Pharmaceutical companies are constantly trying to outdo each other and to come up with new patentable drugs for diseases that already have existing drug treatments.. A good example of this is teriparatide, or Forteo in the US (Forsteo abroad), a new class of osteoporosis drug known as anabolic agents. This daily injectable drug was approved by the FDA in 2002.
Forteo is an incomplete synthetic or man-made form of the human parathyroid hormone (PTH). You see, human PTH has 84 amino acid residues but teriparatide has only 34. Teriparatide has become the osteoporosis drug of choice mainly for patients who can’t tolerate bisphosphonates, have failed to improve with bisphosphonate therapy, or suffer from extreme bone loss.
As touted in the drug’s insert, Forteo “increases bone mineral density and bone strength.”
Many unanswered questions
But the puzzling catch with Forteo is that the way in which it works remains a mystery. This is openly acknowledged by its maker, pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company. As explained in the drug’s brochure, “the role of PTH in control of bone mass is still not really understood” and that “intermittent spikes of PTH, such as given by daily injection, will cause more increase in bone formation than in bone resorption… This has been shown in rats.”
Unfortunately, what has also been shown in rats is the development of osteosarcoma, a lethal bone cancer caused by an abnormal proliferation of osteoblasts or bone-forming cells. Below, I quote again from Eli Lilly’s pamphlet (http://pi.lilly.com/us/forteo-medguide.pdf):
“During the drug testing process, the medicine in Forteo caused some rats to develop a bone cancer called osteosarcoma. In people, osteosarcoma is a serious but rare cancer. Osteosarcoma has been reported rarely in people who took Forteo. It is not known if people who take Forteo have a higher chance of getting osteosarcoma.”
Because of this serious side effect risk, Forteo is prescribed for a maximum of two years. This is as close as one can get to playing Russian roulette! Who would trade a potential fracture for the awful risk of acquiring a lethal cancer? And as if this were not enough, teriparatide has a long list of nasty side effects such as joint and chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, esophageal problems, nausea, and vomiting. Plus having to inject oneself subcutaneously each and every day is most certainly no picnic.
Exorbitant price tag leads to exorbitant profits
The unanswered questions don’t seem to hamper Forteo’s skyrocketing success. According to drug-industry analysts, an estimated 600,000 prescriptions were written in 2005, which generated more than $350 million in revenues. And in 2008, Eli Lilly reported $778 million in sales. (http://newsroom.lilly.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?releaseid=362195).
Indeed, the future looks bright for Forteo. As predicted by Pharmacor’s June 2009 osteoporosis report, by 2018 Forteo sales may reach close to the $2 billion mark.
One easy way to explain these numbers is Forteo’s exorbitant price tag. It costs nearly eight times as much as bisphosphonates, running up a tab of about $6,700 a year. That’s a pretty high cost for a drug whose mechanism is not even remotely understood!
Doctors ignore ignorance?
Another puzzling aspect of this drug is that while doctors openly admit their ignorance regarding how it works, they choose to prescribe it anyway.
Dr. Roberto Pacifici, head of the division of endocrinology at Emory University School of Medicine, comments that “…how intermittent treatment (with teriparatide) works has remained a mystery”. (http://whsc.emory.edu/home/news/releases/2009/09/bone-building-hormone.html).
This is clearly a rather unusual and perplexing situation to say the least.
And it sounds like a job for Agent 4T0…
Mission: Impossible
Remember the TV series with this name? I used to be a big fan of Mission: Impossible. Each episode began with secret recorded instructions to the brave agents describing a very complex and often dangerous mission. The agents could decide whether to accept the mission or not. Of course, the fearless members of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) never walked away and in the end, always succeeded. But here’s what happens when a reluctant osteoporosis drug is the agent chosen for the mission… Read my Mission: Impossible spoof below:
“Good morning, Mr. Paratide. Your mission, should you decide to accept it, comes from the top boss, Big P.”
“You can call me Terry… What is my mission?”
“First, from now on your new name is Agent 4T0. Your mission is to strengthen this patient’s bones and report back to us detailing exactly what you did. And you have to report back to us fast, 4T0. Time is running out.”
“Well, I may be able to strengthen the bones, but I have no idea of what I’m doing! Big P knows that we’ve been trying to find out without success. I need written instructions!”
