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 on 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. The drug’s brochure states that “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 (https://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 revenue. And in 2008, Eli Lilly reported $778 million in sales. (https://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”. (https://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.
I appreciate your sharing knowledge with all of us andrespect your evaluations. I was on Fosamax for 15 years and after loose teeth, severe acid reflux, decided to discontinue this drug – a little late to be cautious, but do read your letter closely and follow your recommendations.
I was put on “Forteo” when I was diagnose with Osteo. I didn’t last very long because from the very beginning I started having leg cramps and was unable to sleep at night. Then I was put on Boniva (once a month). Landed in the hospital because I was having a heart attack when in reality it was heartburn cause by the Boniva. Right now I take “Evista” but not all the time due to the fact it may cause blood clogs. No matter what you take all these medications have the utmost side effects and sometimes wonder if they really work at all. One year your bone density will improve and the next it’s down again.
Exactly right! Good results with synthetic drugs are, if any and at best, only temporary. Drugs work against normal body processes.
I have had two broken femurs and a broken vertebrae in a 5-month period due to long-term Fosamax use. I am full of titanium rods and screws. I no longer trust these drugs. It was prescribed after a bone density scan showed MILD osteopenia. I may never have good bones again, but I am trying with calcium, vitamin D3 and walking when I can. I still use a cane….I cannot see how adding a cancer-causing agent to my chalk like bones would be a good thing!!
I have been told to take Forteo. The doctor sells this $800.00 a month as I have been told with the help of insurance. I have no intention of giving myself a shot everyday. The side effects of this Osteoporsis drugs are numerous and extremely scary to me. I took Reclast for one year and now are having some teeth problems, not sure it is the drug, but my bone density test was not better after the drug. I have decided to take matters into my own hands with learning the proper excercises I can do at home through a Physical Therapist, which you insurance may cover. I’ve added foods to my diet that are important and do a tremendous amount of walking. May I add, I am a very big believer in my higher power and “ANGELS”. What I ask for and what is “THEE MOST” important thing a person needs, is “GOOD HEALTH” without drugs. This is what I am working towards, and am driven to achieve. All drugs have side effects that can be “MORE DANGEROUS” then the original problem. Go for it, do it on you own, I sure am trying. Have a beautiful day, remeber to eat right and “EXERCISE”. “God Bless”……
I had a femoral neck fracture a year ago (3 pins were used instead of a hip replacement) which was not fully healing after 9 months. Bone just reached a point where it stopped growing so my orthopedic surgeon prescribed Forteo since it had been used in pelvic fractures. I’m 57 and have slight osteopenia. Believe me, I was hopping around on one leg for 4 months because I was on non weight-bearing status so my bones are pretty stong and I’ve studied ballet all my life so I’m hardly the usual candidate for Forteo. He advised me to stay on the drug only two months – that would be enough to see the effect and he didn’t want any more risk of the osteosarcoma than necessary. Well the fracture closed and the hardware was removed last month so now time will tell if the bone is in good shape. I didn’t mind the injections but I had two months of constant flu-like symptoms and vertigo,my shoulders and arms were and still are contantly in pain and weak but of course ” Hmmmm could be a symptom, but we don’t know” was the response. After a month I told him I was going off because of the way I felt but he convinced me to cut down to injections every other day. If I have to have a hip replacement after all I won’t be thrilled at having been exposed to possible risk factors.
Dear Vivian,
Loved your Mission Impossible Statement. It is good to have some laughs about this serious subject. Thanks for the moral boosters.
Carole
I do not understand. Were my comments posted? I requested a reply. Nothingposted.! Did I miss something? CM
I took Actonel and then Fosamax for a total of 3 years and some bones improved slightly during year three but the mid spine got steadily worse. During that time I went to the gym almost daily. I am now on my eighth month of Forteo. I have headaches and sleep problems but have had these problems for twenty years so I don’t think they’re related tot he Forteo. I have no aches or pains.
