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Forteo complications?

By kare3n Saturday, September 13, 2008

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.

9/15/08 12:14am

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

 

 

 

1/ 3/11 12:44pm

I personally have broken many bones and have now been taking forteo for 5 weeks but noticed after 2 weeks I could not sleep.  It seems I have the side effect of not sleeping with the forteo and am frustrated.  Have sleeping pills that I now have to take 1/2 every night or will be up all night.  Waiting to see the Dr. so that I can discuss it with him.

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By kare3n— Last Modified: 01/03/11, First Published: 09/13/08