“You’re the ACTIVE INGREDIENT, for crying out loud! Plus Big P has given you a team of helpers…”
“What… you mean the Inactive Ingredients? I don’t see how glacial acetic acid, sodium acetate, mannitol, metacresol, and hydrochloric acid can help me. They’re INACTIVE, remember?”
“Stop acting like a coward, 4T0. Here’s a little secret for you: metacresol is highly flammable and poisonous – even lethal in the right dose. It can help you solve this mystery if anyone gets in your way. So get creative and solve it once and for all.”
“I’m not a fighter! I’m just a synthetic wannabe, I don’t know what to say…”
“Remember our motto: Ignorance is Strength. You don’t have to know anything… nobody has to know anything… that’s our strength, 4T0. Big P’s survival depends on ignorance. Just invent something and Big P will make sure that everyone will take our word for it.”
“Yes, I know that’s the way we’ve been operating in the past, but now people are waking up real fast…Why me, why me?”
“This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.”
“Oh, nooooooo!”
So there you have it.
Were you prescribed Forteo? Even if you weren’t, please share your experiences, thoughts, and comments with the community below.
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January 28, 2012
I have taken Forteo for 4 months but have decided to stop due to knee and hip pain. Previously I took Fosamax for about 5 years and fell down steps and broke my femur and hip in two places (this was 4 years ago)
I do not believe the Fosamax helped me. I have been fearful of this Forteo causing cancer however the assistant at the Bone Research Center said not to worry — my body not hers!!! I will just try to excerise and eat properly. I am 74 and recovered completelly from the fall so figure that I am not too bad off.
January 25, 2012
My mom is in the hospital because of high calcium levels, low potassium levels and kidney problems. Newest drug she has been taking is forteo. Symptoms she was having loss of appetite, weakness, falls, confusion, tiredness, wobbly knees ect. My guess is that forteo along with high doses of calcium prescribed by her md have made her sick. We take medications for granted and are not careful enough to monitor what we are taking and how we feel. Listen to your body and trust your common sense. If it doesn’t feel right it probably isnt.
January 26, 2012
I have been taking Forteo for 2 years…just completed the 2 yr program yesterday. The only side affects were very, very minor muscle pain for a few seconds at a time, once or twice a week. NO other side affects. I cant wait for my next bone density test
January 23, 2012
I have now been on Forteo for 3 weeks. I have noticed my heart starts beating fast for a hour or two after the shot. My biggest issue is my feet hurt so bad it’s hard to walk. I thought the side effects were to go away not get worse…after reading all your comments I think I’m going off of the Forteo. Oh and my nose will NOT stop running since I started the shots and now I’ve had 2 nose bleeds…don’t know if it’s due to the shots but not going to chance it…Thanks
January 19, 2012
My husband used the Forteo shots for two years. He has now been off of it for about a year and a half. It helped him build up the bone that he had lost and was quite successful. His problem is now though – starting two years ago he had pain in his ligiments in his arms. Then he started having problems with the ligiments in his feet. All of this was basically unexplained pain – he has been undergoing every test out there and many treatments but no one can get to the bottom of this. He now has developed problems in his shoulder and his shin area on one leg. He has a small bone growth on his right shoulder. No doctor has been able to explain any of this yet. I have been doing all kinds of research into some ligament disease or something but have not, until tonight, began looking into the use of Forteo. I will be bringing this up to his doc to look into further. Thanks for all of the former comments – they have helped.
January 19, 2012
I just finished reading all the letters condemning Forteo.I am 83, years old and have been giving myself Forteo shots daily for 15 months since November 4, 2010. I have had no problems or complaints except early morning leg cramps ,sometimes, until I get out of bed.
They said originally that I have numerous fractures along my spine. I feel great with no other problems.
I don’t know if this is helping, but I am doing it anyway. Hope I am not sorry. Nothing bad yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 19, 2012
I have been prescribed Forteo and the side effects have been depression, achey body beyond my “normal” Fibro pain, more fatigue than “normal”.
Without insurance it would not be close to affordable.
I have made a decision for me to stop the Forteo and have begun a natural regimen to build bone mass. Feel almost like me again.
January 9, 2012
Forteo is a giant scam perpetrated by the drug company! The prescribing doctor gets a huge payoff for every month his patient is on it! It should be obvious to everyone reading this blog that this drug does absolutely nothing but cause misery for whoever dares to use it! DON’T USE IT PEOPLE! GET YOURSELF TO THE GYM AND START EATING PROPERLY!
January 12, 2012
How do you know the doctor gets a “payout”; Does anyone know if this is true????
