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need advice quickly

By daughter3 Wednesday, August 01, 2007
i am the daughter of an 83 woman who has been perscribed Forteo.  She has had several spinal fractures in the past 3 months.  She is concerned (or rather really afraid and depressed) about the thought of taking another drug!  Right now she is having lots of stomach problems and she has circulation issues, as well as some depression and sleeping issues.  But, she does want to improve her bone density.  Any advie/experience I can pass on to her about taking Forteo.  Should she continue to take calcium?  How can we avoid some of the cramps, dizziness, and sleep issues?  She should begin soon...so HELP would be GREAT! THANKS!
Lila de Tantillo, Health Guide
8/ 2/07 12:30am
Thank you so much for sharing such important questions and concerns with us. You mother is so fortunate to have such a strong advocate for her health. While I'm not a medical professional myself, it seems that the doctor who has prescribed Forteo believes that in her case the medication's benefits for her weak bones outweigh the potential risks in other areas. While a physician is best equipped to make that determination, as her daughter you may have the best sense as to whether she is capable -- mentally, emotionally, and physically -- to carry out the directions for the drug, which requires daily injections. If you have concerns as to whether she will be able to remember to administer the doses, whether she has the motivation to do so and the ability to do so correctly, you or another loved one may need to be on hand to ensure the doctor's directions are followed correctly (assuming your mother and her family have agreed with the doctor that Forteo is in fact the best course of action). Compliance with osteoporosis medications is one of the biggest factors that can affect results and you can serve a vital role. Best wishes during this challenging time, I hope for a strong recovery for your mother. 
8/ 2/07 2:05am
Thank you for responding so quickly.  Yes, her doctor prescribed the Forteo, but I don't get the feeling he really knows much if anything about the drug, and hasnt even mentioned any follow ups to discuss side effects or results.  From most of the posts, I feel as if people are willing to accept the side effects of this drug, but are there many people out there who have really had adverse reactions?  She is frightened to the extent of tears because of all the possible risks and feels so miserable already.
8/ 7/07 10:30pm

Thank you for your SharePost.

 

You and your mother's concerns about the possible side effects of Forteo are not uncommon.

 

Please see a special SharePost by our osteoporosis expert, Dr. Neil Gonter:

 

Forteo: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?

http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/73/2677/forteo-risks/ 

 

If I can help you find more information, just let me know.

 

Best of luck to you,

Maria

 

Maria Gifford

Community Moderator

OsteoporosisConnection.com

 

8/ 7/07 10:33pm
thanks so much for the link....i will share the info with my mom.

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By daughter3— Last Modified: 12/19/10, First Published: 08/01/07