I just recently developed the early stages of kidney stones. My specialist insists it has nothing to do with the Forteo. My Primary physician said I had been taking too much Vitamin D (2,500 / day) and so I stopped the Vitamin D a month ago but still have cloudy urine from calcium crystals (results of urine analysis) which is the early sign of kidney stones I’m referring to so I’m not sure if the damage from the Vitamin D was irreparable, or if the kidney problem has something to do with the Forteo I am taking. On the net many women have been helped by Forteo but I didn’t know it hadn’t been fully tested.
Nice to hear about Vit.D I had to take D3-2000IU a day. After 5.5 month I had everything-pelvic colapsed (that feeling)very high cholesterol and high blood-pressure.Than checked and have osteoarchritis- My doctor said he never knew about vit.D’s I also started reading – Vit.D3 is NOT a vit.But- A STEROID . I DO HAVE HYPERTHYROID and I was in soo much pain -could not walk and if with a cane. It has taken me now about a year and feel okay. For the pain if I have any I take Turmeric just a teaspoon on taost with avocado and sometimes green tea and ginger.Like Vivian’s book but have not finish it.I take a 1000mg of vit.C always and I have not been sick (besides the Vit.D3 or should I use the word this steroid?) never took any tablets as very rare a Panamax. (Panadol without the coating ) Love to read more comments.
Vivian – I have been taking Garden of Life Grow Bone supplements which entails 5 raw calcium pills and 3 bone growth factor pills each day. Have you heard about this and, if so – will you PLEASE give me your feedback? I want to know if I’m doing the right thing! I love your work! Thank you, Marilyn
I, too, am taking the Garden of Life Grow Bone formula. In her book Vivian is down on strontium so I’m wondering if I should stop and just give the 80/20 diet a chance to work with increased exercise. The endocrinologist wants me to do the forteo, because of the rapidity I am losing bone density in my lower spine. He said he’d hate to see the last 20 years of my life be curved over and fracturing right and left. I have never broken any bones.I feel great. I am petite build. Right now I prefer to see if I break something before trying medication. I do cardio kick class 3X weekly. The endocrinologist said that low impact exercise like walking,treadmill, tennis, kick class are what builds bone. He said weight-bearing exercise doesn’t build bone! That’s the first I heard that! How much impact can I do for my lower spine?
i too am taking the grow bone supplements and would love your feedback on their product.
thank you.
I would be cautious using AlgaeCal from New Chapter or Garden of Life.
AT BEST it is calcium carbonate from the algae but it may be worse.
I don’t think that enough studies were done on AlgaeCal.
Don’t know if it is safe to take strontium citrate. If unsure, stay away. Having said that, I am not surprised that the big pharma’s want to bad mouth about strontium citrate so that they can promote the drug strontium ranelate.
My mother was bed ridden with multiple spinal fractures and was put on
Forteo about 3 months ago. I told my parents about the dangers of being on it, but was asked to keep out of it because they needed something and this was the only option left for her. My mother is doing well on it so far. She is getting out of house just recently to go the the stores. I never thought I’d see that again. I do not know what the future holds for her but she has gotten a little quality of life back. She needs a walker and pain meds and has shrunk a lot, but she is so happy to be able to get around a little again. I don’t know how long she is planning to stay on it.
After reading all the comments posted after this article as well as ALL of Vivian’s articles, I am left wondering –What the hell is going on with these Doctors who continually push these drugs without doing any research on their own??? If they did, they would certainly become aware of the dangers because the info is readily out there, from a variety of sources. In my own experience, because of low bone density, my Dr. pushed Fosomax for years. Frankly, I refuse drugs. I refuse to take another bone density test also. Unfortunately, you can’t get a bone test without a Drs. note and then they use the results to try to scare you into taking this poisen. WAKE-UP, DOCTORS! YOUR PATIENTS ARE TAKING RESPONSIBILTY FOR THEIR HEALTH AND ARE ENTITLED TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS. THE RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE WITH YOUR PATIENTS SHOULD BE OF MUTUAL RESPECT AND DIALOGUE. STOP TREATING YOUR PATIENTS LIKE IGNORANT SHEEP.