January 8, 2012
I waited 2 years for Forteo to get out of trials and become available for use because my bone density was so bad and none of the biphosphonates had worked,even though I had taken them for about 7 years! I exercised ate well, took bio identical hormones,gained an exta 10 lbs.as suggested by my Dr.,never smoked nor drank. I was a model patient with rotten bones.
I tried the drug and got so nauseous with the first injection. I tried 2 other times and could not tolerate the drug. I called Eli Lilly and asked if I could take a half dose,thinking it was too large of a dose for a 105 lb person. They said “no”. The only bone growth was seen with this one dosage and chances were,I would get no positive results with a lesser dosage. I finally discontinued the drug. I am now trying the Save our Bones suggestions,with no support from my Dr. I figure I have nothing to loose,but what is left of my bones. I hope it works!
January 8, 2012
I have osteoporosis and multiple vertebra compression fractures, esp L4. I took Forteo by injection for nearly 3 weeks when my body blew up with excess water (edema)and rash. I could not fit into my clothes or shoes. I voluntarily discontinued it. After discontinuing the Forteo, the edema and rash left, except some of the edema settled into my left leg which developed big blisters that progressed into cellulitis and put me in the hospital for ten days. My doc said it couldn’t be a reaction to Forteo because edema was not listed as a side effect in the Eli Lilly literature! (I got myself a new doc). I read up on Eli Lilly’s methods of research trials and was shocked; also, Lilly’s relationship w/FDA. So, I’m now doing more research for myself and am happy to find this site. I’m scheduled for back surgery soon so want to fortify myself for that.
December 19, 2011
I just finished the required 2 years of treatment of Forteo. I didn’t suffer any side effects, but then I had back and some leg pain before I even started the drug so who’s to say. My density tests were so bad the doctor said it was probably the best bet. Well after 2 years my density remains the same. He told me it did help because I didn’t get any worse.
Now I am pondering my next step. The doctor said all the exercise and diet changes will not reverse my condition. I am sure you know his next
recommendation – those horrid shots or pills.
November 10, 2011
I had severe osteoporosis diagnosed in 2001, and my T-score for a man was -5.2. The doctor at the time prescribed Fosamax for a year and then Actonel, which I remained on for 4 years. My t-score never got better than -4.7, so they then put me on Forteo, and after 7 months, my T-score was back to -5.2, and I was having side effects as joint pain. I stopped using this, and had an appointment with an Alt. Medicine MD who prescribed natural products and monitored me month to month. After one year, my bone density increased by 19% and in my second year of natural treatments I had a t-score of -3.8 and I was feeling much, much better. I’m very thankful to that doctor for getting me on the right path to make my bone stronger, and I continue to see him at least 4 times a year. I’m very sorry I ever went on Fosamax/Actonel, but am very glad I stopped Forteo after 7 months…….this is a very dangerous drug and only made me worse. Thank you. Rob D.
January 17, 2012
Who was the doctor I need his help
November 23, 2011
I STOPPED FORTEO AFTER 2 TIMES AND THE PRESCRIBING DOCTOR TOLD ME I WAS GOING TO DIE!!!!!SHE IS THE IDIOT AND I NEVER WENT BACK TO HER, AND I NEVER WILL TAKE ANY MEDS FOR MY BONES..FOLLOWING YOUR ADVICE, I CHANGED MY DIET, I HAVE ELIMINATED MEAT, BUT I EAT CHICKEN AND FISH,AND VEGGIES..SUPRISE MY CHOLESTOL WAS FINE AND ALL BLOOD WORK SHOWED UP JUST FINE( FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER) AT ALMOST 83 I AM DELIGHTED WITH EATING WELL, ENJOY THE APPLE AND CUCUMBER FOR LUNCH. GOT BARLEY(HULLED)FLAKES. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP. AFTER BREAKING MY BACK TWICE IN A YEAR I AM DOUBLY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR GOOD ADVICE…MAXINE
November 28, 2011
I detect a similar thread here. Are the doctors using a new tactic by intimidating patients who don’t want forteo??
October 30, 2011
I started taking Fortero about 3 months ago and have experience joint pain although I don’t know if it is caused by the medication. Anyone else with this problem????
October 27, 2011
Thanks for continuing to educate us on these drugs.
