. Months later, even though the injections had stopped, I still had those reactions, even while on a variety of different prescribed hive remedies. Was diagnosed with chronic urticaria in April 2016, and am now on Levocetirizine - 2 pills/2x per day. Have tried tapering off, but have rash outbreaks within 2-5 days. Also had chronic joint pain, which has not gone away. Taking this drug caused worse results than Fosamax, Boniva, and several other meds that had to be discontinued because of severe muscle/joint pain."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2020

"I started Forteo in May of 2019. I have never experienced the side effects that have been noted. After approximately 6 months of use, I noticed that my back felt stronger. I have not had any back pain since I started this medication. Before doing so, I had episodic back spasms and a general sense of discomfort. Those symptoms went away with these injections. I fell recently on my left wrist and did not experience a break. It took about 10 days for the sprain to heal. This medication is well worth trying. My one-year bone scan was considerably better."

• mel...
• May 23, 2021

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

• 62...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2017

"I have only been on Forteo for 2.5 months and have been feeling nauseated, tired, and depressed. I have bumps growing on two of my fingers. I have osteoarthritis in my family but never had these bumps before starting this drug. I can tolerate the nausea, low energy, and impact on my sleep. I am worried about escalating symptoms of osteoarthritis and depression. The depression is making things far worse. I have broken my foot bones four times, and an arm once. I have been told to seek out homeopathic solutions in lieu of pharmaceuticals. Chelation, elderberry, increased K2, and calcium supplements would be my only alternative. Anyone have success with any of these?"

• sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2018

"I started on Forteo Jan 2018. Four days into the injections, I started hurting all over. My ankles, feet, legs, knees, and up the body. Keeping me up at night. During the day at work, I'm miserable. I'm hoping this comes to a stop soon!"

• Tam...
• February 8, 2018

"After completion of injections and getting a scan, my bone density did increase quite a bit. However, within 3 years, they reverted right back to where they were before the Forteo - even worse. I wouldn't recommend it for that reason."

• Bin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 15, 2018

"Second time on this website updating you all on my Forteo experience. Going on my second year now, still have stomach weight gain. My doctor says it has nothing to do with Forteo. I exercise every day, diet consists of water, a handful of Cheerios in the morning, no lunch, and 1/2 salad in the afternoon, that's it! I'm a male, 58 years old. My doctor is wrong all day long. My stomach weight gain won't stop, they won't acknowledge your side effect unless it's on Lilly's "list", period. Got depression, cramps, weight gain, etc., but the prescribing doctor can’t or just won't acknowledge anything. Forteo does its job though."

• jus...
• June 30, 2017

"I just started my Forteo. I am 49 years old. I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune pituitary disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Also asthma from childhood. I've been on steroids every day for 7 years, as well as other immunosuppressive drugs. I have osteoporosis of the lumbar spine, which I have been treated by a pain management doctor because orthopedic changes are significant and orthopedic is unable to help. The rheumatologist reinforced the necessity of treatment since there is no end to the need for steroids in the future. Shots are easy to give...simple step-by-step guide to assist at first. Knock on wood...no major negative effects at this point. Too early to know much, but I am very hopeful."

• For...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2017

"Due to the early onset of osteoporosis (I am 55), I decided to try Forteo at my GYN’s recommendation. My bone density tests were -4 in the lower back and wrist. It is very easy to use if you don’t mind daily injections, and it is pretty much painless. Insurance covered all but $4.00 with an Eli Lilly-sponsored prescription discount card given to me by the doctor prescribing it. However, I didn’t make it past six months on Forteo due to severe lower leg pain. Pain was severe enough that I had to quit. I also had extreme hair loss that started 3 months in. Might try Prolia next. Good luck to all."

• LAH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2022

"I was put on FORTEO in October of 2021. My spine surgeon will not operate on my C5 C6 cervical spinal stenosis until my bones are 'optimized.' After 5 months of daily injections, I just had another bone density exam. It showed no improvement whatsoever. I realize it is 'early days,' and I will have to continue. (My Right Total Femur was -3.00 and went down to -3.40.) I am terrified."

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 29, 2025

"Have been taking FORTEO for 18 months. Both hip and neck are now osteopenia (they were osteoporosis before starting FORTEO). Spine is still in osteoporosis but has raised from T4.1 to T3.3. Great positive outcome, but in my situation, the muscle cramps, aches, and weakness have continued the full 18 months. I am hoping once I stop the medicine (6 months to go), the aches/pains will subside too. Has anyone else continued with muscle cramps, etc. throughout their treatment?"