Doctors want money, they are not our loved ones who care. It is scary to think we need to depend on them but we do. Drugs are their answers, my doctor made it sound like this was life threatning, it is not good to have this, but I strongly believe we can do it depending on the persons needs, without drugs. At least I will try. I agree with you so much. If one listens to drug advertisements on TV, it is funnier then a sit com, the side effects can make one laugh. Good luck….
Marleen,
I agree with you… but those TV ads are “tragi-comic”. Some even mention “death” as a possible side-effect. How numb do they think the public is?
Thank you for this… I had not heard of Forteo. I’m wondering about Algae-Cal and Strontium… one prescribes 5 mg of Strontium and the other 680 mg… that’s quite a difference! When I asked about it, I was told there is not sufficient evidence to know if too much strontium can do harm later? Any advice as to how to heal a fracture in the foot? Blessings
Avoid or reduce the dosage of calcium when healing/nursing a fracture as calcium slows down the recovery. Silicon (e.g. BioSil) may help heal fractures. Do your own research.
My two cents.
Please refer to my comments on AlgaeCal in this thread.
I am 50 and have low bone density (-2.8). What really made me angry (and helped me make my decision) was when my Doctor at Medical Associates in Menomonee Falls, WI actually became visibly upset and/or annoyed because I did some research on the drugs he was prescribing (Osteoclast and Forteo). He actually told me that the Mayo Clinic is a bad source of information and that I should dismiss anything I read there. Needless to say, I no longer see that particular Doctor (whose name I’d like to give – but because I’m too nice, wont).
John,
You were prescribed Forteo with a T-score of -2.8? That alone is a good reason to stop seeing the doctor that worships ignorance!
May the good Lord continue to Bless you with wisdom in helping others with our Osteroporosis. Many thanks go out to you. m
Forteo 12 month ,severe muscle pain till today and that was over 2 years ago. complains, were ignored by the Dr.
After being told that I was at risk for spontaneous fracture, I was persuaded to try Forteo (couldn’t tolerate Fosamax). It was OK for about 4 months, but then I developed many symptoms which by 6 months became intolerable: joint pain, muscle loss, weakness, sleep problems, headaches, fatigue, and severe nausea, just to name a few. My husband googled Forteo and found them all listed as potential side effects. Although my doctor did not believe Forteo was the cause, I stopped it and after 2 months my symptoms are gone.
I would never take this drug again. In fact, you make a good point that not enough is understood about the condition or any of the drugs that are prescribed for it. It is crazy to take a chance on more self created problems due to taking any of them. I am trying the alkalizing diet. It makes sense, can’t hurt and certainly won’t cause osteosarcoma.
Amen!
now this one is scary for someone like me on Forteo 3 weeks…but I do appreciate the info…all info is appreciated….I am low income…insurance covers the Forteo…my intuition tells me vivian’s alkaline diet info would help…so maybe someday I can afford the book…meanwhile I scrape together the info as it comes in…..being on line costs money….so it’s all about where to place the dollars….money money money….arrogance & greed….makes me wonder why in the past i gave info so freely & will I continue to do so in the future??? probably….
i was suggested to start forteo last year and i have not done so. i am not sure what to do this time over 4 years ago it was suggested i do fosamax and i immediately began that therapy. in 05 and 08 i had 2 very serious fractures but i am also sure that someone else would have suffferd something if they fell as i.on my home this past july i stopped the fosamax. at this time i may be playing russian roulette but i am not convinced any of this drugs truly work
eeegads I’d rather be treated like a terrorist. they get read their rights, and can have a lawyer present (even waterboarding would be preferable). this would be much better than the potential dangers of forteo and the stress with not knowing what was happening. Hard to believe that people wouldn’t choose your program first. what ever happened to “first do no harm”. thanks for your dedication. gerri
I made the decision to get off Forteo and started an exercise program with a personal trainer because of previous history of fracture. I use calcium, D and magnesium. I have stopped height loss, walk straighter,and after 6 months all side effects of Foreto are gone, I can thank Vivian for my health today She prompted me to look “outside the box.