October 26, 2011
I have been on Forteo for apx. 1 1/2 months. So much hip & back pain. I had to stop for a day or 2 then try & re-start it again. Pain so bad I am using ice packs to reduce pain & walk. I was told by my bone scan & Dr. I have osteoperosis, so decided to try this drug. Hope I can continue it, but not at all sure I can tolerate this pain. At one point I was unable to even bend over. After being asleep one evening , I got out of bed & WOW, could not even stand up. all bent over & holding on to wall & furniture to get around. NOT good!! I may go back to Fosomax, but it didn’t help much either I’m told. Not knowing what to do. OMG what a mess!!!!
November 17, 2011
One week on Forteo and I had severe headaches, worse bone & joint pain. Within 5 months prior to being put on Forteo I was told I had a bone marrow disease. No dr in this town will explore this on Medicare. Between 12/10 & 5/11 I had 3 new fractures, T9, T6, L4 & sudden spurs, bursitis in hips. 3 days after quitting Forteo developed lung problems, can barely breathe. I am scared! I have had fibromyalgia for 40 years, but managed until now. Afraid I am dying. During time of fractures ER never told me I had fractures. I went & got my own records 6/6/11 and nearly passed out info never given me. I just turned 60, this happened when 59 hrs old. Is there help out there?
October 23, 2011
I am taking Forteo and seemingly do not have any side effects but after reading about it, I am scared. It seems to do very little to help the bones and the long term effects are not
known.
October 25, 2011
How long have you been on Forteo with no side effects ?
October 20, 2011
I was prescribed Forteo today because I had a compresion fracture at T-12 recently. After researching the medicine and reading all of these comments I have definitly decided not to take Forteo.
Thank you Vivian and Thank you all for your valued comments !!!!
October 17, 2011
I am 55, have severe osteo, -5.75 and am taking forteo. In the first 3 months, no side effects, now I am having leg and knee pain, which sometimes makes it difficult to walk. My doctor is excited about the forteo, but my mother’s bone dr is not impressed with it, he didn’t say why. The question I ask myself is “is it going to be worth the pain and will it go away after taking it.” Really, how much do they know about forteo?
October 16, 2011
I have been doing the forteo injections since July 2011. My back has become very weak & shakey. I asked my Dr. if he thought forteo
could be causing this. He didn’t think it was.
My legs on the outside below the hip have pain
What do you suggest?
October 15, 2011
Hi Vivian, I’m a 52 year old male with severe osteoporosis. The doctor put me on Forteo and my body could only tolerate it for one week. I also have Psoriatic Arthritis and Forteo not only increased my inflamation in my body, but also caused severe bone pain as well as severe weakness (I could not even open up our garage door handle when turning it) which was really scarry. I have gotten off Forteo and reported the side effects. I’m back to Calcium and trying to follow somewhat your diet (even though I don’t have your book? but I do research on Google etc. Thank you!
October 9, 2011
I had a broken femur-thank you Fosomax.
After intense physical therapy combined with a bone stimulator,the bone grew back.
If the bone grew with the bone stimulator, isn’t that the same result as using Forteo.
October 6, 2011
Vivian-
I ound this info on Forteo very interesting.
I have been thinking about Prolia. Can you offer some thoughts?
October 6, 2011
I reviewed Prolia in this blog post, Ruth:
http://saveourbones.com/prolia-denosumab-review/
October 6, 2011
Today another study about the synthetic hormone DES came out.by Marilynn Marchione.This was given to women from the 1940′s until 1971 when the US gov’t stopped it’s usage. Now in 2011 they are finding that not only did it affect those women, but their daughters AND sons, and they are now ondering about a third generation.
So about Prolia-Why even consider it? And Forteo? The same why even consider it when no-one knows for sure what the actual results will be. Or do the companies involved not worry because if given to people of a certain age they might be dead anyways within those 70 years it takes to learn the final results.
September 12, 2011
I am 81 yr old. I had hyperthyroidism which caused bone loss. Had surgery and calcium level returned to normal, but bone density test showed osteoporosis. Dr gave me Fosamax, which caused lots of joint pain particularly in the lower jaw. My teeth hurt so bad I went to the dentist who told me there was nothing wrong with my teeth, the pain was from the Fosamax.
My Dr then recommended Reclast. I researched these drugs on the web and the results scared the #$&% out of me. I refused to take any more of these drugs. Ref: “First do no harm”.
I am now trying the natural way and awaiting my next bone scan.
