I am 59 and suffered for about 12 years from osteoporosis. I also suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and have for 20 years. This condition seems to increase the early onset of osteoporosis. I took fosomax, boniva and then went to the boniva injection for a very brief period of time. I went on Forteo in Dec/2007 and have taken it until 2 weeks ago when I felt that ongoing bursitis may have been promoted by Forteo. Since June I have felt awful and simply deteriorated since then. I have had several steroid injections and been seen by many doctors. My Rheumatologist was on maternity leave and returned to practice a few weeks ago. Although all blood tests were normal with the exception of elevated cholesterol that I am treated for and an mildly elevated glucose level. all was normal. I have suffered several fractures and that was the reason along with horrible bone scan results that Forteo seemed to be the drug of choice for me. I was honestly thrilled and injected myself in the abdomen with limited bruising. I also have had no additional fractures. This has cost me a fortune! However, I though for 24 months it would be well worth it! Although the persistent bursitis seems relentless, my doctor feels I should resume taking the Forteo for 3 more months months and then use Reclast. Quite literally I have problems sitting for driving, computer usage, reading and simply sitting at a table to eat. I was advised the next step would be physical therapy and am a loss for how I am going to get there. I have not yet resumed the Forteo and fear the worst. Fractures seem more treatable then bursitis. Could this be a side effect that no one has really documented? The one side effect that continues is insomnia and I am taking medication with some improvement. I must say my butt and thighs hurt but I feel my bones are stronger. Pain is terrible and some days are beyond my comprehension. For example, I do not recall most of our summer vacation, I just recall the relentless butt pain! Has anyone had any bursitis while taking Forteo?? By the way, an MRI and various x-rays reveal no arthritis in the areas of concern, something that was assumed until earlier this week.


Hello Karen,
Welcome to our community and thanks for sharing your story with us.
Regarding others who've experienced bursitis after taking Forteo, I thought you might want to connect with community member Marge M., who's posed a similar question about Actonel and bursitis, and who you can connect with by clicking on her name here: http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/question/71354/30861.
Keep us posted on what you might find out from chatting with her about your possibly similar situations.
Best to you,
Maria