My gyn doctor was pushing Forteo. ( I felt she was getting a kick back from the drug company) I used Forteo for 3 months. Besides being very costly it made every joint in my body ache. I did not feel good and after I stopped using Forteo, it took another 3 or 4 months to feel good again. That drug is dangerous and should not be used. I went back to taking calcium and Omega and yoga.
I was given Forteo and was told it was the god standard in bone loss drugs.
I used the product for almost a year, did not like the side effects and stopped.
I enrolled in a physical therapy program and did very well and now onto fitness.
I have been told there is no eveidence if my boe density improved do to forteo or my extra activity. I have improved.
Do not think I would use the drug again, do to the side effects, will keep on exercising and eating right.
Thanks for all your updates.
My doctor recommended using forteo and also reclast infusion. I said I would consider but wanted to do some reading first. After finding your website and learning more, I told the doctor thanks but no thanks. I have fibromyalgia so I don’t need anymore issues.
Smart!
Fibromyalgia may be a result of vitamin D deficiency. It may be a good idea to do a blood test on vitamin D if you have not already done so.
A few of the healthcare professionals (not M.D.’s) take 4,000 to 5,000 IU of D daily in the winter. 1,000 I.U. may not be enough.
On two occasions my doctor tried to convince me to use Forteo, saying “If you fall, that’s the end of you.” Being overly susceptible to suggestion, I was frightened for three months. But I did say no each time. He also said he had been trying to get his mother, in her nineties, to take it and she refused. Under his breath he said, “Stupid old bitch.”
I was told $12,000 for two years, training at the local hospital, and financial help available. I talked with my pharmacist about my suspicions, which he agreed with. The drug company wants a longer study, hence the push for new users. The scary words provided to doctors by same company. If financial help is available and insurance doesn’t pay for it, then drug company is providing it, which to me signals a back door way of getting a longer study.
At my last appointment I told my doctor he shouldn’t make remarks that put ideas in our head that scare us. At an earlier appointment he said his mother was now taking Forteo and is so happy.
When such things happen over and over with various doctors over many years, I do my own investigation before saying yes. My source is Public Citizen, a public advocacy group. They say no new drug, except for an exceptional case, until seven years after it is on the market because that is when side effects start showing up.
Needless to say, my doctor doesn’t care for my not being meek and submissive. Or for me, probably.
i have kevin trdeau’s book debt cures he also has in there that fda gets paid big bucks so they allow anything to get out their they used to wait seven years make sure the products were safe no longer our problems are greed i was diagnosed with breast cancer her2 protein wanted me to take hercepitin and chemo and radiation payout $20,000 for chemo 4,000 radiation not sure on hercepitin but i went online and found a lot of bad i prayed god would take the cancer and everything bad out so when i went for 3 surgery cancer gone and her2 protein gone cannot totaly trust doctors beware it’s more money hard to find a doctor who has faith in god and not man. jesus died on the cross for our sins deseaes debts and our souls so we can be saved believe on him and his healing power and that is how i was healed reading his healing scriptures and believing in your heart and speaking it.i take natural products to help for my vitamins and minerals vemma everything you need liquid so starts working immediatly pills you loose %10
Unbelievable!
I was started on Forteo – and daily injected myself for one year. At the end of the year, I was given a bone density test: my increase in bone density was 0.04%. It seemed excessively expensive for such a small percentage of help.
Personally, I would not recommend this treatment.