September 6, 2011
I was given Fortero, in its early stages of human use.. Took daily for a period of one year.. At the time i had osteopina ( I was mid 40′s) ..I cannot take oral meds for osteo as the joint pain is unbearable.. My latest dexa was very bad.. again , i was told to take fosomax..I am now 58.. I have been researching and noted ( also mentioned this to my MD) there is a very real link between SSRI (used for depression) and osteoporosis. Something i was on for years..Any of those on here also long term antidepressant users?? Just curious
November 17, 2011
Yes, I believe there is a link. I was on Doxepin for almost 13years and it never worked. Never considered possible connection. Within 3 days of stopping one week of Forteo, I have pneumonia.
November 17, 2011
I have just been cut off this website 4 times. I have something to say about Forteo. It almost killed me.
September 5, 2011
i took the whole 18 months because i have autoimmune of the liver and take steriods every day of my life. after the shots and 10 years of steriods the scans have barely changed
September 3, 2011
I have good insurance, 4to is willing to cover the rest of the bill, 20%, how generous, not going yo happen, rather break a bone first.
I am 58 year old woman, not a guinea pig.
Bone Cancer, wake up people, do your research.
Going horseback riding now.
Cal., Mag., Vit D,2ooo iu, Vit K, Boron, Phosphorus,Xercise ladies, weights.
I am not a 4to Poster Girl!
September 7, 2011
My world renowned osteo doc wanted me to take it:I became suspicious when the FORTEO company called.Told clerk I wanted to speak to nurse: Forteo had their nurse call who basically told me to read pg 67 re my concern!!
Continued to have more follow up call: they had already checked with MY insurance!
My doc had prescribed it!
Continued to have more calls from them.Received pack of info from them with black box warning!!
How many drugs have that?
Spoke to 2 othopaedic surgeons who weren’t impressed with forteo
Spoke with 3 researchers involved in metabolic bone research!
Not impressed they said.
Checked the references of docs my doc suggested-they are the ones the osteo foundation always quotes!
Final decision: all these docs seem to be doing research and using the patients as their results!
Everyone basically is a guinea pig!
Final decision: fuggedaboudit!!!
August 29, 2011
I was prescribe Forteo and I only lasted 3 weeks because it was making me throw up and gave me major neck and headaches. My friends could tell I was on a major high. I walked around like a zombie. It was the most horrible drug I’ve ever taken.
August 23, 2011
I am so thankful that my doctor told me to increase my exercise (walking for hips)and increase the amount of vitamin D3 that I am taking. He said that it is better to start to rebuild bone if possible than to take osteoporosis drugs. I am 61 years old and taking my bone health into my own hands with my doctor’s blessing. I should mention that I am a veteran and in the VA medical system.
January 27, 2012
I just want to say——–if any of you read the commits from the ones that are taking the drugs osteoporosis are suffering more than the ones that treat their own self with good eating, exercise, and caring about yourself. If I didn’t have my family I would fell like I have nothing to live for, but I do and that is what I do. I have been eating better, trying to exercise more and enjoy not hurting. I decided when I was told I had advanced osteoporosis and advanced scolosis that I wouldn’t that the regular medication and try a healthy way. So far so good !!! But I have to admit I am taking a medication for this: Calcitonin-salmon nosespray. Don’t have any side effects that I can tell. This is a treatment they use to give for pain. I take maybe 3 pills a week but it is when I have been up overdoing. I wouldn’t tell anyone to stop taking their meds and try this or to do that. I am just saying what seems to work for me. I was reading and reading , all of these letter just say how bad Forteo is for them. I believe the Doctors get a cut by writing Rx for these drugs. I know I use to get free samples my doctor had from the drug companies and then they stopped and the medicine went generic. I pray for all of your pain you are going thru and wish I could pray it all away. God Bless you and may you days get better. nannywiz
August 23, 2011
I used Forteo daily for two years and still had more bone loss when I was finished! I have SEVERE osteoporosis…all the docs in the practice said they had never seen such severe bone loss as measured by a Dexascan…I can’t tolerate the oral medications, so Forteo was prescribed. I had high hopes, but two years later, the Dexascan was worse!
August 15, 2011
I have osteoporosis. I had a vitamind deficiency, I think from birth. I always had cavities but still have all my teeth after many root canals and caps. I take vitamind 5000 a day. The Dr prescribed Evista no good/ side effects. I have tried fosamax but Dr thinks Forteo is the answer. After reading these comments (didn’t know about cancer risk) I do not want to try, My mother recently died at 95 after taking fosamax for yers. My sister presently takes Fosamax. She is73 and I am 68. I am looking for toothpaste without chemicals. I have found Edgar Cayce remedies wonderful so will see there for toothpaste. I have taken calcium supplements forever and have been told I have calcium deposits on my brain.
