Question:
Osteopenia & Osteoporosis medications.
36 years old...surgery date 12/16/03...down 145lbs and struggling for a year now to maintain. I'm extremely active now, more than I've ever been in my whole life. A recent bone density scan diagnosed me with Osteopenia...bordering Osteoporosis. No way to determine if the surgery contributed to or caused it, either way I have to take medication for life. Blood work shows my calcium levels to be normal. The problem is finding a medication to give me that a wls patient can tolerate. Most of the medications for Osteoporosis can cause stomach ulcers including Actonel and Fosimax (spelling?) Anyway, they decided on Evista...they said it's not the "gold standard" or "cadillac" of drugs to treat this but it's better than nothing. This really scares me because at 36 they are saying that I have the body of a 75yo woman yet I can't get the same quality of treatment. Another problem I'm having is lack of prescription coverage...I haven't been on any medications for a year and a half thanks to the surgery. This medication is gonna cost me $100/month which is not affordable. Has anyone had a similar situation? Taking this or any other medication for it? Any suggestions on a prescription program in MO for low income ppl? Thanks a bunch. — boonikki29 (posted on October 21, 2005)
October 21, 2005
I am about 6 mos post-op and 3 mos after my surgery was able to go back on
Fosamax. I took Evista for over 3 yrs when I was diagnosed with Osteopenia
and it did nothing. I then was diagnosed with full blown Osteoporosis. Now,
after a few years on Fosamax, there is no evidence of Osteoporosis or
Osteopenia.
Within a couple of years, Fosamax will no longer be as expensive as it will
lose it's patent. I have had no problems with Fosamax at all. It's a once a
week pill and if you follow the directions: sit up and drink lots of water
for at least a half an hour, you shouldn't either.
Wishing you lots of luck!
Sheila
— Sheila D.
October 21, 2005
Sometimes the maker of this product will have programs where you can get
the medicine for free. Find out who made this drug and call them. You'll
be surprised how many companies will do this! Hope this helps!
— JeniferJulie
October 21, 2005
Another way to look at it -- you MAY get an ulcer taking Fosomax, but it
can be cured with antibiotics if caught soon enough. If you don't take
something (i.e., Fosomax) for your osteopenia you will get osteoporosis. I
have osteopenia and have been taking Fosomax for over two years (but I was
69 when I was so diagnosed). I'd suggest taking the Fosomax and dealing
with the ulcer when (and if) it comes. Good luck to you.
Nina in Maine
— [Deactivated Member]
October 21, 2005
I had surgery 11-24-03 and was diagnosed with osteopenia just last month
after must 30th birthday. I have immediately been put on Fosomax by my
doctor and I have taken it once a week for 3 weeks and it has only caused a
slight upset tummy only once. By all means the sooner that you are able to
start treatment the better your results will be. My doctor doesn't know if
the surgery contributed to the osteopenia or not, I have a lot of family
with this also, but I am doing whatever it takes to make sure that my body
is healthy. I didn't go through the surgery and a complete life style
change only to allow something like this to bring me down and that is how
you should look at it. I agree with the other poster, you should contact
the company that makes the drug and see if they have any progras available
to help you to get the medication that you need. Good luck to you and don't
give up.
Jeannie
244/111
— KittyKatt
October 21, 2005
I traveled for almost a year with a reputable company doing bone density
tests at health and wellness fairs as well as at some of the major RV
rallies, etc. We often retested people that were tested previously (within
the previous year) and often saw an increase in their bone density scores
because of the products they were taking. Those who were taking the
"perscription" medications were often, but not always, worse.
Those that were taking liquid calcium/coral calcium products (NOT PILLS)
were those that did the best. I personally know of five women and one man
who were diagnosed with either osteopenia or osteoporosis by their doctors
and completely reversed their conditions with the liquid calcium products
and have maintained the good bone density. If you're interested in
purchasing this liquid calcium from this company email me off line and I'll
give you a link to them. I take their liquid calcium product, along with
other liquid minerals, because my body does not process calcium and I had
always ended up with calcium deposits until this product. I've been taking
this product for some time now and believe in it thoroughly. If you're not
interested in this companies product, just do an internet search for liquid
calcium, or coral calcium and read up on it for yourself. I for one
wouldn't be without it.
Meta
— MetaP
October 21, 2005
I don't know the answer to the problem of taking the drugs however you may
beable to get the drug you need for free or at low cost by going to the
drug manufacturer himself and requesting information on obtaining the drug.
I am not sure what they will need from you but Phizer and other drug
manufacturers are now offering some medications for free. Check out there
web site.