Before I read the 4TO information, I was thinking how you have become our secret agent, but more like a Guardian Bone Angel. The fact that you investigate products in order to help others. It is amazing how people like you make such a big difference in our lives. Thanks, Marjorie
I was diagnosed last year (age 54) with SEVERE osteoporosis (compared to the bones of an average 80 year old) and started Forteo injections. 8 months later I was rushed to the hospital with excruciating pain and it was discovered I had five kidney stones (first time I had ever had them and I was told it was probably due to the Forteo). I had a lot of hair loss also. But I kept using the drug for a year and then had another bone density and my bone mass had improved 10%. I chose to stop taking the medication but was happy that I was moved to the osteopenia stage. As of now, I’m glad I took the medication because it did improve my bones, but I do worry about what the future holds from being on it for a year. My doctor prescribed Evista for now but I took it for three days and had numbness on the right side of my head that really concerned me so I stopped it immediately (stroke is a side effect of Evista so I was really concerned about that). So for now I’m just taking my calcuim and Vitamin D and trying to eat better and exercise. And my hair has grown back!
Thank you so much for your very informative email.
I used forteo from FEB. THROUGH OCT. There was no change in bone density,but there was a huge change in my bank account. Because of the type of drug ,insurance does not pay a dime. Eli Lilly has no program assistance either. If cancer doesn’t get you, bankruptcy will.
Eli Lily DOES have an assistance program!! I’ve been on Forteo for over a year and get a regular Fed-Ex shipment every month (FREE OF CHARGE).
Two years ago (after five years of watching my body go bizarre) I was diagnosed with Cushings Syndrome due to a tumor in my right adrenal gland that was producing five times the normal levels of Cortisol. Cortisol causes all sorts of weird stuff, like serious weight gain despite exercise and good diet, strange pains, fatigue, confusion, memory loss, and bone loss. My career involved high level analysis of information from the Resources (energy, mines, forestry, environment, air, water etc) sector for the government. I was also the “evidence expert” for very high profile projects being debated with the Ntl Energy Board and others such as the Softwood industry. A bit high-stressed but I did yoga, rock climbed, rode my bike to work (23km each way) Together with a passion for growing and cooking my own food folks just couldn’t understand why I was gaining the weight I was and having the symptoms of stress that I was having. I have never smoked and my only true “vice” is two cups of very good coffee a day. Who would have thought that osteoporosis would haunt me. Two years after surgery, my cortisol levels have gone from zero to 27. This means my left adrenal gland did not start working again after the right one was removed. Normal levels are around 150. Theoretically, bone density should be improving with the lack of Cortisol, not happening. In fact, my bone density in neck, lower spine and hip are below -3.7 heading to -4. So the endocrinologist thinks Forteo is the way to go. Build the bones back up then work on maintaining them. Sigh. Yes, I am on a drug plan thanks to my incredible employer, but it will still take a huge bite out of my monthly stipend to pay for what the plan doesn’t pay for. It seems strange to pay such huge amounts for something they so obviously can produce in the same manner as other less costly drugs. What to do… get cancer from building bones, get cancer later in life from not having bones, break a hip and be unable to take the stairs in the little house I’m building. My son is only 17, I want to see him through school and onto his life. I want to be a great Auntie, a great great Auntie and a grandmother. I want to climb to the top of the Hat even if only on the trail and watch the sun rise to another splendid day. How do I choose… bones, no bones… So in the end, I will try anything if it gives me a bit of hope and enables me to look forward with anticipation and glee. My little house (300 sq ft) comes with a 4000sq ft market garden. I will be marketing “osteo-power” foods grown in the garden. I seriously hope that a few months of Forteo will jumpstart things again and allow me to continue being an active healthy super Mom and Auntie. I’m told 50 is the new 40… 40 is just too young to be thinking of writing my memoirs 🙂
Vivian: I don’t remember the name of the drug but my former doctor prescribed an injectable that was from salmon! I tried it once and told him I was not going to take it anymore, that I was going to watch my acid/alkaline intake, exercise more and forget medications for my osteopenia. Sorry I can’t remember the name of the drug but it was definitely injectable and from salmon. Margie
Margie,
It’s salmon calcitonin, sold with the brand name Miacalcin.