August 12, 2011
In medicine, there is a saying and it goes like this: First, do no harm.
It seems to me that with all the risks of these medications (i.e., that they could do much harm), doctors would be a bit more cautious in prescribing them. Of course, we all know how drug company representatives push the doctors to prescribe their drugs.
I was on Foreto for nearly 4-1/2 months and felt lousy. Every joint in my body ached, every muscle ached and got weaker by the day, I had an ongoing headache, and soon, I was actually walking in my own home – with a cane! I had reported this to the doctor and at first the nurse claimed it couldn’t be from Forteo because I had taken it for all that time. Well, I finally stopped taking it and guess what? The aches and pains went away within a week of not taking it. This cannot be a coincidence.
I was told I had bad osteoporosis in August of 2008. I was put on Fosomax, then Actonal. These did not totally agree with me, and I was told that they do NOT build bone, only strengthens the bone you already have. Forteo builds bone. Great, except for me it also caused me so much pain and weakness that it nearly drove me crazy! This is a good trade off? This is doing no harm?
These days there’s a medication for everything under the sun. Yes, even erectile dysfunction and low libido. We are awash in a sea of drugs in this country. I am not against all medications, however if the cure is worse than the condition it’s supposed to help, what’s the point?
August 13, 2011
Thank goodness that here are some physicians who truly care for the good outcome of their patients health but it does give pause for thought. Most of my Dr.s push whatever pills are on the market and I feel like a ingrate when I complain and tell them I don’t want to take the drugs. They get indignant adamantly saying I NEED them or my bones will break.
Makes me boiling mad and wish that Congress or whomever would look into investigating value/worth of such drugs against Cancer, etc.
August 6, 2011
Some time ago I asked about the name of an ideal calcium supplement. Please comment about curent statements that calcium supplements cause serious health conditions.
Thanks
August 3, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed, and learned a lot by reading the letters and comments. Thank you!
August 3, 2011
Hi
I will never take a prescription drug ever again after my doctor put Mr on naproxen for a prolasped disc
September 3, 2011
Naproxen caused my osteoprosis at a early age of 58
Compression fracture T12
If only i had resarched it 20 years ago,
October 22, 2011
Early age of 58?!
I’m a 30yro Male who’s been fighting and living with osteoporosis and vertibrael fractures yearly since i was 18
July 30, 2011
I want to know of a natural to build bone density.
July 24, 2011
I have been on forteo for 2 months. I had a fractured vertebre and all the tests proved I had a severe case of osteoporosis. They did a plasty for my fracture. I don’t really know how this will go with the forteo but I haven’t seem to have any side effects that I can recognize as yet. I do experience pain around my waist and lower back. When I lay down in bed at night I experience bad pain at first and then as I relax the pain subsides but if I move or try to lay on my side it hurts. Well I enjoy reading what others are experiencing. I shocked by all this because Im 59 years young and have never had anything like this to ever happen. I’ve always been healthy and then this. Not complaining, just surprised. It could be worst.
June 24, 2011
Hi Vivian, this is an excellent article, I was prescribed Forteo two years back, I did my research and decided not to take it…as you said, I am not going to risk to have bone cancer because of the possibility of getting a fracture in the future, maybe will never happen. Besides my osteoporosis problem I have always been a very healthy woman, I am 56 years now…I prefer to live less years than to submitt myself to all these drugs that who knows what can bring me in the future. Keep up the good word educating people, we usually believe what doctors say without questioning and there is a lot of $$$$$$$$$ behind all these drugs.
May 24, 2011
I’ve been on Forteo for four months. I have had an occasional headache, upset stomach, etc., but I cannot say that Forteo caused them. I have also been on an alkaline diet for three months yet find that eating the same foods can cause opposite pH results in my urine tests. My judgement is that there is not enough science to support the alkaline hypothesis and that there may be a psychosomatic effect with those using Forteo.
July 18, 2011
Hi John! I have had osteoperosis for 9 1/2 years. I took fosomax for 9 months and acquird GERD. To this day, I have problems with my vocal cords and voice. For the last 8 1/2 years I have taken a high dose of Calcium Citrate w/Vitamin D. Last week my Osteoperosis Specialist recommened I take Forteo. I am so afraid to to any pharmacutical drugs due to the side effects. I know we are individuals and are affected by drugs in different ways. I wish I knew what to do! Any advise would be appreciated.