— vickicarson
October 21, 2005
I AGREE WITH THE PREVIOUS POST. CALL YOU PHARMACY AND GIVE THEM THE NAME
OF THE DRUG YOU USE. IT MUST BE THE BRAND NAME.........NOT GENERIC. THEN
ASK THEM FOR THE 800 NUMBER OR ANY NUMBER TO THE COMPANY. ASK THE COMPANY
FOR THE COMPASSIONATE CARE PROGRAM OR THE MEDICINE PROGRAM OR THE FREE MEDS
PROGRAM. THEY WILL DIRECT YOU. IT USUALLY REQUIRES AN APPLICATION
INCLUDING PROOF OF YOUR INCOME LAST YEAR AND A RX FROM YOUR DOCTOR. SOME
GIVE YOU ONE MONTH AT A TIME BUT MOST GIVE YOU THREE MONTHS AT A TIME.
GOOD LUCK
ALISON IN IDAHO
-192
— ALEOINIDAHO
October 22, 2005
Have you tried http://www.helpingpatients.org ? They consolidate the major
phamacuetical company assistance programs and they list programs for each
state.
— nursenut
October 22, 2005
Hi all! Thanks so much for the information and support. I was seriously
down and depressed there for a little bit. I finally called St. Alexia
where I had my surgery. My surgeon told me in March that he was moving to
Utah this June so I didn't know what to expect. I was informed that he
changed his mind and was still a resident there (woohoo!) Anyhoo...I spoke
to him and he gave me the ok to take the Fosamax but emphasized specific
instructions....he also wanted my PCP to fax him my blood work. So I
informed my PCP and he couldn't argue with my surgeon so he called it in.
I did find the generic of Fosamax on www.getcanadiandrugs.com and ordered 3
months worth for $59.99 + $9.99 shipping. That's almost as good as having
insurance. I'm still looking into the info you all sent because every
little bit helps. Thanks again for your support!
— boonikki29
October 22, 2005
After 6 yrs using calcium carbonate, which held lovely blood levels, I was
dx with osteoporosis. I have been taking very large amounts of calcium
citrate NOW (a little late), boron, ipraflavone, avoiding brown liquids and
had some improvement. I used Miacalcin (the nasal spray) for awhile, so it
may have helped, maybe not. Finally, I was willing to try Actonel. It is
the most GI freindly of the "helper drugs". If there was an
ulcer anywhere, I can assure you *I* would get it. The doc assured me that
if there was a problem I would feel it immediately and there would be no
surprise attack (like a sudden gastric bleed without pain, as often happens
with aspirin, ibuprofen, NSAIDS). I have taken it for 2 yrs now, never
have had any problems. Have had endoscopy for another reason and all is
well there, too. Bone scan was 11 months ago and showed much miprovement,
next one due in Nov. The co-pay on my Actonel is not cheap, but there is a
chance your doc can give you quite a few samples, so that you can buy only
every now and then. We have a huge battle to keep our bones intact and do
a true dexascan (hip, spine) and not rely on ankle/foot/finger scans to
tell us anything. The results have to be at the same time every year/two
years and preferably by the same lab, same tech and same machine. Remember
that most of us did not take enough calcium and many did not take calcium
citrate, another group do not take vit D in a dry form and many docs do not
monitor D levels or parathyroid levels. So, we have to be proactive in
being sure all levels are monitored and track the results ourselves so we
can see if we are improving or not.
— vitalady
October 23, 2005
I had a bone density test at 42 and was diagnosed with osteopenia (or
whatever the precursor to osteoporosis is called). I am now 58, had a
laparoscopic r and y bypass a few months ago, and had another bone density
test last week. I still have osteopenia, but with a different doctor and
we're unable to compare the first to the second test to determine continued
deterioration. Because I have a prescription plan I realize I am in a
somewhat different position; however my plan has a very high co-pay for
drugs like nexium and protonix which I've used to treat my acid reflux for
years. You might consider taking an acid reducer to neutralize the problem
from the meds. Having said that, I did have to give up napralan which I
take for bad arthritis in my knee. To my mind, however, it was worth it
all. Yogurt is fabulous for calcium. Calcium with vitamin D over the
counter is recommended for all obesity surgery patients for the rest of
their lives, just like B-12 shots. Incidentally, my physician gave me
prescriptions for B-12 and syringes and I could give myself the B-12 shots
which run less than $100 for the year. I also have problems taking calcium
so my doctor suggested a crystal calcium which I sent away for and works.
If you're interested, write back and I'll find out the name of the company.
They come in individual packets and a two months supply cost me $23
including shipping. Linda
— Linda G.
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