I have osteoporosis, and had been using Fosamax, Actonel etc. but had stomach problems so I took Forteo for two years. In the 16th month when taking the drug I broke my femur. I don,t see how any of these drugs have really changed my condition. My doctor wants me to go back on Forteo but I cannot afford it so he has put me on Boniva. I do not like to take these meds. but when your doctors tell you its your best hope, how do you argue?
Janice,
No sense in arguing.
Here’s what you can do:
1) Research
2) Learn
3) Analyze
4) Decide
Then you’ll know you made your own educated decision about your bone health.
I would add one more solution.
CHANGE DOCTOR
Vivian,
Thank you so much for sharing the information about Forteo. I had a very good friend who had osteosarcoma and was gone in 2 years after multiple expensive treatments. Just knowing that Forteo caused this in “rats” is enough for me to never take it! Osteosarcoma as any cancer, is a horrible, quickly debilitating disease.
I was prescribed Forteo just recently and have decided that I don’t want to take it because of the bone cancer issue. You see, I’ve already been down the path of a cancer diagnosis, breast cancer, so would I dare choose to have another type of cancer???!!!??? My dr has used scare tactics to try to get me to make the decision but I haven’t fallen for it.
iWAS PRESCRIBED FORTEO INJECTIONS IN 2007,AFTER 2 MONTHS OF INJECTING MYSELF I SIOPPED.I FELT REALY ILL WITH TERRIBLE HEADACHES A CONSTANT FEVER AND I DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH MY NECK WHICH MAKES TURNING MY HEAD VERY PAINFUL STILL>BEFORE THESE INJECTIONS ALTHOUGH I HAVE SEVERE OSTEOPOROSIS I DID FEEL WELL BUT SINCE 2007 I HAVE FELT UNDER PAR.I HAVE STOPPED ALL MEDICATION AND DO NOT INTEND TO RESUME.
Tell me about Evista
I took Evista for 5 years because I had borderline breast cancer. It changed my breast mass and I had no more lumps. Am not sure how much it did for my bones, as I have osteoporsis. Tried fosomax and it helped the pain in my bones, but am dealing with hives so have stopped. Now looking at Algae-Cal and Strontium…
I took Evista as well, in a test program. It caused hot flashes. That tells me it is working on the hormones–not good. Plus, when I developed pain, aching and fullness in my legs, they dismissed me from the program. Another side effect–blood clots. That company never checked up on me, after dismissing me.
I wouldn’t take this or any other drug for osteoporosis.
Think about it. If you are small boned, you probably never had thick heavy bones. There is no way of knowing that, without having a bone density test at a much earlier age. You don’t see these drug companies checking younger small boned people. My thought is, it is just another big money maker for big business drug companies. These meds all have serious side effects. Let’s be self thinkers people.
I’ll write in great detail about Evista in the near future… stay tuned!
Thanks for this new information Vivian, and for your clever “Mission Impossible” scenario.
I am doing my best to follow your 80/20 eating regime, so am not interested in any form of medication. What a choice, osteoporosis or sarcoma! Not to mention the rounds of chemotherapy, radium, surgery etc for those people unfortunate to develop a sarcoma.
How is it OK to prescribe a medication, not knowing the modus operandi of same, yet many herbs which have demonstrated empirically over the centuries, that they are beneficial for a particular health problem, are forbidden to be marketed or sold? Doesn’t seem right, does it?
Nancy
I was asked if I would take injections for 2 years as I tried Fosomax years ago and I stopped taking it after just two tablets. The headaches I had were so severe and I felt extremely ill. Since then I have refused drugs. My bone loss in my spine is – 4 and my consultant is very worried about me.