September 3, 2011
Don’t do it
May 22, 2011
I have been taking forteo since aug 2010 and prev from aug to nov 2009.
stopped because gave me more pain in back and all leg joints, I also have RA and asked if that could effect that condition, they said no.Dex scan was low so decided to try Forteo again, same situation, but kept taking it. I am still having pain and wondering if the drug can grow bone where I don’t want it, my fingers for example. My back is still painful at times, next bone scan is Sept, I have to get off of it then and now fearful of reclast, I have taken fosamax, actinel, daiky, then weekly and then monthly. Have also taken calcitonin nasal spray, all of this for 12 years. Have had 3 fractured vet in back and then bone glue,,,was 5-7, now 5-4, WHERE DO I GO NOW//////. i THINK FORTEO HAS NOT HELPED ME
HELP
KIP
May 12, 2011
I am 59 years old and have severe osteoporosis brought on by a hyperparathyroid ten yers ago. My specialist wants me to start taking Forteo for two years. Because I am still working, it is probable that I could get most of the cost covered. I am still researching and evaluating, but I must say that this drug terrifies me.
May 19, 2011
I was on Forteo for 2 years and was extremely compliant. The only side effect I had was some weight gain at the very first and I have still not gotten it back off. It was approximately 8 pounds. I had my DEXA scan yesterday after having completed the Forteo. I had excellent results, in fact my doctor who is over the Osteoporosis Clinic at a very well known clinic said it was the best results she had ever seen. I had severe osteoporosis and now am considered to have osteopenia. Because I take hormones, I will not go to another osteoporosis drug treatment. I am to go back in one year to reevaulate and take another DEXA scan to see if things are going the same. (she said the hormones I am taking is a bone stabilizer). Please research this and consider taking this drug. I am so pleased that I did, because my doctor said that previouslyI was a big risk for fractures which I had in the past. I am very excited.
February 9, 2011
I took foteo for 2 weeks had a 24 hour a day killer headache and exteme bone pain especially in the thigh bones.
February 1, 2011
Dear Vivian,
Thank you very much for your great information, I have learned a lot. I love you very much,I will say like our Queen, Long live Vivian so that many more people you can help.
love,
Juvy
January 31, 2011
I have taken Forteo daily for a year and a half and have had no side effects. I had taken Actonel for years and then Fosamax and then a generic Fosamax. The generic one caused lots of gas and was making for some difficulties at work, as you can imagine. My bones continued to deteriorate during these many years, instead of improve — even though I went regularly to the gym and watched to include a bone-healthy diet. I looked for something else and Forteo is what they came up with. I will stop at the two year point. I just had a bone density test (after the 1 1/2 yrs. on Forteo injections) and the osteoporosis in my hips has improved somewhat for the first time since I began trying to treat it. I hope I don’t get bone cancer. So far, so good. Forteo is difficult to travel with. Otherwise it is not a problem. Good luck everyone!
July 18, 2011
Dear June! I am very afraid to take Forteo!!! My doctor recommended this RX as well. What type of hormone are you taking that stabalizes your bones, if I may ask? Your assistance is appreciated. Thank you! Congratuations on your positive results.
January 27, 2011
First of all I would like to introduce a CONTROVERSIAL topic. What if these DEXA scan machines are rigged to give these Hazard indications on most scans???? Just a question.
Doctors seem to be telling almost every single person writing, whether following a healthy lifestyle or not, that they are just about to collapse like a shattered pane of glass.
Furher, Vivian, won’t you write something about the benefits of taking silica as a supplement extracted from horsetail. From what I’ve read, it helps the body to absorb bone-building minerals like calcium, magnesium and others better.
Kind regards
Johanita
September 3, 2011
I am suspicious as well.
January 3, 2011
Can you tell me about Miacalcin as I never see anything about it. I could not take any of the other medication and my Dr. says it is not very good but better than nothing.
Thanks,
Blanche
December 15, 2010
Just saw the Rheumatologist 2 days ago. I have refused Fosamaz, Fosavan, Methotrexate/
Sulfasalazine,. The latter caused me to fall and brake a colorbone,fell again and broke a finger. 5 falls in less than one month.I went off this drug also about 1 month ago also. She said it was the RA. that caused the falls not the drug?
She now wants me to start Leflunomide(Arava- a “cousin”to Fosamax) What am I?An experiment! I am hoping someone can inform me of Traumeel,which I am now taking untill I can see my holistic doctor in Toronto,Ontario?
Love this website,because you know, you are not alone.
Thank you,
Heidi.
December 9, 2010
I am in need of a drug now for my osteoporosis and Forteo was one that has been suggested. I have been questioning the Drs. and they are
furious with me as they do not want to be questioned. They just want you to say yes you will take the drug of their choice. Forteo or
Evista and I have said NO to both. I took
Fosamax for 2 years and it did a reversal on me.
November 22, 2010
Hi Vivian; Never knew a persistent cough could
be a side effect of the bone drugs. Perhaps
that is where mine came from! Always some new
information from your emails and these
comments. Louise
November 13, 2010
After reading all that literature on Forteo, I refuse to take any of those drugs….I learned the hard way when I took Boniva for 2 months and suffered knee and leg problems…my doctor wanted me to go on a different medication, but I refused…that being said, he is not happy with me. Vivian’s program is my saving grace.
Nothing like doing things the natural way. Doctors should experiment on themselves before passing on the poison to others!!
August 3, 2011
Here here I agree with you, if the doctors took it and got the side effects they’d know what patients are telling them , don’t give them to me !!!!
November 11, 2010
I am a70 year old women with a muscel diese called polymyositis ,have osteoporisis, ws on Fosamax for 4 years then went on boniva for 4 years. Bone Density real bad. Had stress fracture insept 2009, broke angle june 2010, heart attack July 2010. Dr. wnts me to take forteo but I’m scared of side effects.Also the drug called Prolia was a possability but afraid of that to. I have refused and Dr. not happy,so Ibought your book and have been following your suggetions, I eat healthy and belong to a gym and exercise regulary. I feel good and take calcium +D, omega 3, b12,multi vit, I hope I will improve my bone density.
November 11, 2010
Good for you, Jane! You’ve taken your health into your own hands and are on the right track.
November 7, 2010
My husband was percribed Forteo. He has been on Fosamax for three years and had a follow up bone scan. Our dr. said his bones loss was about the same or worse and gave him Forteo.
Now he gave him this drug without any warning of the side effects, and of course my husband is one of those who does what the dr says – started injecting himself.
I on the other hand read and what I read scared me to death of this drug. We started researching and even called Lilly wanting to know just how many cases of cancer had been reported and if you did not take the drug for the full two years, what benifits were or were not seen. Lilly was not helpful – but we did come accross several reports.
Seem the FDA approved this drug conditionally – as they stopped the testing on humans before the two years was up because of the cancer possiblity (50% of the rates got cancer) so they want everybody taking the drug to be in a program where they can moniter your progress.
We also found a report where 76% of women had some bone gain but only 26% of men, and all of them loss there gain once they stopped Forteo.
Even while taking Forteo, maxium bone gain is at about 4 months then you again start to lose bone mass.
Just not worth the risk. Break a bone or die of cancer
March 16, 2011
For the record my experience with Forteo was quite the opposite, and was in fact, in line with what Lilly’s clinical testing had shown: bone density improved markedly for both years, and CONTINUED to improve for at least the next year. Measured density improvement was about double the best bisphophonates like Fosamax can achieve, and I’m an expert veteran there. I also had no noticeable side effects.
I’m a 58-year old male who was diagnosed with borderline osteoporosis at age 43, apparently due to a life-long excretion of too much calcium in my urine of idiopathic (unknown and undiagnosable) origin. My doctor was the leading bone endocrinologist at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles who did what he knew: he started me on bisphophonates. After a year I went on to Fosamax, which had just been approved, and took it for at least 5 years, at which point the “density gain” plateaued and I switched to Forteo. After 2 years of that back to Fosamax.
Until last year when I suffered a stress fracture in my foot, which is probably due to the way bisphophonates work. So now I’m off everything but plenty of calcium citrate, magnesium, and Vitamin K2 on top of a good diet and exercise. My bones may measure more dense, but now we know the truth. Even my current endocrinologist at Cedars acknowledges this.
August 10, 2011
I was just curious, how much calcium citrate do you take daily? I was told I should be on Forteo, too and I refused. Now my doctor is extremely upset with me(?)and I will not go back to her. I would like to just take calcium and look into the more natural way of helping myself. I’m just not sure of the dosage and I’m really afraid to ask her.