My back became worse last year because I tore both back muscles and my consultant said that the muscles feed the bones with calcium and with them not working, my bone loss for that year was worse than normal.
I don’t know what to do!!! I am so scared of breaking a bone in my back. I have your book and have bought a treadmill to make sure I do at least 20 mins of walking per day.
Sandra,
You DO know what to do…don’t get scared… and follow the Osteoporosis Reversal Program you already have. Believe in YOURSELF and believe in your BONES. 🙂
Can a book be purchased. Osteoporosis Reversal Program?
Can you please send me an email letting me know where it can be purchased, if possible.
thank you
When you have chronic kidney disease and osteoporosis, it is the only medication you can take that will not metabolize in your kidneys. All medications have risks, but Forteo for some have been successful. In the past I had numerous frequent pathologic fx’s, now my bone density is increasing and my fx’s are showing signs of calcification.
I have just finished my 2 years of Forteo. I am suffering from muscle weakness, especially in my upper legs and thighs. If I had it to do over again, I would NOT take Forteo.
hello Vivian 🙂
Thank you for the interesting article but this is not for me. I don’t want to play russian roulette with my life. I have enough health worries with having to worry about more. Those scientists show stop trying to play God. As for using those drugs on animals, I don’t approve of that either. They should try it on themselves first and stop using the rest of us as guinea pigs.
have a nice day
Marysia
My quadriplegic daughter, told after her wreck in 2003 that she would never move or feel from neck down and never breathe without a ventilator. that was until her first muscle twitch 2 years later. no one told us that this was possible, but when she was 21, she was diagnosed with sever osteoporosis with a t score of -4.5 after fighting for years to get strong enough to take her first step since her accident. a doctor told her to “sit down and never get up” because there was nothing anybody could do for her. she refused to roll over and die. she was prescribed forteo by another doctor. after 2 years, her osteoporosis improved anyway, against all odds, and now her t score is -2.5. that might not be alot, but when you’re told that your bones will eventually turn to mush, that is something. she is now walking with a walker. something the doctors never thought she would be able to do as her neck was broken in 14 places with the front shattered into pieces and her spinal cord was outside the spinal column in the shape of a C. so, when you’re desperate, you will try that last resort. i don’t know what tomorrow holds, but i do know Who holds our future.
What unbelievable courage and faith your daughter and you are showing!
Hey Vivian thankyou for yr time and wonderful info,when are drug companies going too develope a safe medication for us too take?
Regards Stephen.x
i have been diagnosed but i’m 56 of course my bones are not going to be what they used to be
i don’t even take extra calcium – i’m just scared that i might increase the calcium in my blood – i just try to keep active and eat a good diet – the side effects of these medicines are scarier than the so called disease , it’s scary to hear abot people having sponteneuos fractures, i’m just wondering whether these incident are related to a different kind of disease and the doctors are just calling it osteoporosis – could they be due to brittle bone disease ?
Sonia,
Spontaneous fractures, especially of large bones like the femur, have been observed after long-term bisphosphonate therapy because bones become so brittle and dried up that they crack.
Yes. I was on Forteo for 14 months. I had a spontaneous Femur fracture caused by being on Fosamax for 10 years, It wouldn’t heal at all for almost a year so I was put on Forteo injections and after a year , my leg was healed.Hope it doesn’t have any bad side effects, but it did the trick.
After 13 yrs on Fosamax without a rest period being recommended, I suffered a spontaneous fracture of the left femur, mid-shaft, low energy, now in its 7th month of a non-union. I am not able to work and use a walker. I do not want to use Forteo, however, I cannot use bisphosphonates. Evista is not going to make this bone heal. I have to have a re-rodding done soon. Yes, I will use Forteo because i am becoming an invalid. It is very very expensive. Would love for Vivian’s plan to help the non-union , but I am losing too much time.I cannot use energy being angry at physicians and pharmaceutical houses, I wish I didnt have to depend on them , facing reality, the femur has to be in a union.
Thanks Tammy for your encouragement.
These drugs will not help your bones heal. In fact, they slow or prevent healing because they interfere with new bone growth. There has to be new bone growth for the bones to knit together. Your taking Fosamax has prevented new bone formation for a long time. These drugs also prevent old bone removal to make room for new bone. This makes the bones thicker, but BRITTLE. Which would you rather hang on to — a green, flexible branch 6 or 8 inches around or a dead, brittle branch 12 inches around? Forteo will not help your bones knit together.
I took Forteo for 3 weeks this past June. I became VERY lethargic and weak. My husband found me passed out & I was rushed to the hospital – the hospital personnel tested me for a heart attack, diabetic shook, etc. as it appeared to be a life threatening situation – They were NEVER able to absolutely ascertain what had happened. After 3 weeks in the hospital, my cardiologist ran some tests and advised that he thought my blood calcium had gotten much too high and he advised that I never take Forteo again – I haven’t-!!
I been raking the shot 6 months and have been rushed to the er 3 times with kidney falure low blood pressure lethargic for weeks all three times. This last time Dr said no more 4TO
All 3 er visits I was hospitalised about a month each time in ICU the first time I was out on life support for 2 weeks. Almost died all three times.
Don’t recomend 4TO
do you have any articles on hair loss and Protos. I took it for just over 1 yr and have significant hair loss. The doctors medical wed site showed research and articles linking Prtotos to hair loss. There is no warnings and in Australia it is the medication of the moment for bone loss. I have thrown mine out. my doctor has reported it to the drug reporting agency here, but they keep selling it.
A dermatologist recommended Biotin Forte for hair loss. It has 5 mg. of biotin. I stopped loosing hair almost immmediately and within 3 months realized my hair thicker. It worked for me. I continue to take one a day.
I will not take Drugs for my Ostoporosis. I think there are too many side effects, and what will this do to our bones in the futures, as we so not know how they work !
That said, Vitamin K-2, gives me leg cramps which NO Body can explain either!!!
Magnesium (tablets) may help with your leg cramps. I used to get them (and restless leg syndrome). I also take 1 tbsp. of blackstrap molasses almost every day. I add it to my plain yogurt and fruit and my smoothies and often take it by itself. (yum) Hope this helps.
I,too, suffered from leg cramps. I started taking two (250mg.) of magnesium, along with one Vit. 6 every evening before bedtime and my RLS completely disappeared. I do not go to bed without these two vitamins. Hope it works for you too.
Forteo hasn’t been prescribed for me yet but I certainly wouldn’t take it.
Not for me ether! Who would want to take something that would cause cancer.
After two years on Forteo, it was discovered that I had such discoloration in my esophagus that the doctor thought I had Barrett’s esophagus. Before that, I had severe stage four ulcers in my esophagus. I vomited up “coffee grounds” just before the ulcers were discovered. Despite this finding, my doctor kept me on the Forteo. I just refused a round of Reclast. Another drug, Denosumab is now being approved, but I have decided not to take it.
The doctors wanted me to try it years ago….I said NO, because of the bone cancer and the doctor was not happy with me!
Very questionable. It is
not anything I would try.
Not for me!!!
I took Fortego shots for about 5-6 months in 06.I didn’t feel good so I stopped taking them.Then at the end of 06 through the beginning of 08 I had 12 compressed fractures of the vertabrae.I did not fall. I would wake up in the bed with them sometimes 2.In 07 I was practially bedridden.My body had no Vitamin D.I had another fracture in Dec of 08 but it was an old fracture that fractured again.I had tried another form of osteoporis medication about a month before. As of now I will NOT use any form
osteoporis medication! All of my fractures were treated with the cement procedures. I fell blessed that I can walk . I still have some pain that is controlled with a mild pain medication.
Thank you .